"SOS" sound

[Mini-Strat_Maine]

No, nothing to do with chipped beef . . .
I hope the statute of smitations has passed for mentions of this, but way back in March, Wolf wrote:

A Stratocaster In positions 2 and 4 puts the pickups in parallel. This does produce an even thinner sound than the single coil sound, but it is definitely one of the distinctive sounds of a Stratocaster. ( For example, position 4 = "Sultans Of Swing" sound.)^1
1 Yes, I know it isn't exactly the "Sultans of Swing" sound but close enough.

So what's the rest of the equation? The reason I ask is that my older stepson has gotten interested in "Sultans." Right now he's practicing it pretty seriously, using that Ibanez RG120 that I bought from member lethargytartare, and my Marshall MG30DFX. Dunno what he's got the pickup selector set for, but it sounds pretty good so far. (It's a pleasant change from the Metal stuff he used to play all the time.)
I think The Old Man is gonna hafta learn "all the chords, [even though he'd rather] make it cry or sing." (And I've got one with a position 4.)
Geez, I'll hafta drag out my tube amp, too. He hasn't set eyes on that yet, so once he knows it's here, I'll probably end up locking it in the back of my car so it doesn't "migrate" to his room.

[JohnH]

Theres three other essential components of the SOS sound:

a cheesy headband
a medium length mullet
throw away the pick

John

ps I never wanted to be Mark Knopfler. But I did want to be David Knopfler, who played those rhythm chords.

EDIT pps - an examination of contemporary photographic evidence suggests that the headband and mullet may have developed as a consequence of SOS, rather than as a pre-existing condition. Hence these should be considered as risk factors.

On the plus side, you can explain the need for 'an old guitar', cause thats all he can afford - and Dads '58 Strat should do nicely

[ChrisK]

A Stratocaster In positions 2 and 4 puts the pickups in parallel. This does produce an even thinner sound than the single coil sound, but it is definitely one of the distinctive sounds of a Stratocaster.

Thinner is a relative term. Having both pickups in parallel creates a structure that has half of the equivalent inductance and a much wider string sensing ability than a single pickup alone.

I find this sound to be brighter/richer.

[UnklMickey]

johnh said:

Theres three other essential components of the SOS sound:

a cheesy headband
a medium length mullet
throw away the pick

i am strongly in favor of ONE of those, for my own personal style.

[JohnH]

unklmickey said:

i am strongly in favor of ONE of those, for my own personal style.

OK, now I am confused - I had you pictured in a white Elvis suit with Rhinestones.

John

[UnklMickey]

so what's confusing about that!

it's a very versatile ensemble.

goes well with all sorts of coiffures and head-wear.

[spitfire23bc]

johnh said:

Theres three other essential components of the SOS sound:

a cheesy headband
a medium length mullet
throw away the pick

And luminous trousers...

There are many times I've wished I was Mark Knopfler, but then I discovered the position was already filled :-(


MSM, does your stepson have the live version, as on the Alchemy CD? Or is he learning the studio version. The live version is one of the most mind-blowing songs ever!!

[Mini-Strat_Maine]

spitfire23bc said:

There are many times I've wished I was Mark Knopfler, but then I discovered the position was already filled :-(

Good one.

MSM, does your stepson have the live version, as on the Alchemy CD? Or is he learning the studio version. The live version is one of the most mind-blowing songs ever!!

Hmm, I think the only one either of us have heard is the studio version. I did see Alchemy listed on Napster, but passed it up. I'll take another look at that.

[spitfire23bc]

ministratmaine said:

MSM, does your stepson have the live version, as on the Alchemy CD? Or is he learning the studio version. The live version is one of the most mind-blowing songs ever!!

Hmm, I think the only one either of us have heard is the studio version. I did see Alchemy listed on Napster, but passed it up. I'll take another look at that.

Well worth checking it out!