Humbucker recommendations.

[Explorer84]

I just acquired a 2009 Fender American Special Stratocaster about a week ago. It's loaded with Texas Special pickups. I've always wanted a Strat with the HSS setup. I've got a Screamin' Demon sitting in a drawer that I was going to install but after reading the description of the Screamin' Demon is states that it has a scooped sound. With the Strat having a scooped sound, more or less, I'm wondering if the Screamin' Demon would be too much. I realize I can adjust this with eq tweaks, etc. What humbucker/s would you recommend? I'm not looking for a high output pickup that excessively overpowers the single coils. I'm looking for a reasonable balance. Low to medium output. I play rock, classic rock, blues and a little bit of heavy metal. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[GuitarStv]

Scooped for a humbucker is not the same as scooped for a single coil - all humbuckers are middier and have less extension up into the high end. I bet the Demon would balance reasonably well with your singles.

[Clint 55]

Do you want the hum to fit in tone wise with the strat and single coils, or do you want it to do something different? The Pearly Gates is the traditional hum for HSS for a stratty sound. If you wanted it more rock, I agree the Demon would work well.

[Aceman]

I was gonna suggest the PG. That's what is in my HSS with Texas Specials. Not too scooped at all.

[Explorer84]

Do you want the hum to fit in tone wise with the strat and single coils, or do you want it to do something different? The Pearly Gates is the traditional hum for HSS for a stratty sound. If you wanted it more rock, I agree the Demon would work well.

If it’s possible, a little bit of both. I’ll check out the Pearly Gates, though. Thanks.

[Explorer84]

I was gonna suggest the PG. That's what is in my HSS with Texas Specials. Not too scooped at all.

I guess I’ll have to look for some sound samples. Thanks.

[Napthol]

I think the Screamin' Demon would be a good choice. I used them in the neck position and they both sounded great. Never noticed a scooped sound. The Alnico II Pro is good. So is the Custom 5 or the Custom Custom. All good choices.

[beaubrummels]

I'm a fan of Distortion, Custom 5 or Custom Custom in Strats. But the Demon was originally designed to work in a Strat type guitar, so there's that.

[Explorer84]

I listened to several samples of the Pearly Gates with Texas Specials and I really like what I heard. I'm going to try the Screamin' Demon but I'm pretty convinced that I'm going to end up installing a Pearly Gate.

[Explorer84]

I'm a fan of Distortion, Custom 5 or Custom Custom in Strats. But the Demon was originally designed to work in a Strat type guitar, so there's that.

This is true.

[zionstrat]

Assuming we're talking about full size hbs, PG is an excellent match.. But don't forget the JB... It splits extremely well in position two and as an HB it's definitely punchier than a PG but, tends to be a good balance in an HSS

There are times where the mids in the JB can be too much, but I don't find that often in strats.

[Explorer84]

Yes, we're talking about full size humbuckers. I'll look into the JB as well as the other suggestions.

[Top-L]

I would pick one that is hot enough to split well and works with 250k controls. Ive heard the jb fits the bill. But the demon also fits.

[Mincer]

I say, try the Demon. Lots of people absolutely love them in Strats, and you won't have to buy anything if you like it. Remember, SD pickups are out of phase with Fender's, so you'd have to have green to hot and black to ground to remain in phase.

[marcello252]

JB and strats, however, is always a good match, and they work better with 250K pots than other HBs