What does it sound like?

[Dan Campbell]

I have had a lot of request for a video on what my Fender reproduction models sound like so I have made a new video comparing my Caladesi stringmaster model and my Caladesi deluxe model. This took a lot of time and effort so I hope you will watch it and give me some feedback.

https://youtu.be/0MatcLvCAyw

[Bill Groner]

They look nice.

[David Becker]

Bill, I think you pegged the Understatement Meter!!

[John Harmon]

Love the black one, shape, lay-out etc. But Personally like the tone of the cream colored one. Just the way the ball bounces I guess. John. Both beautiful BTW

[Dan Campbell]

Very Interesting Results: Evenly split between the black one with the Lace Pickup and the Cream one with the Stringmaster Pickup (38% of respondents for each one).
Also 23% did not really hear any significant difference at all.

[Gary Meixner]

Dan,

I think they both sound fantastic. The black deluxe model has a sweet, clean, balanced tone that is very neutral which is a characteristic I have associated with the Alumitone pickup.

The "Stringmaster" model has a lot more character, it is hard for me to say exactly what I am hearing but I like it very much. Although it may not be suitable for everyone.

In my opinion you have built two top notch guitars each with its own tone. My preference is probably for the "Stringmaster"

Great work.

Gary Meixner

[Dan Campbell]

Thanks for the kind words Gary. I agree with your analysis. Both of these guitars are made of Poplar wood (fairly soft - hard wood). I think if the black one was made of maple or ash it would sound a lot more like the other one. The Lace can also be split coiled to sound more like a single coil (without any loss in volume). That would also help it sound more like the Stringmaster pickups. Dan