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Post subject: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:23 am
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I'll make this as concise as I can.

Me noodling around on the guitar in question:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ricEI5hQh6Q

It's a used 60's classic series, I like the feel, the tone, the look.
The sustain is lacking. I have a Classic series 50's that has better sustain.
I have a 2007 MIM Standard that has fantastic sustain.

I'm not an expert on guitar construction.

The neck on this 60's RI seemed very straight but had buzzing toward the body so I loosened the neck and added a single layer business card shim (1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch) at the top of the neck pocket. This eliminated buzz and allowed me to lower the action.

Was this a mistake?

How significantly does the number of trem springs affect sustain?

could it be the pickups? Is there sometimes a trade off between tone an sustain?

Last question, Are the stock pickups on the 50's and 60's classic series supposed to be the same type? mine sound very different.

Thanks in advance!


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:55 am
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The '50s and 60's Classic Series Strats share the same pickup set (identical FMIC P/N's). The '70s Classic Series uses a different set.

Each guitar's sonic character will have its own nuances -- even between two seemingly identical models. There's no real accounting for it, it just is.

A steel trem block may enhance the guitar's sustain. The number of trem springs is inconsequential in that regard.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:15 am
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Thanks,

"The '50s and 60's Classic Series Strats share the same pickup set (identical FMIC P/N's). The '70s Classic Series uses a different set."

This is what I've read and it makes me suspect that the pickups on my 60's model are not stock, they sound much different than those I know are stock in my 50's model. When I got the 60's version I had to loosen the pickguard and push a small section of the wiring back into the cavity. I love the tone, just wish there was a bit more sustain.


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 1:42 pm
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They could still be stock. Guitars in the same series don't exactly all sound the same. Remember wood tolerances vary from guitar to guitar.


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 5:49 pm
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Nice guitar!

besides the fact that every guitar will be different to some degree, I also think player attack and playing style also comes into play. Your Rythm is pretty good, but your vibrato sounds like it could use a little work. Also your tone, overdrive and amp (and settings) might also have something to do with the way I'm hearing the sustain.

I hope this helps. Cool Riff, by the way.


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 5:59 pm
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Because you had to shim the neck, it indicates that a complete setup is in order. A card , I know is traditional, however it may add to the lack of sustain. Normally a shim at the top of the neck tells me the setup is off.

Nut, neck action, string height, saddle wear, and pickup height all contribute to better tone and sustain.


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 6:40 pm
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Playing style aside, replace the trem block with a steel one and you WILL increase the sustain.

I have a 60's Classic Series guitar in CAR. I replaced the block and I did change the pickups to Texas Specials. I did this not because the stock pickups sounded bad, quite the opposite, they sounded fine and sustain was not a problem. I only changed them because I like the tone of them and I have other Strats with other pickups, so made a nice change and a different tone. The guitar is a monster now in both Tone and Sustain.

By the way, really like the Lake Placid Blue Color of your guitar!
T2

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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:18 pm
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Thanks to everyone!

I think that I'll go ahead and invest in a professional setup of this instrument.

I'm discovering, what many of you probably know already, that every guitar has its own "twang", each instrument seems to play me as much as I play it.

Getting the most from every guitar is a challenge and a lot of fun. I'm grateful that I have this hobby as I am getting older!

Thanks again!


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 7:10 am
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Try this:

With the strings at full tension, loosen the four bolts while carefully holding the neck in place. The tension on the strings will pull the neck into the pocket, and seat it fully. Then, tighten the screws down tight and tune.

You might get a good increase in tone/sustain by doing this. Happened to me once- after I took the neck off, it didn't get fully seated, and killed the tone of the strat.

Good luck!


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 9:01 am
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I believe I have resolve the issue, the problem was due to my lack of experience.

When I first got the guitar I replaced the stings with lighter guage 9's
The decrease in tension on the neck changed the relief and caused the buzz.

I added the shim, and probably did a poor job of it!

2 weeks ago I put heavier 10's back on.

Last night I checked the neck with a capo at the first fret, high E string fretted at the last fret... perfect gap at the 10th fret.

I loosened the strings, removed my stupid shim and carefully and firmly tightened the neck back in place. I adjusted my action, very nice!

Now I feel the notes in my gut again!

I may still take the advice of others and change to a steel trem block?

This is all that I would want to change on this guitar. Fenders are Great!

You all have been very helpful, I'm sure I'll have other questions in the future. Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: Question regarding sustain 60's classic series
Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2013 9:32 am
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Not to be embarrassed about your naiveté -- you've learned a bit about the "theory of Strat operation" so the entire endeavor was wholly worthwhite.

Rawk on!

8)

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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