Every week, I go out to different open mic\blues jams on Wednesday nights and Thursday nights. On Wednesday night, I took my old fave American Standard Strat... and then let someone else play it for a while and I listened to it. It was fairly clean, unmic'ed with no effects. It really sounded good to me and very "big". I really like the pickups in that guitar and it is totally stock. On Thurday night, I took my 2016 American Standard with a Shawbucker in the bridge and 2 Fat 50's. I stood in the back and while I liked the sound very much, I was shocked at how different the guitar sounded. The same guy played it (and very well too!!!), but it had a totally different sound. I am pretty sure it was the same amp both nights. At home, I hear a difference, but at gig volume, the two guitars had very different personalities. The Shawbucker sounded much rawer to my ears than I thought it sounded, very much early 70's classic rock. The Fat 50's were very clear, but very in your face. Maybe the pickup heights are different. Anyway, has anyone else heard their guitar from the crowd and not from the stage? It is a totally different experience. I was very pleased with both of my guitars, but I can see where there is a chance where someone might not be. Next week, I will take my Strat with JB'jr\lil 59'ner\lil59'ner. I usually gig with it because it is 100% quiet. I get a lot of compliments on that guitar, but I guess I need to hear it from out front to know what it really sounds like. Then there's the ASAT Special, and the Washburn HB 35s. I got MojoTone PAF's in that Washburn. Sounds great at home!!!!