Are HSS guitars unpopular?

[Securb]

Exactly. That's why I just added you both to my ignore list. No tone cred.

I just agreed with you?

 

[Synapsys]

Out of my current stable (7 guitars), 2 are HSS: a Charvel DK22 and an Ibanez SEW761FM. To me, they are popular.

 

[Artie]

Yeah, I've used a neck Five Two with half of a Hybrid in position 3, and it is a great sound.

Which coil of the hybrid did you split to, and was the Five-Two a neck or middle version? (RWRP.)

 

[Mincer]

The Five Two was a neck version. The neck Classic Stack was the middle version. I don't have the guitar in front of me, but I believe the Hybrid split to the Custom coil.

 

[Juanhanglo]

It might seem like a strange question, but I notice that outside of strictly bolt-on superstrats it's very rare to see a guitar with a hss pickup layout.

I was wondering if other designs with hss layouts just don't sell.

It strikes me as a versatile set-up but even a lot of more modern designs seem to always gravitatate towards HH designs.

Any thoughts, opinions?

Theyre not unpopular, people just started calling them SSH instead.

Not sure where this reverse nomenclature started......

 

[Artie]

The Five Two was a neck version. The neck Classic Stack was the middle version. I don't have the guitar in front of me, but I believe the Hybrid split to the Custom coil.

That makes sense. I'm pretty sure a neck single is hum-cancelling with the stud coil of a humbucker. And on the hybrid, I'm pretty sure the stud coil is the Custom coil.

 

[Butch Snyder]

People who prefer a single coil bridge over a humbucker bridge lose all tone cred.

Hmmm, I don't know about that. I love a good bridge humbucker tone, but a Telecaster bridge pickup tone can be like heaven. One of the most iconic Rock guitar solos was done on a Tele using the stock bridge pickup (Stairway to Heaven).

All that said, I love my Schecter Nick Johnston sig model. It's HSS. The stock pickups were great, but I replaced them with Alnico 2 Pro Strat pickups in the neck and middle positions and I installed a Hades Gates in the bridge position. Fantastic combo, and I think that setup is completely relevant these days. That said, I also love my Telecaster bridge pickups. Check out Allen Hinds as he uses a Tele and Esquire quite a lot.

 

[Mincer]

That makes sense. I'm pretty sure a neck single is hum-cancelling with the stud coil of a humbucker. And on the hybrid, I'm pretty sure the stud coil is the Custom coil.

Yes- it was a really cool scheme. I don't own the guitar anymore, but the pickups and sound weren't the issue (weight and balance were). I just got an HSS Music Man (with stock DiMarzios), with their 'Silent Circuit' (dummy coil array) and it is dead quiet. And it sounds great!

 

[Bill Dennis]

I think the HSS setup is a good option if you need a "do it all" guitar. Since discovering the wiring on the Charvel DK24 though I have switched to that. I liked it so much I replicated it on my RG421.

Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HH 2PT Electric Guitar - Chlorine Burst

Solidbody Electric Guitar with Alder Body, Caramelized Maple Neck, Caramelized Maple Fingerboard, 2 Humbucking Pickups, and Gotoh Tremolo - Chlorine Burst

www.sweetwater.com

 

[Bill Dennis]

I would argue that outside of "reissue" type guitars, HSS is the most popular configuration, right up there with HH.

I think the Strat would argue that point pretty convincingly

 

[Bill Dennis]

I don't understand how the middle pickup can be in the way when you play. how deep does your pick go?! (In dutch, that phrase would be so R-rated! 'hoe diep gaat je pick?')

I have asked that same question for years.... Why is your pick 1/4" under the strings?

 

[Bill Dennis]

People who prefer a single coil bridge over a humbucker bridge lose all tone cred.

I have never been too concerned about my tone cred.... So I have that going for me.....

 

[Mincer]

I have asked that same question for years.... Why is your pick 1/4" under the strings?

If you hybrid pick, it isn't the pick, it is the fingernails which hit the pickup.

 

[Butch Snyder]

I have been playing 3-pickup Telecasters with either hybrid picking or using a thumbpick for years. I'm very comfortable with it. I have owned several Strats. Yes, the middle pickup can get in the way. You have to learn to pick around it. Two of my favorite guitars are an HSH PRS and an HSS Schecter. To me, the middle pickup is there and needs to be. I had to develop a method of getting around it.

 

[Securb]

I have asked that same question for years.... Why is your pick 1/4" under the strings?

I do keep my pickup fairly close to my strings. I have never had an issue with the pickup getting in the way. However, on one song in the studio, I played closer to the bridge on one part, and during the playback, my singer said, "Where is that wood block coming from?" I listened and started laughing, saying that was my pick hitting the pickup. We all agreed it was a bit strange and decided to leave it in, it is around 3:24