Much Eastman love....

[Slowy]

One thing I will say for the 335ish shape, it makes one appreciate how organically comfortable a Strat can be.

Now you’ve got a 335 I’m looking forward to you getting an Ibanez superstrat with shark fin inlays and reverse headstock!

I can't keep up with those.

[H671]

Yeah, it's way too blingy for my taste; I'm still not completely used to it. The knobs are purely functional but they work well. I can't imagine how I'd play without them. But I'm loving the sounds I get now. I'll try this with the Band tomorrow; if it works, all my Fenderish children may be taking an extended holiday.

Hmm!
That guitar would look great next to my Hagstrom Viking Bass.

Sorry, I don't need a bass.
But thanks!

no no no!
I meant sitting in my house

[Slowy]

Used the VHT with the Band last night. It'll do nicely.
The problem was one of dynamics. I fingerpick everything and need both clean and breakup at my fingertips. The VHT gives me that sweet spot at exactly the band's volume. So I can get on with playing what I feel and hearing what I expect. It's most liberating!

I'm also getting to grips with the much bigger sound Humbuckers deliver. Rather than push the guitar and myself to get enough mass, I'm now backing off for background parts and digging a bit deeper when prominence is required. It's all feeling quite natural and last night, the Band sounded really good. The hard work is paying dividends!

[Jay]

Used the VHT with the Band last night. It'll do nicely.
The problem was one of dynamics. I fingerpick everything and need both clean and breakup at my fingertips. The VHT gives me that sweet spot at exactly the band's volume. So I can get on with playing what I feel and hearing what I expect. It's most liberating!

I'm also getting to grips with the much bigger sound Humbuckers deliver. Rather than push the guitar and myself to get enough mass, I'm now backing off for background parts and digging a bit deeper when prominence is required. It's all feeling quite natural and last night, the Band sounded really good. The hard work is paying dividends!

So the 'presence ' issue is solved then?

[Slowy]

Used the VHT with the Band last night. It'll do nicely.
The problem was one of dynamics. I fingerpick everything and need both clean and breakup at my fingertips. The VHT gives me that sweet spot at exactly the band's volume. So I can get on with playing what I feel and hearing what I expect. It's most liberating!

I'm also getting to grips with the much bigger sound Humbuckers deliver. Rather than push the guitar and myself to get enough mass, I'm now backing off for background parts and digging a bit deeper when prominence is required. It's all feeling quite natural and last night, the Band sounded really good. The hard work is paying dividends!

So the 'presence ' issue is solved then?

Yes. It's still a touch bright for Telecasters but with Humbuckers that converts to clarity.

[robthemac]

Used the VHT with the Band last night. It'll do nicely.
The problem was one of dynamics. I fingerpick everything and need both clean and breakup at my fingertips. The VHT gives me that sweet spot at exactly the band's volume. So I can get on with playing what I feel and hearing what I expect. It's most liberating!

I'm also getting to grips with the much bigger sound Humbuckers deliver. Rather than push the guitar and myself to get enough mass, I'm now backing off for background parts and digging a bit deeper when prominence is required. It's all feeling quite natural and last night, the Band sounded really good. The hard work is paying dividends!

So the 'presence ' issue is solved then?

Yes. It's still a touch bright for Telecasters but with Humbuckers that converts to clarity.

That VHT certainly cuts through a mix.

[Slowy]

So the 'presence ' issue is solved then?

Yes. It's still a touch bright for Telecasters but with Humbuckers that converts to clarity.

That VHT certainly cuts through a mix.

It's much better behaved after Jay's tender ministrations.