Hey guys! Imagine a pretty regular setup: standard hss strat (maple fingerboard, 500k pots, DMZ Areas), Marshall style amp, TS-9. Playing blues, blues-rock, hard rock, occasionally heavy metal/hair metal. I need the fullest sounding humbucker in the bridge excluding all of the high output monsters. Don't care that much about clean sounds with this guitar as well as extreme high gains. I want full and fat crunch, strong low end, growling distortion. The key word here is "full" sound, that's the most important, also fat and with pretty good lows. I don't want a vintage LP in a strat seriously i know it's not possible but still let me ask what would get me closer to a really full and bassy bridge sound out of these pickups: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or a 59/Custom hybrid? Or anyhing else that would fit my needs? Maybe some pickup with a2 magnets and very good lows will be the answer? Nothing hotter than 59/C Hybrid please. Thanks a lot. Nik
59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
- Thread starter Nickolai
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Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
It sounds like you would dig the Custom Custom. It is really full sounding, and perfect for a 1 guitar band, as it takes up a lot of sonic space.
It sounds like you would dig the Custom Custom. It is really full sounding, and perfect for a 1 guitar band, as it takes up a lot of sonic space.
Mr. B
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
Its good that your have 500k pots. Very few humbuckers work well with 250k's in most strats. I agree with Mincer, I REALLY like the CustomCustom in a strat. Overall a really fat pickup that also has good split tones to combine with single coils, and good clean tones. If you want tight fat bottom end, the Demon might be more of what you are looking for. I like the 59 in a strat too, its output works well with singles.
Which Dimarzio Areas do you have? If it is the Area 58 or Area 67, any of those humbuckers are going to overpower them quite a bit. The Area 61 or VV 54 Pros keep up with humbuckers better. I have tried dozens of humbuckers in my strats over the years and have ended up liking the CustomCustom, and the old Fender Atomic Humbucker out of the post 2007 highway One Strats (the ones wound around 17K). My strats have 300k control pots in them. Works for traditional singles and humbuckers.
Its good that your have 500k pots. Very few humbuckers work well with 250k's in most strats. I agree with Mincer, I REALLY like the CustomCustom in a strat. Overall a really fat pickup that also has good split tones to combine with single coils, and good clean tones. If you want tight fat bottom end, the Demon might be more of what you are looking for. I like the 59 in a strat too, its output works well with singles.
Which Dimarzio Areas do you have? If it is the Area 58 or Area 67, any of those humbuckers are going to overpower them quite a bit. The Area 61 or VV 54 Pros keep up with humbuckers better. I have tried dozens of humbuckers in my strats over the years and have ended up liking the CustomCustom, and the old Fender Atomic Humbucker out of the post 2007 highway One Strats (the ones wound around 17K). My strats have 300k control pots in them. Works for traditional singles and humbuckers.
Demanic
PenultimateTone Member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
I don't know, if the bridge humbucker in a strat overpowers the middle and neck singles, isn't that what it's for? Kind of like a built in overdrive. You want clean, use the neck or middle (or both), when you want to kick it in the pants, you switch to the bridge.
I don't know, if the bridge humbucker in a strat overpowers the middle and neck singles, isn't that what it's for? Kind of like a built in overdrive. You want clean, use the neck or middle (or both), when you want to kick it in the pants, you switch to the bridge.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
Out of that list, the '59/C Hybrid will have the strongest low end and low mids.
I would go for a Super Distortion, myself. Great balance, great clarity, aggressive in tone, but not too high in output, and as classic as it gets in a "super Strat."
Out of that list, the '59/C Hybrid will have the strongest low end and low mids.
I would go for a Super Distortion, myself. Great balance, great clarity, aggressive in tone, but not too high in output, and as classic as it gets in a "super Strat."
Clint 55
OH THE DOUBLE THICK GLAZE!
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
If you want full. Take your pick of vintage or vintage hot and stick a double thick A2 in there. It's exactly what you're looking for.
https://www.cermagmagnets.co.uk/alnico-bars-for-hb-double-width---62mm-x-65mm-x-125mm-39-p.asp
If you want full. Take your pick of vintage or vintage hot and stick a double thick A2 in there. It's exactly what you're looking for.
https://www.cermagmagnets.co.uk/alnico-bars-for-hb-double-width---62mm-x-65mm-x-125mm-39-p.asp
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dr.barlo
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
All that you've listed are cool. 59B and SD are a bit of a gamble I would say. The results would depend on the guitar. If it were to be a bit bright, then 59B and SD might not be good fits. So instead I'd suggest WLH bridge.
And I would say you gotta check out PATB-3, I think it is a hell of a pickup.
B
All that you've listed are cool. 59B and SD are a bit of a gamble I would say. The results would depend on the guitar. If it were to be a bit bright, then 59B and SD might not be good fits. So instead I'd suggest WLH bridge.
And I would say you gotta check out PATB-3, I think it is a hell of a pickup.
B
Teleplayer
Active member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
Dimarzio AT-1. Although it will be higher output than the single coils. If you set the height right, not too low, and not crazy high it will do what you want. More clarity and cut than the Custom Custom.
WLH probably won't work as I found it was quite bright and scooped when used in a Strat.
Dimarzio AT-1. Although it will be higher output than the single coils. If you set the height right, not too low, and not crazy high it will do what you want. More clarity and cut than the Custom Custom.
WLH probably won't work as I found it was quite bright and scooped when used in a Strat.
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Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
I have to say - so many answers here, but In priority, here are the ones I like:
#1 I think a Super Distortion really does what you want.
#2 I also think the Custom Custom from Duncan would be a better fit than those mentioned
Of those listed, in order: 59/C would be best, and I'll call it #3 on the list above
Then the 59 and the Demon last.
I have to say - so many answers here, but In priority, here are the ones I like:
#1 I think a Super Distortion really does what you want.
#2 I also think the Custom Custom from Duncan would be a better fit than those mentioned
Of those listed, in order: 59/C would be best, and I'll call it #3 on the list above
Then the 59 and the Demon last.
BeKindRewind
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
I'm gonna be a Weiner, and actually gonna suggest one that's not on your list , Alnico II Pro (or Slash model). Based on your description of the sound you wanted I think it'd do better than the 59 or pearly gates
Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk
I'm gonna be a Weiner, and actually gonna suggest one that's not on your list , Alnico II Pro (or Slash model). Based on your description of the sound you wanted I think it'd do better than the 59 or pearly gates
Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk
ToneFiddler
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
i love the Screaming' demon and like the pearly gates and 59s.
But all of them are HUmbuckers i wouldn't describe as fat at all. Compared to a single coil the might be fat, but they are bright not fat.
i love the Screaming' demon and like the pearly gates and 59s.
But all of them are HUmbuckers i wouldn't describe as fat at all. Compared to a single coil the might be fat, but they are bright not fat.
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
Thanks everyone for your answers and suggestions! My areas are 61 middle and vv54pro neck. The guitar is more kinda on the brighter side. Most of your suggestions were already considered including CC, AII pro, Slash, and even the AT-1. The super distortion might be too hot and the AT-1 as well actually but i don't know why i narrowed it down to those 4.
I don't know much about magnet swaps although someone suggested me this already but i don't want to experiment a lot with this as i'm actually new to this.
Is the only difference between the pickups in the custom series is the magnet, that can just be swapped by myself?
I think i'll narrow it down to 59/c hybrid and CC. Which one would give me the actual feeling of a FULL sound, with fat crunch. Not gonna be too picky about the high gains as i'm sure any humbucker mentioned in this post will do it for me practically speaking and it's more about the amp. But a FULL and sweet, maybe kinda LP-ish crunch and medium gain is what i'm after, and balancing up with the single coils is a lower priority which i'll sort out after i find the perfect bridge HB first. Thank you.
Thanks everyone for your answers and suggestions! My areas are 61 middle and vv54pro neck. The guitar is more kinda on the brighter side. Most of your suggestions were already considered including CC, AII pro, Slash, and even the AT-1. The super distortion might be too hot and the AT-1 as well actually but i don't know why i narrowed it down to those 4.
I don't know much about magnet swaps although someone suggested me this already but i don't want to experiment a lot with this as i'm actually new to this.
Is the only difference between the pickups in the custom series is the magnet, that can just be swapped by myself?
I think i'll narrow it down to 59/c hybrid and CC. Which one would give me the actual feeling of a FULL sound, with fat crunch. Not gonna be too picky about the high gains as i'm sure any humbucker mentioned in this post will do it for me practically speaking and it's more about the amp. But a FULL and sweet, maybe kinda LP-ish crunch and medium gain is what i'm after, and balancing up with the single coils is a lower priority which i'll sort out after i find the perfect bridge HB first. Thank you.
eclecticsynergy
Well-known member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
I agree, CustomCustom is probably the best choice in this instance (or the AT-1 which also does well in Strat types).
I love the Hybrid but in a bright sounding guitar IMO it's quite unlikely to sound fat enough for you.
I agree, CustomCustom is probably the best choice in this instance (or the AT-1 which also does well in Strat types).
I love the Hybrid but in a bright sounding guitar IMO it's quite unlikely to sound fat enough for you.
Techy Beccy
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
All these pickups are PAF based pickups... So all similarish - the SH-16 hybrid/custom is the pickup that I would personally say has the most 'different' sound... I think it has personality! But its not for everyone and not for every situation and style... As far as a 'full' sound goes.. that is also a bit subjective... I would've thought the SH-6 distortion or super distortion would be good pick.. but also the Custom 5 - actually any of the customs would work!! For me when I think of a full sounding pickup, its usually the neck that I'm thinking of ... and has to do with cleanness ... there's some modern type pickups the just plow thru everything!.. So I think EQ has a lot to do with what you might be searching for? some of the best full sounds can come from traditional PAF style pups and a cranked-up amp! ... so many factors to consider. we are very spoiled for options these days!
All these pickups are PAF based pickups... So all similarish - the SH-16 hybrid/custom is the pickup that I would personally say has the most 'different' sound... I think it has personality! But its not for everyone and not for every situation and style... As far as a 'full' sound goes.. that is also a bit subjective... I would've thought the SH-6 distortion or super distortion would be good pick.. but also the Custom 5 - actually any of the customs would work!! For me when I think of a full sounding pickup, its usually the neck that I'm thinking of ... and has to do with cleanness ... there's some modern type pickups the just plow thru everything!.. So I think EQ has a lot to do with what you might be searching for? some of the best full sounds can come from traditional PAF style pups and a cranked-up amp! ... so many factors to consider. we are very spoiled for options these days!
ItsaBass
New member
Re: 59, Pearly Gates, Screamin' Demon, or 59/Custom hybrid in the bridge of hss?
The Super Distortion is not that high in output IME. That’s why it’s so much better to me than things like the JB and 500T, which are so hot that they can easily get problematic with low headroom amps. Super Distortions manage to have aggressive and balanced tone, but without hitting the amp so hard that mud is typically a problem.
The Super Distortion is not that high in output IME. That’s why it’s so much better to me than things like the JB and 500T, which are so hot that they can easily get problematic with low headroom amps. Super Distortions manage to have aggressive and balanced tone, but without hitting the amp so hard that mud is typically a problem.
