2008 american standard sustain

hjeong1114 · June 10th, 2009, 03:26 PM

Hello everyone,
I recently bought a 2008 american standard strat, and I've noticed that the sustain is noticeably short (maybe 1/2~2/3) compared to my prs se custom (stoptail). Is this normal? I mean, the stoptail and the set (and fatter) neck of prs should give it better sustain, but it seems like the difference is too much. They both have the same strings and are played through a digitech rp250 in the same setting.

Scott L · June 10th, 2009, 04:52 PM

Start simple - How old are the strings? -

Next check the set up - if the strings are too close, the poles will reduce the strings vibration / sustain.

Are you up for blocking the Tremelo ? That will help.

I find running thru any box I need to up the preamp / boost on a Strat vs most guitars with Humbuckers - its more of volume thing than actual length of the sustain.

hjeong1114 · June 10th, 2009, 09:14 PM

The strings are pretty new, and the pickups are pretty far off the strings.

Scott L · June 10th, 2009, 09:31 PM

Is it a new Strat? Can you go back to the store to compare it to another, or a friend's strat?

Are you running straight to your amp input and compare?

Are you at / getting the same DB output as you were with the PRS? If no try to get to the same DB / volume level and then compare. Perhaps the PRS has some high output PUPS?

I find a need to adjust my levels when switching off / to single poles. This may be giving you the perception of low sustain, when it might be volume drop off. Even among my different Strats there are pretty significant PUP output differences.

stratagem · June 11th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Try hanging each from the headstock (like a wall hanger or a friend's hand) and then pluck the B string. As you do, grab the bottom (where the strap peg is) and feel the sustain. This will give you some idea without the confusion of different pup outputs.

This is also a good trick to choose between the same model of guitar in the shop.

*this trick stolen from Carl Verheyen

hjeong1114 · June 11th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stratagem

Try hanging each from the headstock (like a wall hanger or a friend's hand) and then pluck the B string. As you do, grab the bottom (where the strap peg is) and feel the sustain. This will give you some idea without the confusion of different pup outputs.

This is also a good trick to choose between the same model of guitar in the shop.

*this trick stolen from Carl Verheyen

Thanks, I will try that first thing when I get home!