Hey guys. I'm looking to buy a new guitar (most likely a Strat), but what modifications do you think I could make to get the John Frusciante type sound out of the guitar? I'm running a Fender M-80 Head through a Peavey 4x12.
I found a couple deals on standard Strats at a local store for $225 (used, each), and I really want to get one (they're in great condition... I've already played them and everything). I just wanted to know what mods (pickup replacements, etc.) I should make to get the tone of John Frusciante's vintage RHCP (Blood Sugar Sex Magik/Mother's Milk) stuff. I have a Boss CH-1 (Stereo Chorus), a Dano Pastrami Overdrive, and a Dano compressor... just so you know.
I was looking at getting a set of Lace Sensor PU's, but I don't really know which series would fit my purposes. I also thought that it could be good to get two extra springs added to the trem to bring it up to five so that I can put on some thicker strings (I want to go to at least 11's... hopefully 12's or 13's). I love the feel of thick strings, but I want to keep the action low also (I will have the guitar professionally set up when I do all of this stuff).
One guitar has a maple fretboard... the other a rosewood. I don't have any preferences on the fretboards... they both have the plusses and minuses (rosewood... for me, gives a really good grip but it also slows my playing, and maple is the exact opposite).
If you guys have any pointers, I'd really appreciate it!
I wouldn't consider myself to be an authority on his particular sound...but from what I've heard and seen...It seems he favors vintage stock strats. One thing I'm pretty certain about is that he's using a 3way pickup selector and catching the "in-between" positions for clean things like Under the Bridge...etc. I don't think Lace sensors will get you any closer to the sound. If anything, they'll give you a more modern sound. Short of finding a early sixties strat...check into the Fender American vintage or Time machine series. That would get you in the ballpark as far as the guitar goes. Not sure of what pedals he uses.
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