Another new member with questions

[ct5150rocker]

Hello everyone, I'm glad I found this forum. I had a pink HM strat a long time ago I wish I would have never sold but I can't remember too much other than it was probably the best guitar I've ever had. Years later, I'm looking to get another one, preferably in white with rosewood board, first or second version, and all original pickups.

My question is about the tone of the guitar since I don't remember. I know the single coils give a great traditional strat tone, and the Super 3 is a great high output pickup, especially with basswood. But, the few super strats I have had over the years were a little different being alder bodies and having various Duncan pickups ( I liked the Full Shred & Duncan Custom the best). I was always able to get a good neutral tone out of these, and I'm hoping the HM strat doesn't color the tone too much with its particular wood and pickup combination? I don't like a fuzzy, overly middy 80's metal tone anymore, now more of a thick, raw modern metal tone with balanced mids & highs, and big punchy lows. I know the amp is about 80% responsible for the overall tone but wanted to make sure this is a fairly neutral and balanced sounding guitar I can really work with. Looking to get a Bugera 333XL half stack soon btw. Thanks for any advice or info you can offer.

[heem6]

The Super 3 is mid-heavy pickup, to be sure. I think you'd be fine with this guitar and a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge.

[ct5150rocker]

Mar 3, 2012 0:56:03 GMT -5 heem6 said:

The Super 3 is mid-heavy pickup, to be sure. I think you'd be fine with this guitar and a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge.

Yeah I don't mind if it's a little mid heavy as long as it's not just plain overbearing in the tone chain. The more I read about the Super 3, the more I am curious to try it, especially since it seems to have such high output and aggression which I really like. I tried the Duncan Custom Custom once in a Jackson, and it was lacking in output for my style. I liked the the regular Custom better because it was hotter, but like I said, I am interested in this guitar with the stock pickups, just wondering how neutral and workable the overall tone of the guitar is without any modifications.

Please anyone else feel free to offer your opinion.

[nickwellings]

I find the stock tones to be fabulous and very versatile. I do ot think however, that ANY guitar or pickup is "neutral". You may find the single coils to be not useful for your chunky tones. I like them though!