Author Topic: A2 Mule vs. A4 Mule (Read 6342 times)

Bainzy · « **on:** July 10, 2006, 02:58:49 PM »

I'm putting a new guitar together, it's a rear routed single humbucker guitar. OFR bridge, one piece maple neck and a one piece padauk body. I think I'm leaning towards putting in a Mule with a burnt chrome cover, and I'm wanting something different from my other VHII equipped maple/ebony and hard ash Warmoth superstrat; maybe a more thicker/looser tone, suitable for tracking distorted rhythm guitars.

Is the AII version what I'm after? I must admit I'm quite a fan of Slash's tone, and I'm aware that he uses low output PAF style AII humbuckers. Also in terms of magnet strength AII is further away from Alnico V, which theoretically would make it more of a change from the VHII's which would be good for versatility. Bear in mind this will be going in a Marshall 100w Plexi, with switchable extra gain stage mods, which isn't a modern high gain amp (it's got plenty of gain, but still sounds clean/clear as it's mostly power amp gain).

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2006, 03:38:18 PM »

Isn't Alinco II better suited to low gain stuff? I've got a feeling it might sound a bit mushy at higher gain? I'd go for an Alnico IV if it was me as you're going for higher than vintage gain. Unless your rhythm tracks will be fairly clean?

steve · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2006, 04:04:39 PM »

AII sounds a bit mushy under high gain.

Bainzy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2006, 04:39:04 PM »

Well for rhythm guitar I think we'd be talking vintage gain - I'm not the biggest fan of high gain rhythm. No more gainy than any of the Guns N Roses rhythm tracks, if anything a bit less.

jt · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2006, 11:27:13 PM »

:D I`ve got a set of Mules & VHII`s they sound very different from each other. My Mules are AIV`s . I wouldn`t bother making your Mules AII`s.

:D 8)

Tim · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2006, 03:04:43 PM »

An AII Mule is certainly looser in the bass than the more balance AIV, it also pronounces the mid more too as well as round out the highs.In the right type of guitar this can sound fantastic.

Twinfan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2006, 03:21:54 PM »

What's the right type of guitar Tim????

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2006, 06:34:12 PM »

I would say something that doesn't have a lot of low end, like a thin strat or tele body?

Bainzy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2006, 09:32:16 PM »

Quote from: Tim

An AII Mule is certainly looser in the bass than the more balance AIV, it also pronounces the mid more too as well as round out the highs.In the right type of guitar this can sound fantastic.

Sorted, that's exactly what I'm after. Due to the descriptions of the wood I've heard I expect this Padauk body in combination with a maple neck and floyd bridge to not have much bass emphasis, so an AII Mule should be just the ticket :D

Tim · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2006, 09:39:56 PM »

Just as OD says, a lighter or thinner bodied guitar whereas heavier LPs for example are far better with AIV.

steve · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2006, 10:37:57 PM »

Quote from: Bainzy

Quote from: Tim
An AII Mule is certainly looser in the bass than the more balance AIV, it also pronounces the mid more too as well as round out the highs.In the right type of guitar this can sound fantastic.

Sorted, that's exactly what I'm after. Due to the descriptions of the wood I've heard I expect this Padauk body in combination with a maple neck and floyd bridge to not have much bass emphasis, so an AII Mule should be just the ticket :D

Mmm interesting, i may have to try that. Let me know how you get on with it if you get it done bainzy.

Bainzy · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2006, 03:49:16 PM »

Will do - expect a full step by step analysis of building this guitar on Shredaholic.com and this forum when I've finished it.