So, I'm in a funk band. Do I need a Silo Special?

[menvafaan]

I'm currently playing with a funk band. Think Tower Of Power meets Jamiroquai, regarding the sound.

I love my AL MM90 and my ASS H/H, but neither is really suited for funk, while the Silo Special seems to be the ideal guitar for that genre, especially since I'm after a more modern type of sound, with the ability so switch on some distortion and rip off a rock solo once in a while. If we were playing pure retro 70's funk I would buy a Strat.

So, anyone else have any experience playing funk guitar? And what instruments/setups have you been using?

I'm thinking of getting a Silo Spec. LE08 HSS/maple/trem, but also have the SSS conf. in mind. What's the big difference? What can I do with the SSS that I can't do with the HSS? How does the stock bridge singlecoil pickup handle leads? What do I gain/lose by going HSS?

And oh, I'm seeing Tower Of Power tonight! Can't wait!

 

[D.K.]

Well, Silho Special would seem an obvoius choice, but I also used my Morse a lot to play funky things. The Silo 20-th's do the funk incredibly well, too - just have to roll down a volume a bit in the mid position...

Also, consider the fact that Jamiroquai's guitarist extensively uses his stoptail HSH Silhouette live and in studio for that funky "stratty" quack.

 

[whitestrat]

You should consider a Silo Spec SSS for funk... Nice downplayed tones. Not too intrusive, so for clean rhythms, it kicks ass!

 

[Ripper]

Of cos you need a Silo Spec for funk, dude!! The look, the tone, everything about a SS - you cant be wrong!

Now, tell me how funky this one look?



Anyway, for tone difference between a SSS and HSS, you can look up some past discussion started by our double silo spec brother - candidX. Quite an extensive discussion there which may help you decide.

I welcome you to the Silo Spec Club first my fren..

 

[robelinda2]

Dude, are you for real??? The AL MM90 using bridge/middle is amazing for funk!!!!!!! But, if you dont like it, go silo special SSS rosewood.

 

[andynpeters]

Since you need the rock solos I'd suggest the HSS model, though be aware that the wiring configuration only gives 1 "out of phase" position & no option for the middle pu alone. SSS has standard wiring. My view is the SS is a little raunchier than the strat, perhaps a little less liquid on clean tones, but probably a more modern sound. Lighter & more comfortable too.

 

[rmh925]

I don't own one yet, but i would say get a Silo anyway.

 

[Jonny Dubai]

Yes mate. That is why I am going for one too!!!!

J

 

[candid_x]

I've always thought, since getting a couple of Silo Specials, that they are made for funk. Can't go wrong in any available configuration, though that's always a matter of personal taste. The biggest difference in the SSS is the sound of position 2 (bridge/middle), which is more authentically quacky than a HSS, though I also like position 2 with the HSS, it's just different. Position 3 (middle) gets you a split HB and neck sc, with the HSS. Again, just a matter of which you like better.

Just as a matter of taste and record, I'm liking the DiMarzio Breed HB in the HSS a great deal. Throatier and fatter. I also like better the sound of positions 2 and 3. I've never tried the newer stock Virtual PAF, but the custom MM DM of pre-2005 was a bit on the thin side for me. I've never had the chance to A/B them, but I suspect they're voiced very closely.

 

[douglasspears]

Just curious...how is the Axis SS H/H not getting you the sound you need? You got the 5 way switch to split to single coil?

I have an EVH and recently got an Axis SS so I'm curious what more I could get from a Silo. thanks!

 

[Ripper]

Just curious...how is the Axis SS H/H not getting you the sound you need? You got the 5 way switch to split to single coil?

I have an EVH and recently got an Axis SS so I'm curious what more I could get from a Silo. thanks!

The middle single coil is the thing you dont get from the EVH/ASS.

 

[Slingy]

The Luke can do funk/fusion/rock. Just listen to some of Steve's wide variety of sounds. Though there is no single bridge option or hardtail.

 

[threeminutesboy]

Dude, are you for real??? The AL MM90 using bridge/middle is amazing for funk!!!!!!! But, if you dont like it, go silo special SSS rosewood.

+1 Actually the AL MM90 can do the work and more !!! I also think the Axis SS HH can do a very good job for funk

 

[travs]

Dude, are you for real??? The AL MM90 using bridge/middle is amazing for funk!!!!!!! But, if you dont like it, go silo special SSS rosewood.

Any Al will work for the funkalicous. but so would any Silo, Morse, Axis..etc.

 

[kompressaur]

i spent a fair bit of time gigging a pearl purple Silo Special which now belongs to Bungo on here. It was a great guitar for the funk/soul/pop licks and could do heavy too.

but i rate my Morse higher for a varied set. it can do it all

 

[whitestrat]

Just curious...how is the Axis SS H/H not getting you the sound you need? You got the 5 way switch to split to single coil?

I have an EVH and recently got an Axis SS so I'm curious what more I could get from a Silo. thanks!

One key ingredient: A full alder body, with front routed cavities and a plastic pickguard.

Believe it or not, the pickguard does affect the tone to a certain extent. (no, I'm not kidding)

 

[DrGonzo5150]

The Luke can do funk/fusion/rock. Just listen to some of Steve's wide variety of sounds. Though there is no single bridge option or hardtail.

+1
Lukes are more than capable of a bit of funky stuff... And can handle most anything else too!

I don't think you can go wrong with a Silo either though... I have difinitely used it doing a heap of funky-ish stuff and it sounds great - I've just always been partial to Lukes.

 

[RocketRalf]

I'm gonna break the mold and say go for a regular Silo if rock+quack is what you're looking for.

 

[Ponch]

+1
Lukes are more than capable of a bit of funky stuff... And can handle most anything else too!

I don't think you can go wrong with a Silo either though... I have difinitely used it doing a heap of funky-ish stuff and it sounds great - I've just always been partial to Lukes.

Yeap, that will do. go for luke if you want to, but I think Silo's single pickups will works great too. Why don't you try it yourself at the nearest Music Man dealer, just to make sure which one that you like the most. best luck bro