New 335 - Stormys or Mules?

[fbloke]

I'm about to take delivery of a 335.  I already have one with Stormy's in, the tone is amazing - woody, nice mids and so on.

Thinking about Mules for the next one for a bit more push, trying to decide if it will retain the open woody tone of the Stormy's.

What do you all think?

[PhilKing]

I have Stormy's in mine and love the tone.  If you want a bit more push with the same character and an interesting tone with both pickups, what about the PG Blues?  Mules do work in 335's too, but I like the openness of the Stormy's in them.  The other pickups that really work well are T-Tops, which are the 60's pickups that came after the Patent Numbers.  Riff Raff's are supposed to be like those, but I'm not sure how they would be in a 335 (if it is a bit dark they would probably be brilliant).

[ericsabbath]

I have Stormy's in mine and love the tone.  If you want a bit more push with the same character and an interesting tone with both pickups, what about the PG Blues?  Mules do work in 335's too, but I like the openness of the Stormy's in them.  The other pickups that really work well are T-Tops, which are the 60's pickups that came after the Patent Numbers.  Riff Raff's are supposed to be like those, but I'm not sure how they would be in a 335 (if it is a bit dark they would probably be brilliant).

riff raffs are actually based on early 60's real PAF's
t-tops are underwound in comparison and have poly wire instead of plain enamel
still the closest in the bk range, though

[BigB]

I have RiffRaff in a semi-hollow - not an ES though, it's a Hofner Verythin which is somewhat brighter than your typical ES - and RiffRaff do work fine it it. For the record I choosed to go for RR partly because of this clip (and partly because I wanted something that could stay tight with some gain). 

Also and FWIW RiffRaff are a repro of the late (early 60s) PAF / early Patent N° so that's what you would find in a early 60s ES.

[Mr. Air]

Since you got a 335 with Stormies I would go for something different and Mules seem like a great option. As earlier stated Riff Raffs would probably work well too, but you could also considder a set of MQs. The neck MQ has a super sweet tone that's hard to beat.

[Telerocker]

Just as the Stormies the open, vocal Mules will do a fine job in an 335.

[Philly Q]

I like the idea of Mules.  I also like the idea of a Riff Raff/Mule combo, although 335s can be surprisingly bright so the RR might be a bit too much.

[Telerocker]

I like the idea of Mules.  I also like the idea of a Riff Raff/Mule combo, although 335s can be surprisingly bright so the RR might be a bit too much.

Mules are def. warmer then RR's, but the bridge has edge too. Actually they have a perfect balanced voicing.

[bandmaster188]

i've got a 335 with a mule in the bridge and a stormy in the neck. very versatile set up and the middle position is almost grestch like. the mule gives me plenty of grunt for the rockier stuff. still often think about changing the neck pickup for a mule, but the thought of getting the loom out and back in again makes me stick with what i've got.
i would go with a set of mules though, can't go wrong!!

aaarrrgh!!!!

[Philly Q]

Aaargh!  Too early in the morning for scary 335 gut-surgery shots! 

[Telerocker]

Aaargh!  Too early in the morning for scary 335 gut-surgery shots!

 :lol:  I'm always wondering why they didn't come up with a simpler method to change pickups in an ES.

[Philly Q]

Aaargh!  Too early in the morning for scary 335 gut-surgery shots!

 :lol:  I'm always wondering why they didn't come up with a simpler method to change pickups in an ES.

My MIJ "History" guitar has a back panel.  But it's a CS-336 type (with a hollowed mahogany back), rather than a true ES type (made from laminated maple).

Having said that, an actual CS-336 doesn't have a back panel!

[Telerocker]

Aaargh!  Too early in the morning for scary 335 gut-surgery shots!

 :lol:  I'm always wondering why they didn't come up with a simpler method to change pickups in an ES.

My MIJ "History" guitar has a back panel.  But it's a CS-336 type (with a hollowed mahogany back), rather than a true ES type (made from laminated maple).

Having said that, an actual CS-336 doesn't have a back panel!

I believe an ES333 has a back panel too. I would prefer that one over a 335.

[Philly Q]

You're right!

[bandmaster188]

Aaargh!  Too early in the morning for scary 335 gut-surgery shots!

 :lol:  I'm always wondering why they didn't come up with a simpler method to change pickups in an ES.

My MIJ "History" guitar has a back panel.  But it's a CS-336 type (with a hollowed mahogany back), rather than a true ES type (made from laminated maple).

Having said that, an actual CS-336 doesn't have a back panel!

mine nearly got a new back panel whilst doing this, i was gonna make one with a claw hammer!!