The Skyliner EQ and high plates came in generation four, correct?
The precision power supply was introduced in Gen 2?
Was 'classic' Gen 1?
HRM and Bluesmaster?
Also, I'd love to hear some opinions on the differences in clean tones and OD tones over each generation, as well as "Gen-X sounds best with single coils/humbuckers."
I've heard conflicting opinions about whether the clean tones are better on high vs low plates. I just trying to understand the distinction and whether they pertain to different guitars.
Ultimately I know I will end up trying all the variations, but I'd love my first build to come close to my "Barbie Dream Amp(TM)"
I'm pretty exclusively a strat player, but I use EMG active pups. I've always loved the clean tones of Hendrix (think wind cries mary). For lead tones I'm more in the David Gilmore or Jeff Beck camp (or Steve Hillage for you hippies out there).
Now I know some would say, well if you like "Guitar Player X" you should use what he plays. I don't want to sound like any other player, I want to find something that responds to my playing style. These are just guitarist that I tried to learn from when I was younger.