Larry Cartlon style pups for my 335

[Fourth Feline]

Thanks for your continuing interest Johnny.
when listening to Larry Carlton play the tune " Just an Excuse " on you tube, it reminded me that he sometimes uses a touch of ' bite and snap'.  I presume this is either the more strident sound of the Gibbo '57 Classic bridge, or that his 'real' 335 has a higher percentage of spruce in the guitar

FF you should have in mind 2 things too:

1) Larry's playing technique is mainly based on using both the pick and his fingers when he hits the strings. If you notice carefuly in many of his videos (the most representative of all is his collection of 4 instructional DVDs), when he plays on the high strings, he slightly "pinches" the strings and this causes a mini-slap effect and thus a more perccusive sound in his phrasing.
If you watch closely the video that I posted, you'll see that I try to incorporate the same technique in my playing (of course the result are 1% close to Larry's sound...).
This is an important factor for this sound you are looking for, and so I would advice you that you should pay attention mainly to his technique, than the "incredients" of his guitars (which of course are also more or less important) ;)

2) I watched the video of Just an Excuse and saw that (as I have told you via a PM) that he has set the pickups relatively low.
Check on 1:14" and you will see it yourself.

I think that by lowering the pickups, he achieves a more open and "airy" sound out of his 335, and in combination with his special tecnhique, he produces such a marvellous tone!!!


Also, in case you haven't seen it yet, check out the videos on his Mr335.tv site under the "Tech Bench" section.

You'll find very valuable information about his setup  ;)

Wow ! Thanks for the insights Elavd,  :D

I have just taken delivery of his 4 CD-Rom tutorial set ( as a present to myself and a 'summer project ' ) - but have not yet had the chance to load them up and begin.

I will indeed go back to you Tube and watch " Just An Excuse" - particularly around  the 1:14 mark - and re-visit '335 T.V to look at 'tech bench'.  I did catch the bit about him liking 1/16" action at the 12th, but missed any reference on both '335 TV' and the " just an excuse" to his own pickup heights. I just know I really liked your own sound on 'You Tube' ,  but was not getting it with the pickups similarly lowered on my own guitar - and also ( as you have just enlightened me )  not using the 'snap' and upstroke techniques.

Thank you for your continuing help and enthusiasm in these matters Elavd - it's great to know that Larry has other 'disciples' too....  8)

[wardieboy]

Hi All,

Sorry to drag up an old thread but the information I found in here today made me feel compelled to sign up and post...

I've been looking at buying a Les Paul style guitar for the past month or so and had finally decided on a Tokai. I've seen some Japanese models for around £650 which is going to hit the wallet.

So to fund the purchase I thought I'd sell a few old instruments, my brother in law is buying my USA Tele but this will still leave me a few pennies short.

This morning I got up all set to sell my Cherry Tanglewood Chicago 335 style guitar, it's been a heart wrenching decision since I've done so many gigs with that old guitar. I bought it new around 16 years ago for around £400. It's always played well but I've never been really happy with the sound.

So I started my research only to see that the current value for the Chicago model is £175, I read some threads and learned that apparently there are 2 Chicago models due to production lines, maybe country of origin, a 'good' and a 'not so good'. From my experience I think I have one of the good ones!

This guitar has too much sentimental value to sell for £175! So I thought 'what about upgrading it?', Then I stumbled on this thread and am now in a state of excitement. I'm really keen to upgrade the pick-ups etc. Reading the posts on the success of FF's Tanglewood I am really excited about installing some new pick ups, I've never upgraded a guitar before and it is not something I would have previously considered.

 I am now thinking that this upgrade may be enough to keep me away of the Tokia that have been eyeing lately.



 

[38thBeatle]

I would say that in view of your fondness for the guitar, a pickup upgrade is definitely worthwhile and that might prove to be the transforming element. Another thing to consider, whilst you change pickups, would be to upgrade the pots and switches. Welcome to the forum by the way. 

[wardieboy]

Thanks Beatle, I have asked the tech to quote on a total upgrade on the guitar including pots and switches, against the pick up only replacement.   

[Telerocker]

Welcome here. I hope it sounds like a dream after upgrading.

[elavd]

Welcome here. I hope it sounds like a dream after upgrading.

+1000 ;)
Welcome!!!