Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

[aroman]

I have a Jeff Beck Strat with a SD Cutom flat on bridge and Custom staggered on neck.
I am very happy with the bridge sound. I wish the neck was brighter/cleaner.
I tried the SSL-1 on the neck but it does not want to distort.

I like Robin Trower, Hendrix, Uli Roth, SRV tones.
What would you recommend ?

[AlexR]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Well, SRV and Hendrix are not really 'distorted' at all. They are like a more like a low to mid overdrive tone.
I find no issue with pickups of much lower supposed output (even than the ssl1) getting the right ballpark of tones (drive level included). This is with sub 6k vintage strat neck pickups with an overdrive tone dialled in with either amp doing the work or an OD pedal.

What rig do you run and how is it set?

[aroman]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Well, SRV and Hendrix are not really 'distorted' at all. They are like a more like a low to mid overdrive tone.
I find no issue with pickups of much lower supposed output (even than the ssl1) getting the right ballpark of tones (drive level included). This is with sub 6k vintage strat neck pickups with an overdrive tone dialled in with either amp doing the work or an OD pedal.

What rig do you run and how is it set?

Marshall 18 wat and JTM-45 with Ratt, Guv'nor and TS.
I did not like the SSL-1 in the neck.

[Discharged]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

I did not like the SSL-1 in the neck.

Funny you said that... see, the SSL-1 has more the quintessential SRV iconic tonefootprint than any other p'up in the market, specially the neck one.

/Peter

[Warlag]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Maybe the Alnico 2 Seymour Duncan’s? I believe the model are aps. I’ve had my eye on them lately... I heard they are good for that 60s blues tone.

[Silence Kid]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

If OP wants a bright tone that distorts, IMO the Alnico 2 singles (APS-2) are the exact opposite of what he wants. Those pickups are dull and low-output; good if you like that, but...

I’d look into Rose Buff Beauties. Clear and decent output.

[jeremy]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

i dont find the aps dull at all, they are low output though. i used an aps2/aps2/twangbanger set for years in a strat and they sounded great. i think they sound better with overdrive/cranked amp than a typical a5 fender strat pup but dont have the same chime when clean

[Mincer]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

The Five Two is a great compromise between the warmth of the APS series and the SSL series.

[aroman]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Funny you said that... see, the SSL-1 has more the quintessential SRV iconic tonefootprint than any other p'up in the market, specially the neck one.

/Peter

I like Robin Trower, Hendrix, Uli Roth, Jeff Beck, Malmsteen, Blackmore, SRV etc.

[aroman]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Thank you !
I love the Alnico 2 neck on my Tele !.

[aroman]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Thank you !

[aroman]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

i dont find the aps dull at all, they are low output though. i used an aps2/aps2/twangbanger set for years in a strat and they sounded great. i think they sound better with overdrive/cranked amp than a typical a5 fender strat pup but dont have the same chime when clean

Thank you !

[aroman]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

The Five Two is a great compromise between the warmth of the APS series and the SSL series.

Thank you !

[Silence Kid]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

i dont find the aps dull at all, they are low output though. i used an aps2/aps2/twangbanger set for years in a strat and they sounded great. i think they sound better with overdrive/cranked amp than a typical a5 fender strat pup but dont have the same chime when clean

They sounded good with a fuzz; given OP's statement his pickups 'don't distort' I'm guessing he's not wanting to turn up the gain though? APS's would need that.

[Francois]

Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

I have a Jeck Beck Strat (early version) with Gold Lace sensor. The bridge (splited) are very clean and bright.

If you want Hendrix like distortion, you can keep your SSL-1 and get a Fuzz Face.
Then you will control the amount of fuzz with your guitar volume knob.