Please excuse my ignorance

[mpisanek]

Can anyone tell me what the difference in the electronics is between the spoiler and elan series and what the general sound characteristics of each line is??

[adriaan]

IIRC the Elan package is basically the Spoiler package, but with a pan control instead of a pickup selector. Either package would be a custom order these days, as they are not offered as a standard option on any model. The closest current package would be the Essence with an added Q switch.
 
Anyway, don't expect a different sound based on the electronics ... A standard Elan would have a maple body, a standard Spoiler would have a mahogany body, and IMO that would be the most significant factor in how they would sound different.

[mpisanek]

Are the pickups on both of those lines essentially the same?
 
The reason I am asking is that I am currently the owner of a 86 spoiler 6 string and I am looking to add an Elan 6 string, from 1990.  I will probably not get to play the elan before I purchase it unfortunately, so I was wondering what the differences in electronics and sound would be.
 
I was also wondering if an upgrade in electronics to something a little more sophisticated might be worthwile on my spoiler.
 
Thanks.

[adriaan]

I'm awaiting the arrival of the modified package for my Spoiler, actually: pan control instead of the pickup selector, and replace the 0/8 dB Q switch with a 0/3/6 dB Q switch.

[David Houck]

Not all Elans are the same.  Some have PJ pickups, some have Purpleheart neck laminates, some have Maple bodies.  Any of these differences could cause the bass to sound significantly different from a Spoiler.  Have any pictures??

[mpisanek]

Thanks for the help guys!!!