Duncan SSL1, california set
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PicoRiveraTele
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Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
This is what Seymour Duncan calls a "calibrated" Strat set https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/custom-staggered-strat-calibrated-set , an SSL-5 bridge which has a much higher DC resistance and output than the SSL-1. The idea that they would purposely overwind a bridge SSL-1 by such a tiny degree that it didn't even make a blip on a multimeter in order to somehow improve output balance is laughable. Besides, they've corrected their website so it's a moot point.
This is what Seymour Duncan calls a "calibrated" Strat set https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/custom-staggered-strat-calibrated-set , an SSL-5 bridge which has a much higher DC resistance and output than the SSL-1. The idea that they would purposely overwind a bridge SSL-1 by such a tiny degree that it didn't even make a blip on a multimeter in order to somehow improve output balance is laughable. Besides, they've corrected their website so it's a moot point.
PicoRiveraTele
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
They just don't make those SSL-1B's like they used to, back in December.
They just don't make those SSL-1B's like they used to, back in December.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
Who from SD said anything about improving output balance?
Ever own a real 50’s or 60’s Strat? I have. Quite a few.
All three pickups are more or less identical and the bridge pickup usually sounds thin and brittle to me...even after giving it a tone control.
Perhaps Seymour found a way of keeping the same DCR but giving the bridge pickup a slightly fuller tone, by winding the bridge pickup in the set with 42 gauge wire that is slightly thinner...or thicker.
I know SD does that with some pickups but they regard it as a trade secret and will not discuss it.
I’m only suggesting this as a possibility, btw.
I don’t know the answer, but neither do you.
Who from SD said anything about improving output balance?
Ever own a real 50’s or 60’s Strat? I have. Quite a few.
All three pickups are more or less identical and the bridge pickup usually sounds thin and brittle to me...even after giving it a tone control.
Perhaps Seymour found a way of keeping the same DCR but giving the bridge pickup a slightly fuller tone, by winding the bridge pickup in the set with 42 gauge wire that is slightly thinner...or thicker.
I know SD does that with some pickups but they regard it as a trade secret and will not discuss it.
I’m only suggesting this as a possibility, btw.
I don’t know the answer, but neither do you.
gregory
New member
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
It’s a secret. But the fact that they do it has leaked out a few times during the 15 or 20 years that I’ve been posting here.
It’s a secret. But the fact that they do it has leaked out a few times during the 15 or 20 years that I’ve been posting here.
PicoRiveraTele
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
The original product copy:
"This three pickup set includes a standard wound neck pickup, an RWRP, reverse wind reverse polarity, middle pickup for clucky in-between tones, and a slightly overwound bridge pickup for easier pickup balance."
I'm not trying to argue with this one, you're asking so I'm answering. They have since changed the copy, it no longer says these words.
The original product copy:
"This three pickup set includes a standard wound neck pickup, an RWRP, reverse wind reverse polarity, middle pickup for clucky in-between tones, and a slightly overwound bridge pickup for easier pickup balance."
I'm not trying to argue with this one, you're asking so I'm answering. They have since changed the copy, it no longer says these words.
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
I almost did several times. I think it has pretty much run the course, huh?
I almost did several times. I think it has pretty much run the course, huh?
Teleplayer
Active member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
This is not a bad thread IMO. The subject has been clarified and the webpage is revised to match.
Apart from what's been discussed, creating an "vintage hot spec" SSL-1b / SSL-2b pickup seems like an attractive idea to me.
This is not a bad thread IMO. The subject has been clarified and the webpage is revised to match.
Apart from what's been discussed, creating an "vintage hot spec" SSL-1b / SSL-2b pickup seems like an attractive idea to me.
gregory
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
For A5 pole pieces one can buy:
Antiquity II Surfer Bridge
STK-S4B
STK-S7B
The last two can be run split, with the added bonus for the ability to be wired in series when playing with distortion.
I'm wondering about a split DiMarzio HS-4 as a possibility which has a vintage stagger. HS-2 is another, but I'm unsure of the relative levels compared to an SSL-1s in the neck. They do get pretty hot when split and a split HS-2 sounds pretty damn good.
For A5 pole pieces one can buy:
Antiquity II Surfer Bridge
STK-S4B
STK-S7B
The last two can be run split, with the added bonus for the ability to be wired in series when playing with distortion.
I'm wondering about a split DiMarzio HS-4 as a possibility which has a vintage stagger. HS-2 is another, but I'm unsure of the relative levels compared to an SSL-1s in the neck. They do get pretty hot when split and a split HS-2 sounds pretty damn good.
Jacew
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
As for antiquity, I don't want pay extra for something I don't care about. And noiseless are not the same.
Just a slightly hotter version of SSL-1 would be brilliant for strat neck position. Currently I use VZ Blues there, because SD doesn't have anything like that.
As for antiquity, I don't want pay extra for something I don't care about. And noiseless are not the same.
Just a slightly hotter version of SSL-1 would be brilliant for strat neck position. Currently I use VZ Blues there, because SD doesn't have anything like that.
gregory
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
DiMarzio HS-2:
DiMarzio even recommends running the top coil of the HS-2 as an equivalent or near equivalent to some of their OEM single coils. The Steve Morse signature single is a split HS-3 (link).
As for the Duncan stacks...
This forum is littered with reports that the split STK-S4 sounds just like an SSL-1. Combine this with the STK-S4 being slightly louder than the SSL-1 and you're home free. The -S4B is slightly hotter and the -S7 is another bump in level while still using the same type of wire.
...so yeah, I think there's something to splitting stacks.
DiMarzio HS-2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZruE7E_4OU
DiMarzio even recommends running the top coil of the HS-2 as an equivalent or near equivalent to some of their OEM single coils. The Steve Morse signature single is a split HS-3 (link).
As for the Duncan stacks...
This forum is littered with reports that the split STK-S4 sounds just like an SSL-1. Combine this with the STK-S4 being slightly louder than the SSL-1 and you're home free. The -S4B is slightly hotter and the -S7 is another bump in level while still using the same type of wire.
...so yeah, I think there's something to splitting stacks.
Last edited:
PicoRiveraTele
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
Splitting stacks doesn't fill a gap in the product line, if that's what's being asserted.
IMO the Twang Banger should have AlNiCo 5 pole pieces rather than AlNiCo 2. Seymour Duncan seems to love AlNiCo 2. If they did use AlNiCo 5, they'd fill the void between the SSL-1 and the SSL-5 well enough. There's also no super low output Strat pickups, something that competes more directly with the Fender CS '69 or the 57/62's, which are also highly regarded.
Splitting stacks doesn't fill a gap in the product line, if that's what's being asserted.
IMO the Twang Banger should have AlNiCo 5 pole pieces rather than AlNiCo 2. Seymour Duncan seems to love AlNiCo 2. If they did use AlNiCo 5, they'd fill the void between the SSL-1 and the SSL-5 well enough. There's also no super low output Strat pickups, something that competes more directly with the Fender CS '69 or the 57/62's, which are also highly regarded.
freefrog
Well-known member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
As I guarantee that our lab teslameter measured some differences on an actual set of recent SSL1s…
I’ve already said that it could be merely accidental. But it was there.
Same experience here with real vintage Strat PU’s…
… and I’ve not yet explained what happened with the set of SSL1’s described in my first answer here.
The bridge pickup appeared as TOO thick sounding for a vintage tone in the first host Strat with Rosewood fingerboard.
The whole set has been transplanted in a maple neck American Standard and makes someone else happy…
The current recipe of SSL1’s might make them beefier than their 2.6H suggest.
They don’t necessarily cooperate with all instruments but they certainly appear as well “balanced” and able to avoid the thin bridge pickup syndrome.
As I guarantee that our lab teslameter measured some differences on an actual set of recent SSL1s…
I’ve already said that it could be merely accidental. But it was there.
Same experience here with real vintage Strat PU’s…
… and I’ve not yet explained what happened with the set of SSL1’s described in my first answer here.
The bridge pickup appeared as TOO thick sounding for a vintage tone in the first host Strat with Rosewood fingerboard.
The whole set has been transplanted in a maple neck American Standard and makes someone else happy…
The current recipe of SSL1’s might make them beefier than their 2.6H suggest.
They don’t necessarily cooperate with all instruments but they certainly appear as well “balanced” and able to avoid the thin bridge pickup syndrome.
Jacew
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
I don't see why anyone would choice aftermarket equivalent of those original Fender pickup either.
But there definitely is an empty spot between SSL-1 and SSL-5.
It doesn't really matter if how those split noiseless sound like. It's still not the same thing as real single coils. Some people don't want stacks.
I personally have absolutely no interest in them.
Twang Banger is bridge equivalent for APS-1/APS-2. It's really interesting design and has it's place.
I don't see why anyone would choice aftermarket equivalent of those original Fender pickup either.
But there definitely is an empty spot between SSL-1 and SSL-5.
It doesn't really matter if how those split noiseless sound like. It's still not the same thing as real single coils. Some people don't want stacks.
I personally have absolutely no interest in them.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Duncan SSL1, california set
The Twangbanger has a baseplate and is designed to emulate an Alnico 2 Tele bridge pickup. It does sound good with the APS1 or 2 tho. But in reality, it doesn’t sound much like a Tele pickup when put in a Strat. Just sounds like a thicker sounding, slightly hotter, Strat bridge pickup with softer treble.
I use the Ilitch system to make my favorite Strat (w/Antiquity Surfers) pretty much noiseless. Have never owned a noiseless Strat size pickup I liked enough to keep.
The Twangbanger has a baseplate and is designed to emulate an Alnico 2 Tele bridge pickup. It does sound good with the APS1 or 2 tho. But in reality, it doesn’t sound much like a Tele pickup when put in a Strat. Just sounds like a thicker sounding, slightly hotter, Strat bridge pickup with softer treble.
I use the Ilitch system to make my favorite Strat (w/Antiquity Surfers) pretty much noiseless. Have never owned a noiseless Strat size pickup I liked enough to keep.
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