NGD: Silhouette Special

[sbruce]

I just picked up my first MM! I'm still in the "bonding" phase, so I'm not sold that it's the one for me.
The crafstmanship far surpasses any guitar I've owned before. I really was looking for a maple fretboard guitar; but this popped up and the price was right. All I've heard about the feel of neck finish is spot on. And the trem system is AMAZING!
It's currently strung with 10's, and feels pretty "stiff" so I'm gonna try 9's and lower the action to see how that changes my thoughts. On paper this is what I've wanted, a slick super-strat but less "shreddery". But the narrower nut may prove to be too much for me...we'll see. I'm used to 1.650. (even though I have small hands, I have short stubby fingers My ideal neck spec's would be like my Ibanez JS, but a bit thicker. The Petrucci is too slim for my taste.

Couple questions:

- Can you purchase "loaded" PU's to allow for use of the quick-change clip system?
- What's the general consensus on the PU's?
- I like low action (1.3-1.5mm). Anyone run that low on these? Frets seem in good shape
- It's currently set up to float. How do most you run yours...decked or float?

 

[DrKev]

Congrats and welcome to the forum family!

With the 10" radius you may find it chokes a little when bending if your action is that low. Try it and see.

I love the stock pickups. They are vintage vibe lower output not high output rock machines (though they rock plenty good!). I float too and wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[lock-ny]

Hey man, congratulations, I have 2 silo specials, I like the pups but I changed both bridge humbuckers because I needed something a bit hotter but they are cool stock, as far as the nut width, youll get used to it and then an Ibanez or a strat will feel too big and clunky to you, that's what happened to me, only a few other guitars are comfortable to me now after playing MM for like 20 years now, enjoy!

 

[sbruce]

Thanks guys! I spent some time with it this afternoon, it's starting to grow on me I do think I will need to change the PU's though. I am just used to something a bit hotter. Is there a place that will wire up a new guard with the connector Ernie Ball uses? I'd love to be able to swap guards.

 

[QuietSpike]

Dude, that thing is pretty! Timeless looks. Congrats!

 

[Flash Gordon]

You can get pick guards from these guys (rumor has it EBMM sources OEM here):

Pickguard Heaven: Materials

Another option is to find a used one on eBay and popster with your own PU's. The guard swap is super easy with the clip... It is a single plug. Unscre the guard, unclip, clip in new, screw it down, done.

 

[Tollywood]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[paranoid70]

I have the same guitar. I had the scratch plate changed out and added a Dimarzio Air Zone pickup. Also changed the pot to 500k.

 

[canuck6string]

Hi sbruce. Welcome. Unfortunately, there are no aftermarket loaded pick guards (like you find for Strats/Teles).

I found the stock pickups great for almost all music except the high gain stuff (didn't play that style, so win for me). The HB is vintage voiced and the single coils are more Texas Blues wind than vintage.