Hi guys, my first post here, although I've been lurking around for some time... Please be kind!
So, I'm building this HSS Warmoth Strat, 1-piece alder body, gonçalo alves/pau-ferro raw neck, Graphtech TUSQ XL nut (hope they do not suck...). Gonna put Planet Waves auto-trim tuners, and a BladeRunner tremolo. Amp is a JMP50 clone, using pedals for OD, Plexitone, King of Tone, Top Tone DG-2, and currently waiting for a Kingsley Jester.
I want this guitar to be very versatile for playing in a classic rock cover band, ocasionally some hard rock; and the SS pickups must be Mother's Milk. I'm thorn between the choices presented at the store, for the bridge humbucker. Mule, Crawler, Emerald. My concerns: Mule - wouldn't it sound a bit scooped/bright for this guitar? Emerald - Too bright for this strat? Crawler - too midrangey? I'd like it to have a tight bass for heavier stuff, but enough mids and highs to cut through the mix, and leads should never sound thin.
Then I ask you folks, which one would you recommend? From the warmoth site, gonçalo alves is closer to mahogany, albeit a bit brighter, and pau-ferro is brighter than rosewood, but darker than maple.
What about the Abraxas bridge? It sounds and seems flatter from the online specs and samples. Has anyone tried it in an alder strat, or similar setup? Would it pair well with the MMilks ?
Thanks for your input, and glad to be here!