I have the same Clapton vibro champ. I still have the original tubes in mine, and it has amazing tone, and grind when turned up. It sounds to me like yours needs new tubes.
I had a Taylor 322. It was a nice guitar, with a very comfortable size. However, over time I decided that it really was not as nice as my Larrivee, so I got rid of it. I would consider a Larrivee as a nice alternative .
I'm with you. His playing is alright, but it doesn't do much for me (other than making me feel better about my own playing). I guess we can't all enjoy the same music, nor all appreciate the same players. There is nothing wrong with "not getting it." I definitely enjoy SRV, Guy, Clapton, and...
In my experience with pickups, I don't know that it matters. I love Lace Gold's, and they are ceramic. I also dig G&L MFD pickups, and they're ceramic as well. I don't think that I could tell ceramic from alnico if I was blind folded.
I agree. I have the Lace Gold's in my Buddy Guy Strat (very similar to the EC Strat), and they get a great vintage sound to my ears. Matched up with the midboost circuit and the TBX control, and it's one versatile guitar.
I really loved my big apple Strat. Great humbucker sounds, and really good position 2&4 sound too. I believe it came with a Duncan '59 in the neck and a Pearly Gates in the bridge.
It says one is a Strat, and the other is a a Tele. Not the first is a Strat and the second one is a Tele. It isn't really clear. No reason to be condescending.
One thing that you will notice with the midboost circuit is that it will be louder than a standard Strat with regular single coil pickups. This is true whether you turn up the midboost or not. The midboost does add another dimension to the sound, and you can get some convincing humbucker sounds...
Learn that most differences are not worth arguing about. Avoid being critical. Praise each other ; "You look beautiful." "That was a fantastic dinner." Etc.... The phrase "thank you" can't be used too much. Keep the passion alive. Make her and your relationship a priority. Little surprises, just...
I'm not an expert on SRV's gear. Texas special pickups are supposed to be a close proximity to his tone. But as for which Lace sensors would be close to his sound, it might be neither.