The pickups are great. I've had them in there for quite a few years now and never had any problem with them. They are totally noiseless (as you might expect) and have great tone. A nice thick, Strat sounding neck pickup and the 'Hot' bridge is great for harmonics. The guitar has the 'no load' tone control, and with this set to 10 (no load), the harmonic tones really sing!

As for the S1, I think this is a fantastic system! Standard, Strat tones with the switch disengaged and thick humbucker type tones when the switch is pressed.

I don't really see how anyone could dislike it (apart from the fact that it is deviating away from the 'traditional' Strat so to speak). I have really never bothered to learn which position is actually doing what when the switch is down, but some really nice tones can be achieved by simply experimenting and flicking the switch around.

It always makes me laugh when I read that people dislike the S1 because they comment that with the switch engaged the guitar doesn't sound like a traditional Strat anymore. Well, of course, I think that is the general idea... to give the guitar so much tonal versatility, it could be used for pretty much any situation. I mean, if the guitar still sounded the same with the switch down, it would be about as much use as a bucket full of holes wouldn't it?

Russ

Thank you for your comment, it is actually a 2008 Traditional in Heritage Cherry. It has a nice 'fat' neck and a real thick creamy tone. It has the '57 pickups which I have found to give a very fat, rounded tone and very harmonic in the bridge with the tone up nice and high!

I do like to hear a Les Paul played on the neck pickup with the tone rolled back a good way though!

I'd like to see a pic of yours if you have one handy?

Russ

Thank you, it's a 1999 USA Standard.

Aqua Marine- now thats a coulour I havent seen in a while!!. It's a real nice colour blue. I initialy thought 'Electron Blue' myself.

Now I dont know about the rest on here- but I like guitar porn too. It beats looking at real porn thats for sure. I prefer two guitars together in the same shot lying on what clearly looks like a bed, positioned rather suggestively. Actually, I love a seeing a group of guitars- particularly over the age of 40yrs. But hey- I cant have it all now can't I?

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Hoping to get around to it..........some day.

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"Another day in paradise!"

hey how is the 2010 strat special? is it nice, what color did you get and is it worth the money?

Gorgeous strat!.
/Jealous! -lol

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'99 MIM Standard Telecaster (midnight wine).
Frontman 25R.
Zoom G2.1U effects pedal.
Cort sfx-e-ns semi-acoustic
Livingston semi-acoustic.

As much as I love strats and IMHO....that strat is centerfold material....I still think a paul is sexy machine. Still can't beat the versatility of a strat for me. However, that's why I have both

I can't wait to have money again so I can add to my collection!

Pure beauties . I love a Les Paul in Cherry Sunburst and the Aquamarine is just exquisite, complimented by a beautiful Maple fretboard. If you make videos, please post the links; Im sure their tonalities are great. N by the way, your comforter is nice Lol

Beautiful guitars you have there and great photography.

Love that blue Strat.
Strats just scream Rock-n-Roll like no other.

On the other hand, Les Pauls are just sexy machines.

Yep, love to look at gitar porn.

Jeff

Beautiful guitars but the Aquamarine Strat is really spectacular.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.