Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

Mr. B · Dec 31, 2014

I've never been more frustrated with a set of single coils than I have been with the Fender CS 69's I recently purchased. The volume drop on the B string, and to some extent the high E, is turning out to be a deal killer. I've already pushed the D and G polepieces down to level them out, but there is no way to raise the B polepiece. (I know people advise against this, but I've done it for years with the Fat 50's and never had a problem) No amount of pickup adjustment helps much, string gauge doesn't help, and I've tried them in 3 strats. I would immediately chuck them in the bin, but I LOVE the tone.

I had the SSL-1's decades ago, and remember them being brighter than the Fat 50's. Its been so long though, that my sonic picture of them is not very clear. How does the SSL-2 set compare to the 69's and fat 50's? This strat is purposed for Hendrix/Surf/early true rock-n-roll.

jeremy · Dec 31, 2014

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

the ssl2 is not the same as the cs69. more output and a thicker tone to my ears. i think they are great pups but havent heard them next to anything fender in a long time to compare

GuitarStv · Dec 31, 2014

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

If it's just a slight difference in volume between strings, you could always run them into a compressor with very low settings for minimal colouration.

Mr. B · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

It isn't a slight difference in the 69's. It is a slight difference in the Fat 50's, and I have easily lived with that for years. Its so pronounced in the 69's that my ear hears it every time I land on that string.

How risky would it be to push the short B string pole piece out with one of normal length?

dotsdad · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

I agree that the 69's string-to-string blanace is awful. I loved the timbre, but soon ripped them out due to that very reason.

Be very careful if you try to move the magnets!!! Inside the pickups, the wire touches right up against the magnets. If you move the magnets in the 69's too much, you can break the thin wire in the coil and the pickup will no longer work.

The SSL's do not sound much like 69's. The 69 is very underwound, which makes it very bright. The SSL is a little overwound, which makes it fuller and fatter. The 69's magnets are not chamfered, while the SSL's are; this make the 69's attack a bit sharper. The 69 has PE wire, while the SSL is formar; kind of whiskey vs. cognac as far as smoothness is concerned. In a nutshell; 69 is bright and brash, while SSL is fat and smooth.

DreX · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

I haven't tried the SSL-2s, but the SSL-1s are among the most present and full sounding with good dynamics, while the Fat 50's are softer of the highs, compressed and piano-like in the mids. If you're having issues with string balance and want a brighter pickup, the SSL-2 sounds like a good choice.

SJ318 · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

Please,
For gods sake, I have been on a crusade for years now. Just do this. Turn the '69 around 180 drees. If there is not room for the pickup front in that position, make some. Mine are Warmouth with universal pick up routes.
When you do this, the top 4 slugs are now even and under you top 4 high strings. It is so easy.
I just balance the top 4 slugs, and the NOW LOW 2 slugs are under big A and E strings , the low ones, which are loud anyway. So their low NEW position makes the volume work out perfectly. I have been doing this with perfect results all my life.
I do not see why no one take me seriously on this. No breaking wires. Instant top 4 slugs even across the top 4 strings. Just try one. I love my '69's, have 6 of them in 3 Strats now, as part of a HSS set, SH-2 Bridge Jazz, Fender 57/62 middle, '69 neck pickup.
I will be trying a TwangBanger in the middle for an experiment, but that is a different story. I must have a high frequency humbucker in the bridge, a 57/62 for nice mid SC balance and '69 neck for great Hendrix tone, they are very sharp sounding but in the neck there is a lot of string movement so it is a good place for me.
Try it, you will thank me.
Just look at it, it makes all the sense in the world. I wouldn't use Fenders if I couldn't do this, I hate that stupid 40 year old stagger. They sound especially balanced with humbuckers when turned this way. They sound like Hendrix Heaven. I know what I am talking about.
Yes, I am frustrated that I get blown off every time I bring it up. It is time someone at least tried it and you sound perfect!
Good New Year to You Sir,
Steven John Buffington, and proud of my easy to do mod. I don't care if I get any negative response from my strong stand on this. It Works. Thank You.

DrNewcenstein · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

Here's an idea, maybe you could turn the pickups around? I mean, if one side is overpowered and the other is underpowered, maybe reversing the pickup would help? Dunno, never tried it myself, the idea just sorta came to me.

ItsaBass · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

You can raise the pole pieces from the bottom as well.

It is odd, though. I've never encountered a weak E or B with Strat pickups. Just a glaringly loud G with the vintage stagger.

DreX · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

You most likely can't turn the pickup around in a standard routed Strat, because the bobbin and the pickup slot are triangular in shape. I'm not even sure you could turn the neck pickup around with a humbucker route, as it's right up against the neck.

For the love of God, don't push the pole pieces around on a vintage style bobbin such as the CS 69, the coil is right up again the magnets and it's caked in wax. Moving the pole pieces is liable to tear up the inside of the coil.

Mr. B · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

I tried flipping the pickups backwards (ala Jimi Hendrix) but the route for the neck and middle are way too tight.

I've heard people say "Don't push the pole pieces" for years, but I've done it on half a dozen sets and I've known several other people who do it regularly and I've never heard of anyone breaking the wire.

I guess I could raise the B pole as much as the thickness of the bottom plate... I may give that a try.

Sounds like the SSL-2 is going to sound more like the Fat 50's I already have and be redundant.

Mr. B · Jan 1, 2015

Re: Compare Fender CS 69's to SSL-2's

Dimarzio Steve's Special?

firebirdguy72 · Jan 1, 2015