Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

[bonedish]

Hello all,

Yes, it's time for yet another HSS Strat pickup suggestion thread!!!

So, I have an alder MIM Strat w/ maple neck. The pickups in there now are 2 Texas Specials and a Pearly Gates (A2 mag).

I'm looking for medium to hot pickups all around. Single coils and a new humbuggy as well. I play through an Egnater Rebel 30, which is kind of a dark amp. I've played my LP Studio Faded through the R30, and I REALLY like the Rebel with the Burstbucker Pro bridge. Now, I believe a big part of the reason the BB Pro works so well is partly due to the all mahogany body of the LP Studio Faded.

I'm looking for a set that will be fuller, warmer and richer than what I have now. The PG is good, I just need more output from the pickup itself. I'd say I'm 80% there with the PG. BTW, I am not overly impressed with the JB, CC, C5, C8, or Custom. I've tried all of these in my Strat with both 250k and 500k pots, and each time these pickups have been lacking that fullness and rich body I'm looking for. The PG is the only one that comes close. The BB Pro totally delivers what I'm looking for, but that's in an all mahogany body, and I'm not sure if it would be too bright in an alder/maple Strat???

Also, the Texas Specials sound great, just too thin as well. It's sounding more and more like I'm a LP guy, but really do love my Strat!

Thanks so much for your help!!!

 

[ACH91332]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

George Lynch uses the PG in his ESP Strats. Maybe give a Screaming Demon a shot?

 

[bonedish]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

George Lynch uses the PG in his ESP Strats. Maybe give a Screaming Demon a shot?

Thanks. I've read some threads about the SD being too thin & bright, kinda like a single coil. I've also read threads saying the exact opposite.

Also, is the SD really higher in output? Again, I've read threads where some say the output is low (vintage). I see on the tone chart that the output is 10k. That would be right up my alley, but I'm a little weary with some of the opposite reviews about the SD.

 

[oilpit]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

I would say a JB and 2 SSL-5s with 250k pots, a friend of mine has a Strat with that setup and it blows me away.

But you say you don't like the JB, nor do you like any of the Customs, so I am gonna recommend you try Dimarzio, you might just not be a Duncan kinda guy.

A Norton and a pair of Choppers?

 

[bonedish]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

But you say you don't like the JB, nor do you like any of the Customs, so I am gonna recommend you try Dimarzio, you might just not be a Duncan kinda guy.

I'm beginning to wonder this too. I love the Duncans in my bass. I love the Woody HB. And I really do like the PG. I'm just in need of something fatter with more output. Not overly hot like an Invader, but vintage hot.

 

[dominus]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

Dimarzio Air Zone for the bridge humbucker.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

Carvin's AP11 is a nice single coil
has 11 pole pieces almost railish

I have the S22 covered pickups in my RG4
nice sounding

budget friendly

 

[ACH91332]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

Fatter? More output? Every try a PG8? Why not right?

Question though, why do you need more output? The reason I ask is the more output you get in the bridge the more it offsets the lower output of the single coils. Just wondering.

 

[bonedish]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

Fatter? More output? Every try a PG8? Why not right?

Question though, why do you need more output? The reason I ask is the more output you get in the bridge the more it offsets the lower output of the single coils. Just wondering.

True, but I would like suggestions on single coils as well. I'm looking for SCs that will match the output of the humbucker (or close enough).

 

[ACH91332]

Re: Another thread for HSS pickup suggestions........

Well if everything is sounding thin then run 250k obviously. I think you know that though. You can also try changing your cap from .22 to .47 which can help.

Honestly it sounds like you might be a DMZ guy. I went from Duncan to DMZ and I find it hard coming back now for what I play. I like that mid spike Dimarzios have. Generally speaking I find them fatter sounding which is why I like them. It might be something to consider. I really like the Norton but it sounds like an Air Norton or Air Zone in the bridge might suit you well. If you want that PAFness then maybe a Breed neck model would work too. It isn't a PAF but it does cover that ground.

EDIT: The Andy Timmons AT-1 model isn't bad at all either. I know I threw a bunch of names out already but I actually thing the AT-1 would be nice for you.