59/Custom In a HSS Strat (s1 switching)

BluesDisciple

BluesDisciple

New member
When the tech who installs your pickup tells you that you now have a loud, bright guitar after switching to this p/u, l love it. But you should double check his installation. Strings 1-3 (high E through g) sound great , strings 4-6 (d - low E) sound muddy and undefined. Thin. Why???

I'll tell you! He should have used a TB-16 instead of a SB-16!!! The strings aren't even close to crossing the lower pole pieces! That's why the Trembuckers are "F" spaced! At over $100 for the install, it's gotta be right - all strings must cross the individual electronic fields. Back my axe goes tomorrow, and the tech and I will have a "discussion". And he will change it out.

Oh yeah. I love the sound so far. Loud, demonstrates the individual character of the strings, and blend well. Just what I wanted - except for the lack of presence on the low end.

Damn it, they should have figured this out before I got there. It isn't flipping rocket science!!!
 
Last edited:
Re: 59/Custom In a HSS Strat (s1 switching)

Did you specify the exact model number to him, or just drop it off?

At least Duncan has an exchange policy. It'll probably just cost you a week or two.

I hope he didn't chop the lead down to nothing.
 
Last edited:
I specified it, I had three conversations with him, and he should have known the string spacing. The tech knows the difference between a Strat tremolo and a Gibson TOM - he has set up both for me. How much more specific? Good lord.
 
Re: 59/Custom In a HSS Strat (s1 switching)

I got a regular spaced 59/cust. pup, but anticipating the discrepancy in string spacing w/Floyd Rose trem, I ordered a pickguard w/angled humbucker slot for the bridge pup. I learned this from reading about why EVH always angled his pup in the Frankenstein Strat. With the Duncan return policy, you can have it sent back, and the correct one sent to you. It is aggrevating, I know, but once it is right, it is worth it.
 
Re: 59/Custom In a HSS Strat (s1 switching)

Talked with the retailer this morning. The exchange for one with trembucker spacing will happen, but it is going to cost me extra for the reinstall. ???

Fine. It will be the last time I ever use this shop. Anybody want to know where NOT to go in Az for service?
 
Re: 59/Custom In a HSS Strat (s1 switching)

BD, why don't you do the install yourself? It isn't difficult at all, and Duncan sends you the wiring diagram along w/pup. You just have to solder a few wires. If you order the Liberator from Duncan, you don't even have to do that, as it is a solderless system.
 
I should have, and hindsight is 20-20. For the exchange to take place though it has to go through the retailer - which means this infernal shop. The bright side is that I am one Trembucker away from the perfectFat Strat sound out away. Been chasing it since '08 on this guitar.
 
Dropped it off for installation today (the last time I have someone else do it!), and the guy doubted it would fit. Guess what? The pole pieces matched up with the stock Fender DH-1!!! Sonofagun!!! Whaddya know???

This one is gonna scream rock and roll.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top