DC3 NGD, but still pondering decision....

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GeoDude

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Feb 5, 2014
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Hi folks! I picked up a NOS DC3 just a few days ago, and it is perhaps the best playing guitar I have ever had my hands on :proud:. The only problem I am having is that I missed out on an NF3 that was sold just two days prior. I was hemming and hawing between the two, and when I finally made my mind up to go in and settle the score, the NF3 was gone. So, while I ad been leaning towards the NF3, I ended up going with the DC3 because the deal was too good to pass up (both were at smokin' discounts, BTW). Compounding things is that I find the DC3 doesn't match well with my little VOX modeling amp (I know it should be played through a beefy tube amp, but that doesn't always work in my life, and I have found my little VOX DA5 to be an excellent choice with my knockoff Tele and my real-deal LP). So, here are my thoughts/questions:

First - The DC3 is great, it delivers Strat sounds in spades! So don't get me wrong, it's more that I MAY have preferred the NF3.

Second - Are the PUPs o a DC3 super-low output? Seems like I have to turn my amp way higher than with my other guitars in order to get the same sound? In fact, I have to dime the volume on the amp in order to be able to roll off the guitar volume and get those strat tones.

Third - Is there a reasonably priced amp the would pair well with the DC3? One that would let me get that buttery Clapton sound without blowing the window out of the house?

Last - I still have 25 day to bring it back for a full refund and continue my quest, should I?

Thanks!
 
If you're not feelin' the guitar and the return option is there, then you should probably return it and try to find a NF3. Sometimes it just isn't meant to be. While I generally push people to go the tube amp route, it doesn't work well for everyone. Would need to know more about what tones you seek to try to suggest a lower watt tube amp. In general, I like the small Blackstar heads, Orange tiny terror and Mesa mini Recto...I'm a higher gain player though.
 
if you want a good, low priced tube amp to go with the DC3... you might want to try a fender blues junior.... good clean tone, reverb is pretty good and handles pedals well....
 
vox801 said:
if you want a good, low priced tube amp to go with the DC3... you might want to try a fender blues junior.... good clean tone, reverb is pretty good and handles pedals well.

I am trying a friends fender pro junior today, and it handles the cleans pretty well. Prob need a pedal to get some sustain without waking up the neighbors though. I have another buddy with the little Orange head that i can hit up for a demo. Thanks for the suggestions.
Click to expand...
 
At volume, I totally dig the guitar, but it isn't the most versatile guitar in the world, which may be my primary issue. I think I'll try to add a pedal or two into the mix to see if i can expand the pallet a bit. It is a fantastic guitar, and I didn't play anything as good (excepting a prs 408 at a much higher price) during my two months of looking. Tough to quit on that. Thanks for you thoughts!
 
I find the 305 / DC3 pickups to be a bit low on output but great in tone use a booster or compressor or pedal ( I know a great one ;) ) to add a bit and you will just die for the tone ( IMHO )
as far as low dollar amps I am a Egnater fan (the tweaker 15) rocks ( better with EL34s )
 
Maybe decide if this is just a case of buyer's remorse, something many folks feel from time to time after a big purchase, or if the guitar simply isn't for you.

I don't see how asking people who aren't familiar with your playing style and personal preferences can be of real help in your decision. Your opinion is the only one that can possibly count.

But if you really, really just want random opinions, here's mine: Put the guitar in a closet for a few days, don't play it, don't look at it, and see if you miss it. If you miss it, keep it. If not, take it back.
 
Play sound with the pickup height, too. I think those pups are very sensitive to the distance from the string.

Depending on budget: the PRS Sweet 16 is an awesome lower power amp. It can still get plenty loud, and sounds best when it's working a little bit. The Mesa Mini Rec and TA-15 are cool small heads for good prices. I've got a Fender Excelsior, with upgraded tubes and speaker, and love it (Mike Campbell runs one live with Tom Petty). I just played their Vaporizer, and with a good set of tubes, it would make a great CHEAP home amp. I don't think it could hang with a drummer, but it sounded good for the price.
 
the guitar pickups Do have a lower output to voice the sound of a vintage strat.... you would have to put a booster or OD pedal in front of the blues junior to get the sound you want at lower volumes.... If you compare the DC3 with and American standard strat I think you'll find the DC3 has warmer woodier tone and not as biting in the bridge pick up....
 
LSchefman said:
Maybe decide if this is just a case of buyer's remorse, something many folks feel from time to time after a big purchase, or if the guitar simply isn't for you.

I don't see how asking people who aren't familiar with your playing style and personal preferences can be of real help in your decision. Your opinion is the only one that can possibly count.

But if you really, really just want random opinions, here's mine: Put the guitar in a closet for a few days, don't play it, don't look at it, and see if you miss it. If you miss it, keep it. If not, take it back.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know it is lame of me to ask such ambiguous questions - but to your point, I don't think it's a case of remorse, but more a case of what migh have been. I didn't play it yesterday, but have the itch to today, so that may be a sign! Thanks.
 
Rider1260 said:
I find the 305 / DC3 pickups to be a bit low on output but great in tone use a booster or compressor or pedal ( I know a great one ;) ) to add a bit and you will just die for the tone ( IMHO )
as far as low dollar amps I am a Egnater fan (the tweaker 15) rocks ( better with EL34s )
Click to expand...

I will absolutely check out the pedals. Thanks.
 
I also tried both and bought the DC3. It's got the single coil sparkle which the NF3 doesn't.

You might also want to check out this review which compares the DC3 and the NF3:

http://iheartguitarblog.com/2011/11/review-paul-reed-smith-dc3-nf3.html

As previously recommended, a Fender Blues Junior (or Pro Junior!) combined with a good OD pedal and a DC3 will get you some killer tones at a reasonable volume. As far as which OD pedal, you will get a thousand different opinions but there are a lot of great choices out there. Good luck with the search!
 
I am thinking Silverface Fender Champ, or a Silverface Fender Princeton. These vintage tube amps will not break the bank or the windows...but have tone for ever! Another low wattage tube amp that sounds incredible is the Marshall Class 5.

If your budget allows it though, I would totally get a sweet 16! They sound ridiculous......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27KzP067GKM
 
Danerada said:
I am thinking Silverface Fender Champ, or a Silverface Fender Princeton. These vintage tube amps will not break the bank or the windows...but have tone for ever! Another low wattage tube amp that sounds incredible is the Marshall Class 5.

If your budget allows it though, I would totally get a sweet 16! They sound ridiculous......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27KzP067GKM
Click to expand...

the marshal class 5 is a great little amp for the price.... not as clean as a blues jr, but has a good valve sound at low volumes...
 
Detroitblues said:
If you like modeling amps, Fenders Mustang series are excellent. Much better than Vox.
Click to expand...

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I have been playing the DC3 quite a bit and it may be hard to part with at the end of my trial period. I do find the voice to be a bit more treble-laden than I would ultimately like, but I have been able to dial in a some good sounds using a friends Fender Pro Junior and a cheesy 1980's Korg distortion pedal. Still looking to see if I can find a good price on an NF3, and if so, I might make the switch. A llttle off-topic, but does anyone know if a loaded NF3 pickguard fits the DC3? Thanks.
 
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