Make Your Strat BETTER!

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  • Опубліковано 15 тра 2024
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @angrybuzzy
    @angrybuzzy 2 роки тому +38

    Strats - you either love them or hate them. But if you hate them you're wrong.

  • @DougMen1
    @DougMen1 2 роки тому +41

    The sound of the neck pickup with a big fat clean amp or some rich light overdrive is one of the most magical guitar sounds ever

    • @maJastoL
      @maJastoL 2 місяці тому +1

      Nah a bridge humbucker on a 7/8 string with tons of gain

    • @CHlEFFIN
      @CHlEFFIN 21 день тому +1

      @@maJastoLhell no - you oughta get your ears checked.

  • @blues62751
    @blues62751 Місяць тому +8

    RJ… I came back after 2 years to hear this again.
    Great video and fantastic riffing bro! 🎸

  • @isaacjohnson.
    @isaacjohnson. 2 роки тому +2

    So glad you showed this KingTone switch! I've seen that and wondered what it would be like. Nice demo RJ!

  • @cheesy6516
    @cheesy6516 Рік тому +15

    Mentioned Kingtone so I’m instantly subscribing. Been a proud owner of Kingtone gear since Jesse first started releasing gear. His tone switch is prob my favorite upgrade I’ve done to my strat. Adds so many different possible sound variations that weren’t possible before.

  • @JeffStrickland
    @JeffStrickland 2 роки тому +7

    VERY cool. That #5 and #6 especially, but all are cool. Interesting option to have a select-able treble-bleed as well. Thanks for this, great video RJ.

  • @adrian_V99
    @adrian_V99 2 роки тому +2

    A long-awaited video on Strat improvement. Thank you , R,J.

  • @paulmurphy8993
    @paulmurphy8993 Рік тому +1

    This was an amazing tutorial. Thanks so much for doing this demonstration!

  • @Texasbluesalley
    @Texasbluesalley 2 роки тому +147

    I don't know what it says about me but I clicked on this video to check out the gear, but now all I can think about is where to get those rings.

    • @tomcoryell
      @tomcoryell 2 роки тому +3

      I do too much wrenching. I’d just destroy them in short order.

    • @Lourkee
      @Lourkee 2 роки тому +2

      Clocks and Colours possibly?

    • @dryseason
      @dryseason 2 роки тому +2

      Lol Anthony; too much. The rings are a whole vibe tho...

    • @American-Dragon
      @American-Dragon 2 роки тому +1

      Looks like siver and topaz. Seen it for sale in Mexico and the southwest. If that is what it is it is reasonably priced.

    • @palidiciovermingagurainia1760
      @palidiciovermingagurainia1760 2 роки тому

      you gotta be able to carry that weight- otta yr leeg

  • @kevmac1230
    @kevmac1230 Рік тому +3

    I love the Vari tone type switches.I have used some in basses.You're a terrific player and enjoy your content.

  • @MorGuitarz
    @MorGuitarz 8 місяців тому +1

    WOW truly sounds better... I could definitely see this being a ton more useful! I'm mainly a Strat player, so I'm stoked!
    Thanks for shedding light on it!

  • @tommybluesman7915
    @tommybluesman7915 2 роки тому +1

    Big difference. That’s a cool device. Definitely getting one for one of my Strats. Thanks for sharing.

  • @davidpaul6656
    @davidpaul6656 Рік тому +17

    Love my strat with single coils, but to fix the bridge strat being too bright I bought a replacement pickguard with what is called a Voodoo route. Which has a reverse angle pickup route in the bridge position. It makes the high strings a little darker and the low strings less muddy and more defined

  • @jazznotes3802
    @jazznotes3802 2 роки тому +303

    I played Humbucker guitars for 25 years, then I (just this month) got myself a Strat. I didn’t know what I was missing, the clarity & articulation you get from single coils is on another level.
    Even like it much better at high gain levels. The pickups in my Strat are “Hot vintage 60 pickups” and they’re surprisingly fat sounding for single coils. Absolutely love them!
    Have a “seven way switching mod” too for even more versatility. Strats for life 👍🏻🎸.

    • @JohnAdams-rm7zm
      @JohnAdams-rm7zm 2 роки тому +12

      And I thought I was a telecaster player…. Until I took a chance and got American pro 2 strat … Dark night and I haven’t put it down once in 2 weeks. I love them both 🇺🇸✊

    • @Bob-of-Zoid
      @Bob-of-Zoid 2 роки тому +17

      Yeah, people don't realize the headroom you get from single coils. Humbuckers cancel some of it with the hum! You also get better control of distortion pedals when turning down the volume, so you can go from a warmer growl, to a stinging bite with a notch or two on the guitars volume.

    • @CMHobbies
      @CMHobbies 2 роки тому +11

      Yeah it’s like people are afraid of the classification “low output”. I played nothing but a strat for over a decade and I got all the sounds I needed. The same strat recently got the 7 way switched and it’s even cooler now 20+ years later 😎

    • @jazznotes3802
      @jazznotes3802 2 роки тому +6

      @@CMHobbies Yeah, I got myself quite an “Olympic white Vintera modified” Strat, for a £999 rrp guitar it’s quite amazing. Thought 21 frets would bother me “after playing 24 fret guitars for 20 years,” but nope. I can even play The Crush Of Love (by Satch) that use’s the 22nd fret, I just play that part on the second string a octave lower and use pinched harmonics to Match the same notes, sounds awesome.
      I’m a Strat player for life now, its rejuvenated my love for the guitar for sure.

    • @voornaam3191
      @voornaam3191 2 роки тому +5

      So, you finally woke up. Why so late?! There are millions of Strat clones.

  • @meeno_the_man
    @meeno_the_man 2 роки тому

    I’m sold. Ordering today. Thanks for your constant great contributions to my tone journey.

  • @erikberg8352
    @erikberg8352 Рік тому +2

    Sounds great and thanks for a pertinent treble bleed demo. But the best part of this demo was your playing--it's awesome to see you take inspiration from a tool and in turn inspire the audience!

  • @PearlJamaholic
    @PearlJamaholic 2 роки тому +39

    Being able to switch between true bypass and treble bleed, is a cool feature, and the Albert King setting sounds amazing. I usually rewire the middle tone on Strats to the bridge and have the neck and middle share, or let the middle go without. But I might need to try this switch anyways.

    • @guppybill
      @guppybill 2 роки тому

      That Albert setting was choice!

  • @tomdecuca3627
    @tomdecuca3627 2 роки тому +37

    R.J. you are a master at getting the most out of every pickup position, and seem to know what they are used for,rather than gravitating to the "sweet spot" every time!! Love your playing!!

  • @EdgeofBreakup
    @EdgeofBreakup 2 роки тому +1

    Nice work on this RJ! Man the playing is just 🔥

  • @tmac6604
    @tmac6604 2 роки тому +1

    This man plays fabulous. Haven't heard of him until yesterday and now a fan.

  • @ralphpezda6523
    @ralphpezda6523 2 роки тому +6

    This is not a criticism of the video creator, but oh, my, someone finally created a varitone for strats. Now we get a choice: variable EQ at your fingers or variable EQ on the floor. One nice feature is the dipswitch panel, but the drawback is pick guard removal to get at it. A Chase Bliss Brother provides even more dipswitches (and more capability) you can access in a few seconds, albeit at higher cost. I don't own one but I believe the company is Source Audio (??) that makes an outstanding stompbox EQ with MIDI. Sometimes I prefer turning knobs and other times I like tapping foot switches, but the video and explanations are excellent.

  • @johnlambert8375
    @johnlambert8375 9 місяців тому +13

    There is just something magical when some one really nails the tone on a strat and is just wailing on it… the look of it even, is pretty magical

  • @johnniepage3844
    @johnniepage3844 2 роки тому +1

    Wow! That makes all the difference!!! I’m definitely going to get that!!! Great video!

  • @seanandben
    @seanandben 2 роки тому +2

    Hi R.J. As always, a great and informative video with some great playing and a lot of very useable sounds from the kingtone switch. I particularly like the position three sound on all the pickups but the other sounds are very good also, particularly for adding bluesy tones.

  • @garydean777
    @garydean777 Рік тому +4

    I had a 1990 Strat for years. I put a Lace Sensor silver in bridge. It was a powerful full sound. I played that guitar for almost 30 years, the only guitar I ever needed. I had a fret job done on it a few years ago, gold frets. The sound became harsh & glassy. I had them replaced with nickel frets but it was never the same after that. I put standard strat pickups in & although the guitar sounded absolutely awesome it still didn't have the sound I'd happily used for 30 years. I sold it. Since then I've bought 2 LP's, had an SG, I have a Musicman Silhouette an Epiphone Sheraton with Bare Knuckle Stormy Mondays fitted & I have a 1992 Strat Plus Deluxe. These guitars sound great but nothing comes near the 1990 Standard Strat that I'd fitted Lace Sensors on, silver in bridge which some would say was the wrong place yet nothing I've played my own or others guitars since can beat the tones that ol' guitar gave me.

  • @j.rozman7016
    @j.rozman7016 2 роки тому +5

    I use Villex passive mid-booster jack, which is great to cut through the mix. Especially nice in 2 and 4 position!

  • @martymaker
    @martymaker 2 роки тому

    Thanks R.J. great thing to share. 👍 I really appreciate. It's awesome!

  • @paulp8153
    @paulp8153 2 роки тому

    I need this for mine. Sometimes I don't want treble bleed and sometimes I do. Excellent tone!

  • @HerrMeier007
    @HerrMeier007 2 роки тому +133

    Here‘s my strat tone guide:
    Role down the tone around 5 and use some more amp treble if you lack some highs. The strat highs are usually way brighter than the amp highs and that’s where most of the uncomfortable ultra high treble stuff comes from. Never play on 10 except to make it dirtier. Keep at around 8 to 9. And lastly install a master tone and a half blender circuit. That allows you to get every pick up configuration possible and even get really nice tele tones without any trouble.
    For me that completely changed my way to approach a strat and in a good strat you’ll have one of the biggest varieties of tones of any guitar out there with those few tweaks.

    • @profoundsinger
      @profoundsinger 2 роки тому +8

      Great advice! I too hardly ever run my guitars volume at full. Plus you can push your amps volume more to get a fuller, warmer tone. Same thing goes with fuzz pedals…I have a mid 90s Powerhouse Strat that has a no tone load knob that can lower the tone on all the pickups…super useful

    • @whiskerbiscuit6674
      @whiskerbiscuit6674 2 роки тому +4

      The tone control doesn't affect the bridge pickup on the majority of strats.

    • @roscius6204
      @roscius6204 2 роки тому

      good call

    • @Nocean831
      @Nocean831 2 роки тому +2

      I have a blender mod on my strat currently and it is amazing!

    • @roadtonever
      @roadtonever 2 роки тому

      Doesn't do much for the bridge pickup.

  • @moskitoh2651
    @moskitoh2651 Рік тому +21

    A capacitor parallel to the pickup lowers the resonance frequency. You keep your resonance peek, which is essential for a good tone.
    This is all you need and it costs just few cents.

    • @hotchow8766
      @hotchow8766 3 місяці тому +3

      I was curious if that 4-input programmable switch was really an adjustable capacitor. I've been looking for it online but I don't know the correct wording for electrical components.

    • @moskitoh2651
      @moskitoh2651 3 місяці тому +1

      @@hotchow8766 It is the C-Switch from a guy named Lemme. It allows up to 10 different capacities, but is rare and comparable expensive (>50$).
      The idea was first introduced in the Les Paul Recording, but only with low impedance pickups making it unusable with a normal amp.
      Practically, I prefer to have a push pull poti and just one capacity. To get a good value for this capacity lay a cable to outside of the electric cavity and exchange the capacities there, until you find the sweet spot. Than you build it back in and have like two "voicings", which is sufficient for most csses (

  • @alexdeleon7135
    @alexdeleon7135 Рік тому +2

    The in-line direct wiring of this mod is reminiscent of the Effects Modules by Lee Jackson. The contrast offered by the King Tone gives a fully configurable accessory for strats. That alone gives this circuit more value; without any modification of original Fender wiring scheme(s). The demo was full of very tasty licks, and gives the listener a real-time audio source to compare between each position. Well done, except for the assimilated pronunciation of your last name. Be proud of who you are. Thank you for posting.

  • @DennisAlvarezMusic
    @DennisAlvarezMusic 2 роки тому +6

    Hi RJ,
    That's an interesting little gizmo there. On my two Strats, I have treble bleeds, and the brdge pickups are connected to the bottom tone control. It's worked fine for me so far. I'm not into trying to sound like other guitarists, but I really did like that midrange type tone that you were getting toward the end of the video. I can see it being a great tool for you as a session guitarist for getting your guitar to sit in the mix better in certain situations. Great video. LOVE YOUR PLAYING!

    • @moustachio334
      @moustachio334 2 роки тому

      This little gadget just reminds how important it is to have an EQ pedal in your pedalboard

  • @DavidDiMuzio
    @DavidDiMuzio 2 роки тому +62

    On another note… Your lighting is looking great. Really well dialed in man! 🤘🏻

    • @mahoganymarco9199
      @mahoganymarco9199 2 роки тому +1

      Interesting til i heard the price 🤣

    • @FitsTube
      @FitsTube 2 роки тому +1

      Agreed. I appreciate the effort he puts into the visuals. 4k and good lighting is a great combo.

    • @JavierLopez-jc9uz
      @JavierLopez-jc9uz 2 місяці тому

      How much?
      @@mahoganymarco9199

  • @ericnelson966
    @ericnelson966 Рік тому

    Definitely getting one! Thank you!! I was wanting make my tele more flexible! Awsome idea!!

  • @jamiemullins5877
    @jamiemullins5877 2 роки тому +2

    Stratocaster's for life brother, thanks for sharing this, I'm just getting into doing most my own repairs, and set ups, and looking to learn all I can about beefing up the Strat.

  • @denismichelhache3525
    @denismichelhache3525 2 роки тому +7

    I actually use almost exclusively the bridge pickup. You have to set the tone knob just right, around 4-5 for me. I sometimes crank the tone knob to pop out more like a slight boost/eq kind of thing. A hint of compression at the beginning of the chain can be useful too. The treble bleed is interesting though, thanks for the info!

    • @jrm2fla
      @jrm2fla Рік тому

      I put a freeway 6 way switch in my G and L tele and it’s really cool…. I am a fan of all the “thinner” tones in my Squier Cyclone, Jaguar, and Duosonic… and I like every position in my Strat… I also dig “buckers” as in my Epiphone Les Paul and my Gretsch… more tones, more joy!

  • @dpajc056
    @dpajc056 2 роки тому +123

    I’m personally blown away by Ibanez AZ wiring setup. I think every strat should be like that. You get regular strat wirings plus amazing new options with a flip of the switch (Humbucker, tele, Gilmore mod, etc etc) really worth looking this up

    • @zaxzumu4605
      @zaxzumu4605 2 роки тому +6

      That's why I love the freeway switches. Has a similar concept but uses basically two "tracks" for the switch to go on, causing it to lean one way or the other. I have the 6-position (bottom row normal tele, top row adds series and out of phase) tele switch loaded in a tele knockoff and a squier jaguar with a johnny marr switchplate to allow for a blade switch.

    • @soundsfromthedesert8620
      @soundsfromthedesert8620 2 роки тому +9

      Ibanez switching is great!! Ibanez pickups sound crappy tho lol

    • @frankzappa951
      @frankzappa951 2 роки тому +1

      I’m gonna get me one of them Ibanez Strats one day.

    • @dpajc056
      @dpajc056 2 роки тому +11

      @@frankzappa951 unless that’s your thing, I wouldn’t. It looks like a strat but doesn’t really sound nor play like one. If you like a strat I’d humbly suggest getting a real strat and If you like Ibanez get a real Ibanez...just based on my experience, but hey we’re all different

    • @Mogwai06
      @Mogwai06 2 роки тому

      im loooking this up now, since im in the midst of finding a new wiring configuration for my strats i dig. is this a strat wiring like an ibanez would be for offering more tonal options youre talking about, or are you referring to actual ibanez guitars?

  • @patrickfarley8036
    @patrickfarley8036 2 роки тому

    I wish one guitarist I jam with played half as well as you! Great feel, great tone!!!

  • @robblackwell80
    @robblackwell80 2 роки тому +1

    You are the BEST demo provider on the tubes. Everything you demo I want. Now to get your talent…lol. Another great one man; keep it up!

  • @Fuzzo84
    @Fuzzo84 2 роки тому +5

    Great demo of a great little piece of gear. I am a strat lover and in my opinion everything Jesse builds is perfect for the strat guy like myself. Have a couple of his pedals and about a year ago put one of these in my strat. Really allows you to tweak the tone to your liking. Personally, I like the Hendrix setting for the neck/neck-mid settings and then switching to the 4 or 5 circuit on the knob for the bridge, especially with gain up. Great secret weapon.

  • @sroelit
    @sroelit 2 роки тому +4

    I know that all this means is that we have similar tastes in what we’re looking for from Strat tone-but man, that’s awesome. Edge of Breakup did a video on this switch, and I was curious, but now it feels like a no-brainer.

  • @JohnnyBgood548
    @JohnnyBgood548 Рік тому +2

    Great demo! Strats are incredible guitars!

  • @duaneanderson6393
    @duaneanderson6393 2 роки тому

    AND YET , another great demo, thank you.

  • @ztwilkerson
    @ztwilkerson 2 роки тому +20

    Strataholic here. HOWEVER, I did not love all positions in my strat until I got a great strat. I think the pickups are likely the biggest factor. I have a nash s-67 with a Lollar “dirty blonde” set. May have to try this in one of my partscasters. Thanks for the vid!

    • @888jimm
      @888jimm 2 роки тому +1

      Isnt it interesting that we can have 8 strats ( me too ) and they all sound different....my Clapton Strat being my favorite thus the "good Strat" :)

    • @robertdiehl1281
      @robertdiehl1281 2 роки тому +1

      @@888jimm …great take…same here. I have 3 strats each is very different. In fact if i have a particular song in mind i go for the strat that plays that song the way i want to hear it.

    • @888jimm
      @888jimm 2 роки тому +2

      @@robertdiehl1281 - Correct 💯.... The thing I like about the Clapton strat is is I end up in a gun fight..... I brought one🤣🤣

    • @jakeritchie3805
      @jakeritchie3805 2 роки тому +2

      @@888jimm explain that about the clapton strat gun fight

    • @guitarsfunmods3986
      @guitarsfunmods3986 2 роки тому

      My years of experience is I finally found the best sounding strat which whatever pickup I threw ini, always sounded great. Of course each and every pickup sounds different but they all sounded great, so the choice depends on the taste and or music style. I ended up with a cheapo alnico from an online store around $20/set (the seller said it was pulled out of a squier CV so it still is quality stuff) and sold all my fralins and lollars. I still don't know why this particular strat sounded great. There are endless debate about tone woods, electronics, wiring etc. But since have a great strat, I'll just enjoy playing my guitar...

  • @Illinimax63
    @Illinimax63 2 роки тому +3

    Great video. Well, that was an easy decision to order one of those. 😉

  • @philzellmer6073
    @philzellmer6073 Рік тому

    Great video RJ!....we've all looked for ways to tone down the shrillness without losing the signature tone and the ability to cut through a mix....Excellent Demo!...

  • @Desmond-ul7cw
    @Desmond-ul7cw 4 місяці тому

    Nice option. Thanks for the demo and love your playing bud.

  • @gnadenhuettensound
    @gnadenhuettensound 2 роки тому +34

    I really like G&L Legacy's. Leo Fender's Passive Treble and Passive Bass tone controls as well as treble bleed come stock even in Tribute Models. That tone control system changed the strat game for me.
    Also I have the Kingtone Si Fuzz and Octaland. Great pedals.

    • @markhill9275
      @markhill9275 Рік тому +1

      Yep! Thoroughly agree. The G+L Legacy (mine's the Indonesia Tribute) is amazing!

    • @bluesdawg8014
      @bluesdawg8014 Рік тому +2

      I've been playing G&L Legacy's for years. I own 5 vintage Les Paul's, Customs and Standards but I prefer my Legacy's. The only issue I have is hitting the 5 position switch when I play. The Legacy is my favorite. I own all 3 bolts G&L's. My amps are a Fender Blues Deluxe and Blues Junior all USA made. Los Angeles

    • @christopherstudley9374
      @christopherstudley9374 4 місяці тому

      Think I owned the Legacy Special for 10 years or better before *I had to sell it. Miss that girl.

    • @nielmalkin7453
      @nielmalkin7453 4 місяці тому

      I was suprised, when I first watched this.
      I was blown away, regarding the negativity. Jesus. Lol!
      This guy is great player! Seems to have his tone, dialed in.
      So. Why the negative remarks?
      Really?
      All respect to him. :)

    • @jr0706
      @jr0706 2 місяці тому

      A friend made me a PTB harness for my Strat, and it’s phenomenal.

  • @mccloysong
    @mccloysong 2 роки тому +4

    My volume is always on 10 because of the loss of tone when turned down. Alex Lifeson says he plays on 7 or 8 so he can just go to 10 for his solos. Now that is a great option

  • @bbbro34
    @bbbro34 2 роки тому +1

    Sounds great...dig it. I recently acquired a new stock Strat, it's the Performer series they're doing, and they put what they're calling a greasebucket tone circuit in the lower tone knob and it really does hit the spot of lowering the brightness and not sacrificing volume and getting muddy. It's a cool mod. They also made it so one can get the bridge and neck PUs going at the same time - giving it an almost Tele-sound - which makes that brightness in the bridge more palatable in contrast to the neck PU going at the same time. There's one other setting that allows all PUs to be on at once. It's a cool mod they did.

  • @ladygadava1
    @ladygadava1 2 роки тому

    That BB king setting is sweet!!! Killer tone!

  • @mikekaylor1226
    @mikekaylor1226 2 роки тому +17

    I bought my first Strat in 1984, and a friend of mine who is an amazing guitarist and repairman offered to re-route the middle pickup tone control to the bridge. The bridge pickup was improved 100% over the stock mode. When I play other Strats now, the bridge pickup is always too bright.
    This device looks like a great alternative, thanks for the info.

  • @johnpandolfino8663
    @johnpandolfino8663 9 місяців тому

    Great demo.....learned something new today.... amazing what that switch can do.....truly brilliant idea.....makes a strat very tonally versatile....almost like a pedal board in a switch....

  • @RobertWJackson
    @RobertWJackson 2 роки тому

    Great video dude! I may pick up one of these.

  • @Gk2003m
    @Gk2003m 2 роки тому +29

    1:38: consider this: your amp also has tone controls. To do a Strat right, you start with the bridge pup and get the tone on the amp to where you want your brightest tone. This isn’t rocket surgery

    • @codysearle366
      @codysearle366 2 роки тому +6

      Apparently wording metaphors correctly is.

    • @ronniboi312
      @ronniboi312 2 роки тому +5

      The point is NOT to need to mess with the tone controls on your amp mid song

    • @Newnodrogbob
      @Newnodrogbob 2 роки тому +17

      @@codysearle366 rocket surgery is a famous joke, obfuscating the two metaphors. He did it on purpose.

    • @bluecameo3589
      @bluecameo3589 2 роки тому +8

      Cody Searle formally known as a malaphor

    • @codysearle366
      @codysearle366 2 роки тому +2

      @@bluecameo3589 malapropism and malaphor. Nice. 👍

  • @JohnHorneGuitar
    @JohnHorneGuitar 2 роки тому +40

    Wow. What a great variety of good sounds! Though I always have mixed feelings about treble bleed. I’m one of those guys that think the tone change when the volume is rolled off is a feature, not a bug.

    • @timhallas4275
      @timhallas4275 Рік тому +7

      Exactly why 99% of guitarists use the vol pot to take the edge of the bridge pickup, rather than mess with the tone knob. It makes perfect sense to play at 80% vol. and have that reserve there for when you WANT intense highs and more loudness.

    • @PlasticCogLiquid
      @PlasticCogLiquid Рік тому +1

      Oooh definitely!

    • @spiegelkind2387
      @spiegelkind2387 Рік тому +2

      Couldn’t agree more. Don’t need more than a Tele layout.

    • @donshekn9114
      @donshekn9114 9 місяців тому +1

      RJ is one of the best guitar players the black community has ever produced.

    • @geraldfriend256
      @geraldfriend256 7 місяців тому

      Yeah depends a lot on the guitar to my ears. Sometimes the treble bleed makes the tone too thin and other guitars get waaaayyy muddy when you turn down at all.

  • @tmitz73
    @tmitz73 Рік тому

    That was pretty cool RJ!!!

  • @ibanezrg7421
    @ibanezrg7421 Рік тому

    thanks for this! Definitely going in my Stratojazzster Warmoth build!

  • @IamMusicNerd
    @IamMusicNerd 2 роки тому +38

    It’s a great mod, but I prefer to put a blender pot in that place. It allows you to blend the bridge in with the neck (in position 5) or with all three pickups simulataneously (when in position 4). So you can blend in just a little, or a lot. Fralin pickups offers it as a mod and now I love the bridge positions so much. Sounds amazing.

    • @MrJohnnyDistortion
      @MrJohnnyDistortion Рік тому

      I wonder if that blender pot will work in a Mexican Deluxe Roadhouse that has factory active pickups?

    • @sonidojamon
      @sonidojamon Рік тому

      That sounds pretty interesting to add some definition to the neck pickup!! Where can I find info about this mod? Thanks!

    • @thefuneralparade
      @thefuneralparade Рік тому +2

      Get an ARTEC onboard tone control.various models to choose from at $20 a pop.screw this ripoff from multibillion dollar corporate America trying to squeeze out pockets dry w nothing new .it's a re-named ARTEC unit.

    • @Thurston86
      @Thurston86 Рік тому

      @@thefuneralparade thank you 🙏👽🙏👽🙏👽

  • @jamesryan1939
    @jamesryan1939 2 роки тому +29

    Cool concept, by honestly for under $10 the 1/2 blender wiring fixes the bridge issue. I put it in all my Strats and it is a complete game changer. You basically just dial in a little bit of the neck pickup into the bridge to fatten it up and take a bit off the top. It sounds more like a Humbucker/p90. The s1 switch does a similar thing, but without the adjustability, putting the entire neck pickup in is too much and unusable.

    • @Krashulka
      @Krashulka 2 роки тому

      I'm pretty sure a small capacitor across the neck pickup output wires would warm the sound up and cut the treble a bit too.

    • @karterdowd606
      @karterdowd606 2 роки тому +1

      I mean I like using S-1 switches. If you mess with it when all pickups are activated you can get a crazy quack sound

    • @nandoholgado3050
      @nandoholgado3050 2 роки тому +1

      @@karterdowd606 S-1 Switch is the worst thing Fender ever did. It's a tonal sucker and gives you really unusable and muddy sounds. I got one for my strat and having using it for 4 years, now i got it out and muuuuuch better response and feel.

    • @karterdowd606
      @karterdowd606 2 роки тому +1

      @@nandoholgado3050 I mean if they’re muddy fuck with your amp EQ and guitar tone knobs. It will clear up if you can get the right settingings

    • @nandoholgado3050
      @nandoholgado3050 2 роки тому

      @@karterdowd606 hahaha no bro, It has no load pots. When I'm using a Strat, is because I want Strat sounds, so I EQ it to taste keeping in mind the Strat stuff I want and usually, it doesn't works with the series mode.
      Maybe you should record a video showing the tones you get using both parallel and series modes!

  • @DBMorris
    @DBMorris 2 роки тому

    Oh yes! I'm definitely getting one of these!

  • @mrrusty1355
    @mrrusty1355 2 роки тому

    Great video, classy as always RJ

  • @Semikolon628
    @Semikolon628 8 місяців тому

    Hi RJ,
    I‘ve found you on Rhett‘s channel and I‘m very glad to see and hear your great playing. You dig it! All the best for your future!
    Many greetings from Germany!

  • @DogwithtwoBones
    @DogwithtwoBones 2 роки тому +10

    On the contrary I love the bridge position in the strat and not so crazy about all the others :D

    • @dannycia9295
      @dannycia9295 2 роки тому +2

      I love them either. I downgraded my strat with a singlecoil sized humbucker, it sounded to compressed. Changed it back for the stock single coil.
      I love the bridge in a Telecaster even more.

    • @DogwithtwoBones
      @DogwithtwoBones 2 роки тому

      @@dannycia9295 yep, i had malmsteen yjms and preferred the true single coil. Oh yeah tele bridges are the best. I love them even better than strats.

    • @ericwarrington6650
      @ericwarrington6650 2 роки тому

      I like having the options sonically to reach into gainier territory w my strat so I hardtailed the trem and have the hss setup... blending the dirtier bridge pup into the singles is the magic for me

    • @DogwithtwoBones
      @DogwithtwoBones 2 роки тому +1

      @@ericwarrington6650 yeah I can see that

    • @unacuentadeyoutube13
      @unacuentadeyoutube13 2 роки тому +1

      @@DogwithtwoBones the tele bridge pickup and the strat neck pickup are the two greatest in the guitar industry

  • @kennhern
    @kennhern 2 роки тому +17

    For me, I just transfer the middle pickup tone control to the bridge and leave the middle pickup open (this is essentially the Eric Johnson wiring). I find more quack in the in-between positions and the bridge highs is tamed. Also, this mod is easily reversible

    • @nate2629
      @nate2629 2 роки тому +2

      Just jump the wire so you have tone control on bridge and middle.

    • @5000rgb
      @5000rgb 2 роки тому

      Another option is to have neck and middle connected to one control and the bridge connected to the other. I do like your Eric Johnson solution. I'm a big fan of the middle pickup and removing the load from the tone control might bring out a little more chime.

    • @neandrewthal
      @neandrewthal 2 роки тому

      @@5000rgb I'm not a fan of the middle pickup so I like the idea of removing the tone from it since I don't like position 3 anyway and then having the symmetry of one tone for 4-5 and one tone for 1-2 with no overlap between them.
      That's what I would do if I didn't already go further and make the middle position bridge+neck on one of my Strats and all 4 coils (2 in bridge humbucker) on the other one.

    • @chuchuchip
      @chuchuchip 2 роки тому

      All 3 of my Strats are wired this way. I just like the middle pup's sound raw (no tone circuit). I find the Bridge harsh no matter the pup. The 3 Strats have Fender '59, '62 & Tex Mex pup's.

    • @kennhern
      @kennhern 2 роки тому

      @@chuchuchip I like how it is more spanky it is on the neck-mid and glassy on the mid-bridge. Neck-mid is my go-to position now because of the wiring

  • @TomTaucher
    @TomTaucher 2 роки тому +1

    I love the kingtone switch!
    Had it in my jazz/parts-caster while I still had it, sold it only because I could not get on with the scale length and small ish frets. It had a widerange bucker in the Bridge, jag in middle and strat in the neck.
    The variations in tones were endless. And treble bleed /or true bypass for sparkly cleans and then position 3 and onward for really fat overdrive sounds.
    It's great, I'm just researching if it will work with active pickups, since I have a fishman classic bucker equipped guitar, and I want it to have even more sounds that it has now.
    Great video RJ!

  • @lastofthe4horsemen279
    @lastofthe4horsemen279 2 роки тому

    Love my 2003 Inca Silver Lone Star Strat with a maple neck. It plays like a dream ✨

  • @markmarcelo9342
    @markmarcelo9342 2 роки тому +700

    "Hi I'm RJ Ronquillo, you'll notice when the knob is in position 1 i'm better than you. In position 2, I'm still better than you but with preserved highs. In position 3, I'm better than you at playing Hendrix..."

  • @KeithShelley1
    @KeithShelley1 2 роки тому +3

    That's freaking awesome! I really hate my Strat's bridge pickup and I've been considering a humbucker but I've been struggling to get a good blended tone on my Tele with a H/S configuration. This little rotory switch seems like it would solve all my problems and several others!

  • @mikewhitfield2994
    @mikewhitfield2994 Рік тому

    Beautiful playing and tones.

  • @garybourke468
    @garybourke468 2 роки тому

    Great video. Playing is superb.
    Got to get one of those.
    Thanks !

  • @heikosinus
    @heikosinus 2 роки тому +13

    4:17 Yeah, the loss of highs, when you roll back the volume... I thought a lot about this, because I personally don't like the sound of a treble bleed (for MY playing!). The best (and easiest) way to fix this problem for me was to take out the log-pot (which is normally used in strats) and put in a lin-pot instead (often used in guitar models like Les Paul or SG). It gives you much more control, and the volume (and also the highs) don't go down so fast. I'm really happy with this solution. Doesn't seem to be very common though. What you guys think about it? Greetz from Germany (and sorry for my bad English...)

    • @dirkstaudt4341
      @dirkstaudt4341 2 роки тому

      In my own Strat ( Treble PU wired to the lower tone control) I have installed the Kinman Treble Bleed, which works very different from normal Treble Bleed circuits. Nearly neutral when I roll down the volume pot ( for example when the guitar cable is directly plugged into the amp) . But when I play with my Fuzz pedal on, which adds some extra crispness when the guitar volume is rolled back, the Kinman Bleed doesn't destroy this. I can't explain why, but I'm happy about that.
      In my opinion the Kingtone switch is an interesting thing too...
      Greetz back from Germany too 🙂

    • @kodykindhart5644
      @kodykindhart5644 2 роки тому +2

      Depends on style
      The treble drop can be great for mix control
      Sometimes it’s better to drop some treble and vol vs just volume
      Just volume doesn’t sound as dynamic across the mix

    • @philbackup3367
      @philbackup3367 2 роки тому

      Hey Helios,
      I’ve been doing the same thing with my Strats for about 30 years. I think the original logarithmic potentiometers were good back in the days before pedals, because with the logs, not much is happening between 1 and 8, and then from 8 to 10 you get this dramatic volume boost. So, back then, that was your rythme and lead sounds. We’ve advanced since then, and now I put only Linear potentiometers in my Strats. They provide a really stable, steady volume increase from 1 to 10. I took my Fender ‘57 Strat reissue to a guitar repairman for some minor alterations, and that idiot replaced all the Linear pots that I had personally wired in, with Log pots, because, you know, a Strat is supposed to have Log pots. I was absolutely furious. I had that guitar wired exactly the way I wanted it, and the guy I give it to, to fix it, f*cked it all up! I also have a Squire Strat that I modded with Lace Sensor pickups, Graphtec bridge pieces and three LINEAR potentiometers. Now my Squire Strat is the guitar of my dreams, and the “real Fender”‘57 reissue with the Logrithmic potentiometers just pisses me off so bad I won’t even play it anymore. Besides, the only thing that sounds good on that guitar is the neck pickup, that has a beautiful warm, full tone. The other two pickups just have way too much treble. Screw it, I’m not going through the trouble to re-mod the ‘57 back to the way I had it, I’m just going to sell it. I’m perfectly happy with the Squire. Brand names don’t mean that much to me. Like, look at the new Beatles Get Back movie; Lennon is playing an Epiphone Casino when he could be playing the superior Gibson ES-300 that the Casino was modeled after. He just liked the Casino. I’ve got a very valuable 1974 Gibson SG, and I just recently bought a used Epiphone SG model 61 for half of the new price, and I like it so much I’m going to sell my “real Gibson” SG. And that Epiphone SG, like all Gibsons, has Logrithmic pickups on it. I love it.

  • @RickFoxx777
    @RickFoxx777 Рік тому +5

    I bought one of these Kingtone switches and have tried it on 3 of my stage strats... it was muddy sounding on each strat I had put it in.
    The usual strat pickups I use when I am on stage are... 56 vintage reissue (not available unless you buy the Fender custom shop strat), 59 pure vintage pups($160.00) and the 54 custom shop pups (at $269.00) I also tried this switch on a set of tex mex pups for $99.00...it was No Bueno! Another $100.00 down the drain. To date, my shelf of non useable, expensive and supposedly great guitar devices, is getting way to crowded...God, I am such a sucker when it comes to guitars, amps, pedals and well, all musical equipment. YIKES!!!
    On a positive note, I recently listened to a new amazing guitar pedal (I hope it's amazing) that seems to end all this brightness and muddiness and gives your guitar a crunchy and delicious warm tone. It's a Klon Centaur copy, called Warm Audio Centavo and it sells for $179.00 at most music stores or guitar shops. I think I am going to buy it...Hey, I told you I was a sucker for guitars and equipment. Anyway, I am hoping that this pedal doesn't wind up on my shelf of useless devices. Just my 2 cents worth. Peace

  • @djb3545
    @djb3545 2 роки тому

    Awesome video. No brainer…Thx RJ. Btw…your video soloing over little wing got me back into guitar. Haven’t put it down since the start of Covid. Thank you!

  • @doctersound9630
    @doctersound9630 Рік тому +1

    Really enjoyed your playing. Cheers!

  • @Bobby_twoshitz
    @Bobby_twoshitz 9 місяців тому +5

    This is essentially a over priced Varitone switch

  • @insanetubegain
    @insanetubegain 2 роки тому +3

    I don't get the problem, just roll back the tone control, it works just fine. For the switched treble bleed all you need is a push pull switch/pot, 1/8 watt resistor, and a capacitor. It's how I have my guitar set up, and cost me less than $5 for the components.

    • @ot4kon
      @ot4kon Рік тому

      There is not a tone control for a bridge pickup on an original strat wiring. You are better moving one tone knob to the bridge or use global tone.

  • @VirginiaWolf88
    @VirginiaWolf88 2 роки тому +1

    The sound is incredible!!!!

  • @Ottophil
    @Ottophil 2 роки тому

    I was planning on doing this anyway. Thanks for this

  • @ReddNashe
    @ReddNashe Рік тому

    Killer playing dude and great demonstration.

  • @adamscottv
    @adamscottv Рік тому

    Very thorough review. Well done RJ.

  • @JonasSweden1
    @JonasSweden1 2 роки тому

    That’s GREAT playing’ RJ - could listen all day long 😄👍🏻

  • @richardfinney3179
    @richardfinney3179 2 роки тому

    Excellent video, very informative, great fingers dude !, love all your amps !!!

  • @LeoAmuedo
    @LeoAmuedo Рік тому

    Awesome!! And great playing as well!!!!

  • @tobiaslammert661
    @tobiaslammert661 2 роки тому

    Love it! I always had a problem with the Bridge pickup. Will try this device! Thx

  • @wisecarverjon
    @wisecarverjon 2 роки тому

    This is cool man, I’m going to have to pick a couple up!

  • @mwagliardo
    @mwagliardo 2 роки тому

    Very cool, definitely want to try the King Tone switch!

  • @JPEGmilli
    @JPEGmilli 4 місяці тому

    Wow this is mind blowing. I must get this switch. Sick playing btw!! I have a white Hendrix Strat this would fit perfectly in.

  • @bernhardnizynski4403
    @bernhardnizynski4403 2 роки тому

    I love the Strat bridge pickup!

  • @jonesyfromtheblock9635
    @jonesyfromtheblock9635 8 місяців тому

    Wow, that bridge pup. I had a custom shop ‘68 that had a great bridge pup. I miss that one

  • @RandyWillcox
    @RandyWillcox 2 роки тому

    I have the original 4 position version of the Kingtone switch and it's great. I basically roll it back one click and my bridge single coil sounds like a humbucker. So I use it to essentially alternate between SSS and HSS sounds. I have my Strat wired so my middle tone is for N & M and the lower tone is for the bridge. So I installed it in place of the bridge tone control. Jesse Davey is not only a sick guitar player, he's bloody brilliant! And my Duelist is still a "can't live without" pedal.

  • @lionhead7497
    @lionhead7497 2 роки тому +2

    Honestly, the treble bleed is my favorite. Everytime you went back to bypass, I was happier except for volume roll off with treble bleed

  • @gregcharles6528
    @gregcharles6528 2 роки тому +1

    Very Nice! I totally appreciate the info, I may try it on one of my older Strats, but not on my latest purchase (an American Pro II) - I really like the setup of this new model.

  • @albertarguelles3262
    @albertarguelles3262 2 роки тому

    Awesome I really love your channel always great info and you are amazing player who never fails to inspire me. Thanks Ron

  • @TheoRota
    @TheoRota Рік тому

    Hi RJ. Thank you for this trick. Many Strats players connect one of the tone control to the bridge pickup. For me I finally found something great for reduce the brightness of the bridge pickup and get a nice tone from my Mexican Fender Stratocaster in the EMG DG-20 plate. It sounds pretty so great.

  • @jquinnwilson
    @jquinnwilson 8 місяців тому

    Love your playing and tones

  • @scottschulze3568
    @scottschulze3568 Рік тому

    Great playing and you can def see how great that strat is too

  • @ThirdEyePried
    @ThirdEyePried 2 роки тому

    Looking forward to that SRV demo 😉

  • @douglassmith5466
    @douglassmith5466 2 роки тому

    I love the demo and your playong!

  • @grenslitt
    @grenslitt 2 роки тому

    Great video. Really opens up a Strat
    Thanks!