305 or SAS? Opinions sought!

[tonyvenn]

Hello all...

I am GASsing lately for a single coil sound....and I'm trying to decide between the 305 or the SAS with narrowfields.

I know for sure I want a maple neck & fretboard.

After that, I'm a little unsure...so I was hoping to get some opinions from owners of the 305 and SAS.

I an even considering tracking down an old EG-3

My main influences when it comes to "Strat playing" would be:

David Gilmour
The Edge
Andy Summers
Eric Johnson

I hoping that will give an idea of the sounds I'm after....

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Tony

 

[László]

If you want a single coil sound, go for the 305, as it's 3 single coils, instead of two humbuckers and a single.

 

[Egads]

Or, go for a 513 and cover more bases. I love the singlecoil sounds I get in all positions.

 

[watelessness]

Or, go for a 513 and cover more bases. I love the singlecoil sounds I get in all positions.

Agreed. The 305 is a pure single coil machine while the 513 gives you a 305 + 8 more sound options. In my experience, the SANF leans a tad toward P90's, whereas the end generation SAS with the 5-way blade is a great single coil machine with excellent humbucking options

 

[yankeebulldog]

I'd suggest you also consider the Brent Mason or even the DC3. I've owned all the SAS variants, the 305, 513, and the DC3 but I like the BM the best. I prefer to have the option of hum and single coil sounds especially in the bridge. The DC3 is obviously a little better at pure strat tones due to the alder body and 3 singles but the Korina on the BM adds a little fatness in the mids I dig. I also like the bigger neck on the BM.

 

[Bill SAS 513]

513 or SAS will both satisfy...Today the 513 gets my vote...and watch neck pockets on older EG guitars...that was their achille's heal...I have seen many with cracks from presumingly taking hits to the headstock...that's why I love the new bolt on configuration.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Let us know what you get, I've been havin' the same urges.

 

[Egads]

I don't have a Brent Mason...yet, but it is definitely on the hit list, too.

 

[Bill SAS 513]

Ok, so I thought of another you could try for single coil tones...I just picked up a Cust 22 Special with HSH configuration, with really nice single coil vibe...don't see many of these...don't know why...really neat piece...just a thought.

 

[Ape Factory]

305 without a doubt. I have a DGT and a PD100, both of which split, but the 305 is in another single coil league. They don't get nearly enough love but are extremely versatile with nothing more than a turn of the volume knob. SRV or Gilmour all in the same guitar. And the cleans are just brilliant and never harsh.

 

[daa2202]

305, DC3, or 513. As noted, the 513 can get the same single coil sounds, plus many more. While I love the narrowfields, they don't sound particularly (F-style) single-coil-like...more like P-90s when the volume is rolled back. (P-90s are also single coils, of course, but not what the OP means, I think.)

I had a 305 and liked it quite a bit, but I sold it after a 513 made it redundant.

 

[Shultzie]

Ok, so I thought of another you could try for single coil tones...I just picked up a Cust 22 Special with HSH configuration, with really nice single coil vibe...don't see many of these...don't know why...really neat piece...just a thought.

Yeah, I just got a NOS C22 special from Chuck's that sounds incredible - Blows my 2007 SAS away - Conversely, my 305 is as nice as the special, but with the added 25.5 scale aspect as well. (Don't let me talk you out of a SAS, YMMV)

Every couple months I get a wild hair and bug Shawn 'bout how to 'fix' the SAS - first it was DGT's (can't get 'em now), Then 53/10s (can't get 'em now). Maybe rob the 53/10s from my Quatro for the SAS - Then slap some \m/s in the Quatro. Dunno - thoughts welcomed...

Shultzie

 

[Bill SAS 513]

Yeah, I just got a NOS C22 special from Chuck's that sounds incredible - Blows my 2007 SAS away - Conversely, my 305 is as nice as the special, but with the added 25.5 scale aspect as well. (Don't let me talk you out of a SAS, YMMV)

Every couple months I get a wild hair and bug Shawn 'bout how to 'fix' the SAS - first it was DGT's (can't get 'em now), Then 53/10s (can't get 'em now). Maybe rob the 53/10s from my Quatro for the SAS - Then slap some \m/s in the Quatro. Dunno - thoughts welcomed...

Shultzie

I have kinda been in same boat...I have a couple SAS's and considered a couple options for something totally different...like Starla's...???

 

[Ape Factory]

I still say go with the 305. It's exactly what you're looking for sound wise. I've not played a 513 yet but it seems there's a whole layer of complexity that comes with the 513 and pickup switching. Plus is an ever so slightly different scale length and the wood used in the body is different. I see the 513 has a maple cap too. If you're going after Strat territory with PRS build quality, the 305 would be the way to go.

How could you say no to something like this?