Bridge humbucker for funk?

[weepingminotaur]

I've got a Sterling Cutlass HSS. The current pickups are a Screamin Demon in the bridge and a couple of Classic Stacks in the middle and neck. I originally thought I'd be using this guitar for hard rock, but lately I find myself playing a lot of neo-soul and funk (and using my Les Paul for the hard rock). So I'm thinking about swapping out the Screamin Demon for a funk-focused pickup. What are your bridge recommendations?

Pickups that interest me:

Pearly Gates bridge
59 bridge
Lace Alumitone
Burstbucker

Recommendations?

And yes, I know the best solution is probably just to get an actual SSS Strat, but I don't have cash for that. Changing the pickup is what I can afford at this point in time.

 

[TVFV]

Jazz Bridge?

 

[Securb]

I was going to suggest the Pearly Gates bridge even before reading which pickups you were interested in. I have a PGn split, and it is the Stratiest-sounding split pickup I have ever played. It is obviously also dynamite in the humbucking position. I think the PG on a push/pull with get you where you want to be.

 

[weepingminotaur]

Jazz Bridge?

Interesting. Is the Jazz bridge its own thing, or can you use a Jazz neck in the bridge and get the same result? I have a Jazz neck lying around, soooo...

 

[weepingminotaur]

I was going to suggest the Pearly Gates bridge even before reading which pickups you were interested in. I have a PGn split, and it is the Stratiest-sounding split pickup I have ever played. It is obviously also dynamite in the humbucking position. I think the PG on a push/pull with get you where you want to be.

This is good to know, because the Pearly Gates is really the one I'm the most intrigued by. Thanks!

 

[TVFV]

Interesting. Is the Jazz bridge its own thing, or can you use a Jazz neck in the bridge and get the same result? I have a Jazz neck lying around, soooo...

Yep. They make a Jazz wind for the bridge. You can try the neck and see how like it though the pole pieces won't line up.

 

[Masta' C]

Yep. They make a Jazz wind for the bridge. You can try the neck and see how like it though the pole pieces won't line up.

SD's regular humbuckers have the same spacing for both neck and bridge models. To get wider spacing for the bridge, you need a "Trembucker" (aka: TB) model.

Unfortunately, there is no regular production "Trembucker" version of the Jazz Bridge (aka: TB-2b) , so you'd have to order it as a "shop floor custom" through a dealer. Usually a small upcharge, but nothing like a Custom Shop pickup.

That said, the Jazz bridge model is a highly underutilized, lesser known pickup that works great in both positions!

 

[weepingminotaur]

Yeah, true, I'd need a Trembucker for the bridge, and my spare neck Jazz isn't a Trembucker.

 

[jeremy]

id say toss that jazz neck in the bridge, and see what ya think. bright, spanky, and could absolutely do some funk

 

[Chistopher]

no no no no.


Middle single coil for funk

Bridge humbucker for rock or metal.

 

[weepingminotaur]

id say toss that jazz neck in the bridge, and see what ya think. bright, spanky, and could absolutely do some funk

Wrong spacing, though. I'd need a Trembucker version of the Jazz neck, which I don't have.

 

[Securb]

no no no no. Middle single coil for funk Bridge humbucker for rock or metal.

Um....

 

[TVFV]

Wrong spacing, though. I'd need a Trembucker version of the Jazz neck, which I don't have.

Well, you're doing mostly chord work in this case. I don't think spacing matters that much. Try the Jazz in the bridge and see if you like the EQ and feel. Then, I think you can decide if you want that or something different. It won't cost you anything since you already have one on hand.

 

[TVFV]

BTW, have you tried the Demon in this context? That could work as well.

 

[TVFV]

no no no no.


Middle single coil for funk

Bridge humbucker for rock or metal.

Gonna call BS on that one.

 

[Mincer]

I'd go for a higher output humbucker, but wire it in parallel.

 

[weepingminotaur]

BTW, have you tried the Demon in this context? That could work as well.

I have tried it, and I haven't loved it for funk TBH. It handles other styles well but is probably a bit too hot for what I'm looking for.

 

[elelpe]

Make two options for the Demon:
1) Split it
2) Wire it in parallel

 

[Clint 55]

I 2nd the Jazz. All clear and spanky.

 

[weepingminotaur]

I'd go for a higher output humbucker, but wire it in parallel.

How much higher output would you do? The Screamin Demon is medium output, around 10k.