Help! Steve Morse Y2D or Original?!

[strangedata]

Hello Everyone.

I'm new here, so I'd like to introduce myself first: I've been playing for about 3 years now, but just recently I really started putting some more time into it and so I think that it's time to get some new gear. I have a small all-tube amp, Fame GTA-15 and some Line 6 ToneCore pedals. The styles I enjoy playing go from Blues and Rock Classics to Metal. My favorite rock band is The Who (and the second place goes on a long list tie ).

Since I do like Deep Purple and the great licks that Steve Morse gives us, and since his guitar has such a long range of tones, it seems to be the perfect choice. But as nothing in life comes easy, I got faced with the choice between the two models available. So now I have the chance to buy a new SM original and a used SMY2D in pretty good condition, both with Floyd Rose, at almost the same price.

Now here is the catch: I won't have a chance to play any of them before making the decision. I live in Brazil and I'll be in NY for about 12 days beginning Nov 21st, therefore I must make a quick decision so that arrangements for the sale can be made.

And finally, here is my question: Even though I find the Y2D the most beautiful guitar I've ever laid eyes on, I do enjoy how the original looks, but I fear that I might miss the tones that the slanted single coil PU would give me. So how does the Y2D compares to the original SM tonewise? Would I miss the slanted PU? Apart from that, what are other (dis)/advantages of the Y2D over the original?

Trying to find a clear comparison between the two has been a futile exercise... and a bit frustrating with the time running out.

Also, if you know a guitar store in NY/NJ that might carry the original model, I'd be glad to hear about it.

Thanks for the help and sorry for the long post!

Cheers!

 

[Ripper]

Welcome to the forum!

Yup the Y2D no doubt is one of the most beautiful guitar around. I got one and was once contemplated to trade it for a standard morse in blue dawn, no I did not finally - fearing of not able to get it back again.

To me, though the Y2D is a later version of the SM series, I would think the standard morse would be one to go for if someone wants to upgrade his Y2D. Too many pups choices on the standard. Sometimes, less is more. Now you love the look of a Y2D, but you want the function of the Standard. Ask yourself - do you like messing around with options? or are you a simpler person who like to just play your music? If you decisde to go for the Standard, I recommend a Black one - Killer looks! Enjoy yourself here!

 

[guitarman23]

well, y2d is amazing in every way, but when i want more tone selection i go for the original morse, it seems to have more of wider range in tones for me. good luck

and as "Ripper" said "I recommend a Black one - Killer looks! Enjoy yourself here!"

i now regret selling my black morse last year....

 

[SPI]

Y2D is a "live" guitar and the original is a "studio" guitar in my opinion. I prefer Y2D (and own )). I had changed the wiring - now it has two very interesting auto coil split and single combinations in 4 and 3 position.

 

[beej]

I have the hardtail version of both models. The bottom line is that they're extremely similar.

Depends what style you play, but the extra slanted pickup from the original Morse doesn't make a ton of difference. You get some extra quacky/rhythm tones from it. The switching is different- very versatile, but takes getting used to.

The Y2D is sonically similar. Pickups are set a little lower, have slightly higher output. Hard to tell the difference. Some people find it a little brighter due to the maple cap- I don't notice that, myself. The switching is easier to get used to, that's a plus.

I love both of them, and I don't see them as all that different. Neck, body, sounds are the same. If you can play them in person, you might like the feel of one vs the other (hey, they're made out of wood ... every one is slightly different). If not, it comes down to aesthetics and switching. If you prefer the look of one over the other, get it.

 

[strangedata]

Thanks for all the insights!

@Ripper:
I don't mind messing with all the options I'd have on the Standard SM... I guess I'm kinda geek and I find the possibility of different tones very appealing.

But by taking in consideration what beej said, that there's not much more to gain from the slanted SC, maybe there really is no point in having that extra option.

For summing up the styles I enjoy, let me tell you about the lineup for the last two jam sessions I went to:
- Clapton's Cocaine;
- Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama;
- Cure's Boys Don't Cry;
- Kiss' Rock'n'Roll All Nite;
- Evanescence's Bring Me to Life;
- AC/DC Highway to Hell;
- Guns' Sweet Child O'Mine (which went really poorly ).

So I do enjoy a bit of everything, I guess.

@guitarman23:
You say the Original gives you a wider range. You think it's because of the extra single coil, or something else?

@SPI:
When I say the Original SM is more of a studio guitar, what do you mean by that? That the original has a better quality to its sound or just that the Y2D looks better?

@beej:
I heard someone saying that the Y2D must have its pickups higher so that it may get a higher output with the same PU models. But talking to a friend of mine, he also said that it could be different version of the same model. Do you think it gets a higher output just because of the position? Shouldn't we be able to set it higher or lower and get the same output?

I thank you all again for taking the time to help me out!

Cheers!

 

[SPI]

i mean that original has more switches. More switches=more sounds and more complexity, which is better in studio, but not on stage.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

If you'll be in NYC, why not make a 3 hour car ride to see Pete DuBaldo up in Manchester, CT. He'll very likely have every option of guitar in his shop. (he's on this forum) Personally, I'd never buy a guitar before playing the actual one I'm considering....but that's me.

jack

 

[Shadowbox]

You really could go with either. You will end up with an amazing guitar in either scenario.
If you end up getting one and mourning the fact that you didn't get the other, you can always make a change or another purchase later!

 

[slukather]

I played a Y2D the other week, and it's an awesome guitar, l think l have to add one to my collection, great neck, great pick ups, the single pickup has a nice twang to it.

Scott.

 

[KennyB]

Tough decision. I own both and I think either way you go you’re not going to be disappointed. Check out this link if you haven’t already, and it might give you a little more information about the two choices.
http://www.ernieball.com/smy2d/main.html
I really like the tonal options available with the original SM and its extra slant pickup but that said don’t find I miss it when using the Y2D.
Whatever you decide, you’re going to love it.

 

[Colin]

I love the Y2D, but you really can't go wrong with either model. Here's one of mine

 

[Ripper]

^ Evidence to show that the D is one of the most beautiful guitar available in the market today.

(Stop showing off, Colin )

 

[Mark-NL]

I love the Y2D, but you really can't go wrong with either model. Here's one of mine

..WOW!!!

 

[strangedata]

You see the position I'm in?! I think I might miss the slanted PU tones but WOW, how could I simply dismiss such looks?

This Purple Sunset is the killer looks... I wish I could get this finishing with the slanted PU... it would make my life much easier

For those that own the standard SM (or played it already): you think I could get a strat's HSS sound with the slanted PU?

 

[strangedata]

I think I'll got with the Y2D... Hopefully I won't miss the slanted single-coil pickup

Anyway, I'm gonna order it through the web and I'd rather order the one that I believe is the quilted finishing. Just to be sure, the one being handed by Steve Morse at http://www.ernieball.com/smy2d/main.html is the quilted or the flamed one?

How do I know which one I'm ordering? Is the quilted or flamed top more expensive or is there some kind of distinction when ordering, or do I have to count on my lucky?

Thanks again!

 

[Axilla]

Tuff decision, but as I do not fool around with lotsa options most of the time (guitar-cable-amp is my way to go...), the Y2D would be my choice of weapons...

...speaks for itself...

 

[beej]

Either way, you just can't go wrong. Both guitars are so killer.

No matter how much I try to put other guitars in rotation, I love my Morses. They fit like a glove.

 

[strangedata]

Thanks everyone for helping!

Hopefully in about three days I'll be able to post some pictures of my (soon to be) brand new Y2D!

But now that I've settled for this guitar, can anyone recommend strings for it? I read somewhere that SM uses strings that are sold separately (i.e.: one string per package), but I'm not sure which strings.

What strings come with the Y2D? I don't really need to get the same one as SM, so what do you recommend?

Also, do you have any tips on maintenance? I'm thinking on buying the Wonder Wipes String Cleaner and Fretboard Conditioner. Do you recommend anything else?

Thanks again!

 

[SPI]

strings brand and gauge is a matter of taste