Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
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Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
Currently i have a DMZ Fast Track 1 in the middle of my strat, and it quacks just fine. As long as the highs are there, there is nothing to fear. Anyway, the setup on this particular strat (wayne kramer) is very unusual.
Currently i have a DMZ Fast Track 1 in the middle of my strat, and it quacks just fine. As long as the highs are there, there is nothing to fear. Anyway, the setup on this particular strat (wayne kramer) is very unusual.
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blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
Middle HB's are a big disappointment for most players, which is why almost no one besides Gibson and Epiphone offer any HHH models, and then mostly for 'historic' reasons. It's a poor location for HB's string node-wise, works much better with single coils. Almost all electric guitar makers have HSS and HSH models instead for that reason. There's probably issues caused from overlap of magnetic fileds, from having 6 coils packed like sardines in a can. The same HB that you put in the bridge or neck sounds nothing like that in the middle, really sounds neutered. I thought it was a cool idea at first, and had several guitars routed for it, and soon after really regretted it. The common assumption is that you get more tones and versatility. But you can get as many, or more, usable tones from a HH guitar. All you get is a guitar with more cost and weight, with almost no space for picking.
I would strongly advice not usinga middle HB.
Middle HB's are a big disappointment for most players, which is why almost no one besides Gibson and Epiphone offer any HHH models, and then mostly for 'historic' reasons. It's a poor location for HB's string node-wise, works much better with single coils. Almost all electric guitar makers have HSS and HSH models instead for that reason. There's probably issues caused from overlap of magnetic fileds, from having 6 coils packed like sardines in a can. The same HB that you put in the bridge or neck sounds nothing like that in the middle, really sounds neutered. I thought it was a cool idea at first, and had several guitars routed for it, and soon after really regretted it. The common assumption is that you get more tones and versatility. But you can get as many, or more, usable tones from a HH guitar. All you get is a guitar with more cost and weight, with almost no space for picking.
I would strongly advice not usinga middle HB.
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
^^^ i still disagree with everything you just said.
I'll elaborate. I'm using all A2 humbuckers, so string pull is not an issue. The middle humbucker sounds far from neutered if you use the right one. The pearly gates wasnt very useful in that spot, but the BB2 is very much.
When using neck/middle or bridge/middle, it doesn't have quite the thin chimey SRV type tone higher up on the fretboard, but it kinda does farther down the fretboard. If you're using higher gain, it sounds like you rolled the tone off slightly.
To me, the ideal way to wire an HHH guitar is like a strat with a 5 way, but with an aditional push/pull to use the neck/bridge also.
^^^ i still disagree with everything you just said.
I'll elaborate. I'm using all A2 humbuckers, so string pull is not an issue. The middle humbucker sounds far from neutered if you use the right one. The pearly gates wasnt very useful in that spot, but the BB2 is very much.
When using neck/middle or bridge/middle, it doesn't have quite the thin chimey SRV type tone higher up on the fretboard, but it kinda does farther down the fretboard. If you're using higher gain, it sounds like you rolled the tone off slightly.
To me, the ideal way to wire an HHH guitar is like a strat with a 5 way, but with an aditional push/pull to use the neck/bridge also.
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darthphineas
New member
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
I have a few HHH. An 80s Kramer Sambora model and a 1990 Fender American Standard Strat with a warmoth pick guard. Both loaded with all-Duncan humbuckers.
And then there is my Kramer nightswan with the JB as the middle humbucker and no neck position.
I personally prefer a bridge position pickup in that middle position. Some might like a neck voicing, but that's the fun part of the various options.
There are pros and cons. It depends on what you're looking for. As long as you like it and it sounds good, is it good
Sent from my armored battle station using Tapatalk
I have a few HHH. An 80s Kramer Sambora model and a 1990 Fender American Standard Strat with a warmoth pick guard. Both loaded with all-Duncan humbuckers.
And then there is my Kramer nightswan with the JB as the middle humbucker and no neck position.
I personally prefer a bridge position pickup in that middle position. Some might like a neck voicing, but that's the fun part of the various options.
There are pros and cons. It depends on what you're looking for. As long as you like it and it sounds good, is it good
Sent from my armored battle station using Tapatalk
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
That may be, but for over 60 years HHH guitars have yet to gain popularity, and have been an insignificant part of the market, whereas HSS and HSH have been huge. The numbers speak for themselves. Most players want nothing to do with HHH's. They're as popular as varitone switches. Both looked good on paper in the 1950's, but bombed in the real world.
That may be, but for over 60 years HHH guitars have yet to gain popularity, and have been an insignificant part of the market, whereas HSS and HSH have been huge. The numbers speak for themselves. Most players want nothing to do with HHH's. They're as popular as varitone switches. Both looked good on paper in the 1950's, but bombed in the real world.
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Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
^^^ I agree, plus when it comes to parallel switching, the weakest pup (among the two or thee) dominates the sound, and very few people seek big tones out of their middle pup. IMHO the purpose of the middle pup is either their single position thin treble sound, or the quack. I have wired my strat with DMZ FT2/FT1/Chopper, with separate push/pull for parallel series in bridge and neck, and also a mini togle for adding the bridge (in parallel) in any combination (totally 17 combinations).
Now when i am in position 1 (neck) and in series, and activate the toggle (add bridge, also wired in series) i get a big sounding tele tone! Something i never had in any guitar i had (i never had any tele). Now, when i just switch to position 2 (neck/middle), keeping all other parameters the same (the toggle still activated)? I get an ultra unientersting and bland tone, which completely sucks in relation to the previous tone. So having all 3 pups in parallel just sounds bad. Removing the middle from the circuit and the tone becomes sweet again.
There is a reason, why in any HSH (or even HHH) combination, the middle pup is always the weakest. So, in theory there is nothing against a mid pup as long as it is thin sounding and weaker than neck/bridge.
^^^ I agree, plus when it comes to parallel switching, the weakest pup (among the two or thee) dominates the sound, and very few people seek big tones out of their middle pup. IMHO the purpose of the middle pup is either their single position thin treble sound, or the quack. I have wired my strat with DMZ FT2/FT1/Chopper, with separate push/pull for parallel series in bridge and neck, and also a mini togle for adding the bridge (in parallel) in any combination (totally 17 combinations).
Now when i am in position 1 (neck) and in series, and activate the toggle (add bridge, also wired in series) i get a big sounding tele tone! Something i never had in any guitar i had (i never had any tele). Now, when i just switch to position 2 (neck/middle), keeping all other parameters the same (the toggle still activated)? I get an ultra unientersting and bland tone, which completely sucks in relation to the previous tone. So having all 3 pups in parallel just sounds bad. Removing the middle from the circuit and the tone becomes sweet again.
There is a reason, why in any HSH (or even HHH) combination, the middle pup is always the weakest. So, in theory there is nothing against a mid pup as long as it is thin sounding and weaker than neck/bridge.
Stratman
Guitaris Maximus
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
Slight difference from the topic...
I am trying this combination and will let you all know how it works out… (See test bed guitar below)
Neck SD 59 full sized humbucker
Mid SD Little Screaming Demon (It’s humbucking)
Bridge SD 59 full sized humbucker
Wired using a fender 4-way switch, but wired so the it is neck, neck&bridge (Parallel), ned& bridge (series), bridge wired for volume and tone (50’s wiring) and with the middle pickup wired to it’s own volume pot (So I can mix how much if any sound I want coming into the mix from the middle pup.
Slight difference from the topic...
I am trying this combination and will let you all know how it works out… (See test bed guitar below)
Neck SD 59 full sized humbucker
Mid SD Little Screaming Demon (It’s humbucking)
Bridge SD 59 full sized humbucker
Wired using a fender 4-way switch, but wired so the it is neck, neck&bridge (Parallel), ned& bridge (series), bridge wired for volume and tone (50’s wiring) and with the middle pickup wired to it’s own volume pot (So I can mix how much if any sound I want coming into the mix from the middle pup.
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ItsaBass
New member
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
The Wayne Kramer setup is killer IMO. Much better than HSS to me. The drawback is that you lose the single coil in the middle. In exchange, the good thing is that you don't lose the single coil in the bridge, like you do with an HSS setup.
The Wayne Kramer setup is killer IMO. Much better than HSS to me. The drawback is that you lose the single coil in the middle. In exchange, the good thing is that you don't lose the single coil in the bridge, like you do with an HSS setup.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
I've played HHH guitars. They don't sound bad to me. If they make a usable sound for you, then go for it. I do well with 2 humbuckers, but I can understand the appeal of them. No right or wrong just different. Obviously Gibson is selling enough for them to keep making HHH guitars. Schecter has also made a step into the HHH market. They have two guitars out with three full sized humbuckers and two guitars (one is actually based on a Bass VI) with Filtertron style humbuckers. And don't forget the players who use a HHH setup with a full size and two strat sized buckers. Or three strat sized buckers.
I'm actually thinking about buying a HHH guitar now.
I've played HHH guitars. They don't sound bad to me. If they make a usable sound for you, then go for it. I do well with 2 humbuckers, but I can understand the appeal of them. No right or wrong just different. Obviously Gibson is selling enough for them to keep making HHH guitars. Schecter has also made a step into the HHH market. They have two guitars out with three full sized humbuckers and two guitars (one is actually based on a Bass VI) with Filtertron style humbuckers. And don't forget the players who use a HHH setup with a full size and two strat sized buckers. Or three strat sized buckers.
I'm actually thinking about buying a HHH guitar now.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
Like I said, they're making them for 'historical' reasons, not any overwhelming demand. That's why just about no one else is making HHH's. Guitar companies copy what sells. The biggest appeal to HHH's is looks. Three gold HB's on an LP Custom or SG Custom looks great. No denying that. We had a thread here a few years ago, asking if anybody with an HHH guitar actually used the middle PU, or if they knew of any well-known player with an HHH that used the middle. Just about nobody did.
If you get, or route for, an HHH, do it for the right reasons. Don't assume that it gives more versatility and 'it's got to sound good because other people have them', as 1) not that many people have them, and 2) many of those that do never use the middle PU. If you like the looks, and understand that you may or may not like the sound, go for it. I was a big proponent of HHH's, until I actually got a few.
Like I said, they're making them for 'historical' reasons, not any overwhelming demand. That's why just about no one else is making HHH's. Guitar companies copy what sells. The biggest appeal to HHH's is looks. Three gold HB's on an LP Custom or SG Custom looks great. No denying that. We had a thread here a few years ago, asking if anybody with an HHH guitar actually used the middle PU, or if they knew of any well-known player with an HHH that used the middle. Just about nobody did.
If you get, or route for, an HHH, do it for the right reasons. Don't assume that it gives more versatility and 'it's got to sound good because other people have them', as 1) not that many people have them, and 2) many of those that do never use the middle PU. If you like the looks, and understand that you may or may not like the sound, go for it. I was a big proponent of HHH's, until I actually got a few.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
The biggest drawback to using a humbucker as a middle pickup is that it would get in my way - BIG TIME.
That's right where I like to pick.
I owned a nice '58 or '59 LP Custom back in the day, and although I hated the low frets (it was one of those Fretless Wonders) I hated that middle pickup crowding my picking hand just as much.
Liked the way it sounded combined with the bridge paf though.
The biggest drawback to using a humbucker as a middle pickup is that it would get in my way - BIG TIME.
That's right where I like to pick.
I owned a nice '58 or '59 LP Custom back in the day, and although I hated the low frets (it was one of those Fretless Wonders) I hated that middle pickup crowding my picking hand just as much.
Liked the way it sounded combined with the bridge paf though.
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Artie
Peaveyologist
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
Not to go off topic, but thats a nice amp and cab. I can see the Peavey name, but what amp/cab is that? Very sweet. (Nice axe too.)
I'm not usually too crazy about middle humbuckers, but if its a single-sized HB, thats different. There are many single-sized HB's that I like in the middle.
Then again, having said that, I do love the new Schecter Ultra-III.
Middle humbuckers are great!! A LOT of people tried to talk me out of routing for one, and I'm glad i ignored them.
Not to go off topic, but thats a nice amp and cab. I can see the Peavey name, but what amp/cab is that? Very sweet. (Nice axe too.)
I'm not usually too crazy about middle humbuckers, but if its a single-sized HB, thats different. There are many single-sized HB's that I like in the middle.
Then again, having said that, I do love the new Schecter Ultra-III.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
A middle humbucker really does sound great combined with a bridge humbucker.
A middle humbucker really does sound great combined with a bridge humbucker.
DarkMatter
Unprofessional Toneologist
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
How deep do you fellas pick that a pickup gets in the way?
How deep do you fellas pick that a pickup gets in the way?
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: Any Drawbacks Using a Humbucker For Middle Pickup in a Strat?
Have you ever taken into consideration that what works or doesn't work for you might be different for someone else? I will give Peter Frampton and Pete Townshend your feedback just incase they were having trouble dialing in a good tone.
Have you ever taken into consideration that what works or doesn't work for you might be different for someone else? I will give Peter Frampton and Pete Townshend your feedback just incase they were having trouble dialing in a good tone.
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