Bridge Pickup Recommendation for a Strat

[Ascension]

Re: Bridge Pickup Recommendation for a Strat

The SSL-5 and 6 are higher volume, but because the bridge position is naturally less output (less string movement) than the neck and middle it ends up working out OK with vintage output singles. It balances well with SSL-1 or 2s in the neck and mid.

I have never thought the SSL5 or 6 was a good match for some thing like the SSL-1. To me they are to harsh shrill and just don't sound natural to me. I prefer a Twangbanger or the Texas Hot in the bridge by far in particular when it's run with a SSL-1 or something glassy like it in the middle as it keeps that distinctive Strat Quack intact.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Bridge Pickup Recommendation for a Strat

Hi folks. Hope all is doing well with this covid outbreak.

Anyway, I recently bought a custom shop strat 63. It came with custom shop fat 50's pickups and I love the sound of the neck. Middle is ok. But the bridge sound really thin for my taste. I know there are a lot of options out there for a bridge pickup that sounds fatter, but I am not sure which one will match my CS Fat 50's well. Not overpower it.

According to Fender, here is the info for CS Fat 50's
DC Resistance: Neck: 6.0K. Middle: 6.3K. Bridge: 6.2K
Inductance: Neck: 2.4 Henries, Middle: 2.75 Henries, Bridge: 2.8 Henries.
Magnet: Alnico 5

I already tried to do my research and some folks says Antiquity Texas Hot Strat and Twangbanger are good choices. But I am open to other pickup brands as well. I love playing rock (90s in particular), and just want a bridge pickup that is not thin and too bright sounding. I don't use the bridge for clean. I only use it for overdriven sound, rhythm and solos. Can someone help me out please? Thank you very much!

Hard to find anything better for rocking strat bridge than Twangbanger in my opinion. Unless you're willing to go all the way to QP.

I wouldn't pick SSL-5 for overdriven sound, as I think it's too peaky on it's own.

Personally I've always "wanted" to like rail pickups, but I've realized I hate the way they sound. They're dry and gritty (yes, even Hot Rails bridge), and lack depht that's essential for a great stratocaster sound.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Bridge Pickup Recommendation for a Strat

I have never thought the SSL5 or 6 was a good match for some thing like the SSL-1. To me they are to harsh shrill and just don't sound natural to me. I prefer a Twangbanger or the Texas Hot in the bridge by far in particular when it's run with a SSL-1 or something glassy like it in the middle as it keeps that distinctive Strat Quack intact.

Depends how you wire them. My SSL-5 in on traditional strat wiring, so no tone on bridge which brightens the pickup up a little. There is a deeper tone with bridge and mid, but if you want the traditional sound there then it's pretty close when you tap the bridge.