I have TSs in my Strat, and a set of "hot vintage"-type pickups from a boutique winder in my Strat copy. While I like the TSs, I love the "hot vintage" type sound for blues. These are wound like a set of 62s, at around 6k. The sound is warm and balanced - a bit stronger in the mids than classic Strat pickups, but not as aggressively so as the TSs. To me, these sound great for blues because they growl nicely when driven, but can do the standard delicate Strat sound when cleaned up. They're a compromise that gives up nothing.

Lots of manufacturers do pickups in this style. Take a look around.

"BB" stands for 'Bar Mitzvah Boy'...I went to Hebrew School with him. Ultimately traded his guitar pick for a scalpel. His mother convinced him that there could be only one Paul Simon.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

I admit I have not tried that particular model but I can assure you that every single Randall amp I ever did try was the exact opposite of versatile. All the Randall amps I've tried were really, really, REALLY good at one thing and one thing only, namely kick-ass Rock N' Roll to the point of almost even into Metal territory. I'll take your word for it that you feel your amp is versatile because I have not tried your model but I'd like to suggest you keep your mind open to the possibility that there are probably some significantly better amp options for Blues out there. The Fender '57 Deluxe for example, is a recreation of the one single amp that defined Blues amps for a couple of generations of Blues players. It was the amp that all others were measured against. The Victoria 20112 does the same thing for less money than the Fender.

I can't seem to find a link for the '57 Deluxe (that's odd) but here's a link for the Victoria web site:

http://www.victoriaamp.com/

Oh, God. I think I just found it. EC Tremolux? Puh-lease ...

Ohhh ... Fender .... some days you really make me wonder.

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

She was feeling verklempt at the time.
Talk amongst yourselves....

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

..What then .....G-d forbid her son wouldn't grow up to become ha doctah.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

The Randall amp i use is extremely versatile it takes plug in modules with twin 12AXTS or Twin 12AUS7 with 4 KT88 power tubes ..Each module is voiced as a classic amp at this time my modules are 65 Fender Twin,56 Fender Bassman and a Marshall Plexi all modules are very close to original tones so it is like having three amps in one..It is about as versatile as you can get..

Just to verify i am a pro touring musician who makes a pretty good living playing the blues so i have an idea what i'm talking about..

You suggested the Deluxe i have a deluxe module for my Randall so i have that tone as well..

This is not your standard Randall it is a module amp that has plug in module pre amps for classic voicing ..

Here is a list of some of the choices you have for pre amps..These are not your typical $400 dollar Randalls but a $1600 dollar head with each pre amp costing between $200 to $300 each..

Here is some of the pre amps available..
65 Deluxe ,Twin reverb,56 Bassman,Blues breaker,JTM45,Supro,National,Soldano,Dumble overdrive,Hi watt,Jcm 800...and many others ..http://www.randallamplifiers.com/Amplif ... S-Modules/

I believe I actually said that. Twice.
You're the one asking for opinions.
Please check your attitude at the door before entering.

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

I see you edited the nasty bits out while I was typing my response.

Thank you.

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

Not meant as nasty i just don't think well when typing.. Sometime things don't come out as i want them till i re read them and figure out that what i have typed has come out sounding harsh or as you said repeated..

I think you will find many of the ol'e timers on this board know me semi well but i'm a touring musician and only have time to contribute in winter months after my touring schedule is finished..

No disrespect meant...

As far as asking for advice there are many on this forums who i have learned a ton from and i always ask advice from other musicians when i can't make up my mind on mine on my own..
In this case it went off base from pickups to amps..

The amp is without a doubt not the issue as i have the same problem with this guitar wither using my JCM800 ,63 Bassman , Blues deluxe ,75 vibro champ or my touring Randall RM100..

Great cleans but a terrible shrill dirt tone...I think i'm going to try Fralin Blues specials in this one and see what happens..I was just hoping to not have to go boutique to save the expense...

In that case .... none taken.
Peace.

_________________

Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

I've always wanted to audition one of those 50W Randall combos but I don't find them being stocked by the usual and customary vendors.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"

My Custom Classic has the Modern Classic neck / mid and Hot Classic bridge pickups.
I play mostly Blues and find these exceptional.



They're not available from the Custom Shop, and the Custom Classic has been discontinued.
You could still get the pickups on ebay, I guess, or a loaded pickguard. Better still, do yourself a favor and get the whole guitar.

....Mark.

That is the one thing i do not understand about Randall/Egnater ..Egnater is there parent company and other than amps such as the tweaker or there other mid level amps you can't find them anywhere..
I'm lucky because less than 4 miles from my house is L-S Electronics which is a certified Randall facility....
If i would not have traveled with another blues band that used the RM100 i would have had no idea about them my self..Randall/Egnater have some good products but there marketing is terrible..

I can appreciate that but buying another guitar is not in the cards right now during the winter when my income is greatly reduced..I will look into the guitar / pickups though...

I have seen the latter, but not the former. Ever.

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"