Grateful Dead Music Forum

Yes, I promise, soon, pics and a review of my new Scarlet Fire Wolf 2.1. But for now, I'm still in the "learning" stage.

This is my first axe with a 'blaster. I'm just blown away by how sweet it sounds. And I'm darn glad I got it with the trim pot option. Yes, I've mostly reached the "set it and leave" it stage but with the trim pot, *I* get to choose the level. What's the odds, if I'd gotten a simple on/off version, of someone else choosing the exact same setting as I prefer? Probably slim to none. So I'm happy indeed to have the trim pot.

I am, though, still unsure when to use the 'blaster and when not to. I just did a Search here. Went through 18 pages of posts with the term "Stratoblaster." Lots of info. on how to build them, where you can buy pre-built ones or kits for both on-board and pedal options, whether or not (and if yes, how) to combine one with a buffer, etc. But surprisingly little on how/how often/when/w-what people are using theirs. A common sentiment is people remarking how, as they get used to their own, they're "using them more and more" but I can't hang my hat on that.

Any thoughts/tips anyone can share? Thanks.

P.S. With a little luck, I'll have a board recording to share of my new Wolf from my band's next show on Sat., August 30 in Fairfax. VA.

Man, that is a beautiful guitar!

Anyhooooooo, about the Blaster, there is a long thread about blaster and buffer/OBEL somewhere. A lot of mixed concepts etc. I'll find it later. Or better yet here it is: forum/viewtopic.php?f=419&t=15390&hilit=buffer+blaster

What I had said in that thread (after experimenting with buffer and blaster with OBEL) was that I did not like them both on at the same time at all. Others had other observations/experiences and options to have one or the other on, or both on.

I ultimately took the blaster out of that guitar and left the buffer and OBEL installed as it is a three single coil Wolf style guitar and it sounds awesome as is.

I then installed the blaster into an American Strat that is stock except for the D'Allen pickups and the blocked tremolo. Sounds sweet!
I have the blaster set to about 3 with an internal trim pot and I leave it on ALL the time.

I use my blaster about 20% of the time
Almost always when Im playing clean leads.... sometimes to drive the Q Tron.
Not sure if one will go in the next geetar but its def a cool option to have

Jon thats one sweet looking guitar !

Thanks both for the kind remarks on the guitar (Leo took the picture - I'll get around soon to taking some more) and the use tips.

I usually go with the always on as well. I don't tweak tone as much as many though...I like to try out a bunch of equiptment, but once I start playing I probably don't vary my tones enough.

tatittle wrote:I usually go with the always on as well.

How long do you go (how many hours of playing) before you need a new battery?

I couldn't say sorry I haven't been using the blasters but for a few years,and I have many guitars with blasters I rotate. I also usually unplug them to deactivate the battery. I am pretty sure Ive never changed the battery in some of the guitars though...makes me wonder if I should, or if I should wait for an obvious problem. The Duracells last a long time that's for sure...Ive read 6 mos and since Im rotating guitars that could explain why I haven't needed to change them all. I think one I changed because I suspected it dying, but I have no idea how long it lasted. Too many blasters to keep track of that

I've got a blaster on my Scarlet Fire Wolf as well as the Cocobolo Tele that milobender modded for me. On the Wolf I'll sometimes switch on the boost when I'm playing a clean lead and it doesn't feel like it's cutting through enough. With the Tele at the soundcheck (otherwise known as the first tune) I'll try out Waldo's buffer and the blaster to see which has the mojo for the evening and go with that (seems to be about 50/50). I have a boost pot on it that I haven't really used yet.

I use the blaster any time I feel like the sound needs a little more 'body'... maybe a little more oommph Don't you just love those 'technical' terms

It may have more to do with my mood than anything.

I just had to change the battery on Woflish (buffer and blaster) for the first time- seemed early, not quite three months. But I did leave the cord plugged in at least once overnight, so.....

I had a blaster installed in one of my guitars. It does use batteries moderately faster than a buffer if I recall.

Peace

I love mine! I keep it on all the time when I am playing my Scarlet Fire Wolf. Provides nice gain and gives some nice "oomph" to the single coils!

Hey Jon...the only guitar I have a blaster in is an 86 MIJ strat with voodoo 69's. I installed both at the same time, along with a brass nut as the axe had vintage noiseless pickups in it when I acquired it in a trade and they sucked big time. I fell in love with the sound with gain set at about 3-4 and I never turn it off. The couple times I've tried, the guitar seemed to loose the edge and tone that made me love it so much to begin with. I put the alembic blaster in with the mini screwdriver access hole to adjust the gain. I fiddled with it for a day or two, looking for the sweet spot and finally settled on what I approximate to be in the 30-40% range. Haven't adjusted it since. That toggle may as well not even be there though, because I don't shut it off. Battery life I can't comment on other than it still has the original after six months, but I don't play it 5 hours a day and I always unplug it when I'm done. I will say that when the time comes to change that battery, I'll be tipping my hat to mgbillis, who was kind enough to get me a split pick guard. Thanks Marty!

Jon, Congratulations on the new axe. looks amazing. I just came looking for info on the Stratoblaster, I'm about to install it on my ESP strat. I had tried one previously, but the wiring harness at the time was a bit of a mess.

Jordan, my man. It's freaking awesome to hear from you - it's been far too long! Is the cell # that begins with 646 still one I can reach you at to catch up? For now, for old tyme's sake, a pic. And yes, the axe truly is amazing. It sounds so excellent. My GAS is over with this one - it's a "lifetime guitar."