Bridge or neck or Strat middle

[ratkent]

I thought I was done with my Strat but I'm not completely sold on the Hot Stack in the middle. I have a Custom Custom in the bridge and a Cool Rails in the neck both of which I am very pleased with. I only really use the middle in conjunction with the other pickups. Although the Hot Stack is rated as having a high output it seems like I lose a little too much output when I go to those positions. It is definitely wired correctly.

So should I try another Cool Rails? If so, should I try the bridge or neck version? If not that then what else should I consider?

Here's the guitar:

 

[panamang]

Re: Bridge or neck or Strat middle

Your guitar is sweet! Nice setup too...oh yeah, my 2 cents would be a cools rails neck.

 

[Artie]

Re: Bridge or neck or Strat middle

If it was me, I think I'd go either of two different directions. A Hot single, like an SSL-6. Or, a Vintage Rails. The SSL-6 will probably be a bit higher output but won't be humbucking. Tone-wise, its my favorite middle pup. The VR will continue the humbucking theme, will be somewhat vintage sounding, and has a nice character of its own.

I have, and love, both.

 

[ratkent]

Re: Bridge or neck or Strat middle

Thanks guys. I'm fairly sure I'm going to go with a Cool Rails neck.

Anyone else have some thoughts on this?

 

[Mephis]

Re: Bridge or neck or Strat middle

Isn't it fairly normal to not use your middle pickup by it's self very often?

How does it sound when blended with the other pickups? You say you lose alot of output, but I do too on my strat when I use in-between positions.

I believe that's just something normal.

 

[ratkent]

Re: Bridge or neck or Strat middle

Isn't it fairly normal to not use your middle pickup by it's self very often?

How does it sound when blended with the other pickups? You say you lose alot of output, but I do too on my strat when I use in-between positions.

I believe that's just something normal.

I hear you and I realize I might be looking for something a little unconventional. I just got an American Strat and since it is all single coils there isn't much drop in volume using the "in-between" settings. I'm guessing I need something pretty hot in the middle of the CC and the Cool Rails to keep the output close. I think the problem with the Hot Stack in the middle is more the tone than the output. It's pretty clanky and the other two are smooth as a silk. They just don't mix well.