Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

[Stratcat]

The SSL-1 has staggered pole pieces, and the SSL-2 has flat pole pieces. Is there any difference in tone or output? Thanks for any info.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

The specifications suggest that the SSL-1 may be slightly brighter than the SSL-2, but I doubt there's an audible difference. What baffles me is that the SSL-1 uses A5 rod magnets while the SSL-2 apparently uses A5 bar magnets.

Probably the main thing to keep in mind is that you select the staggered pole piece version to match a vintage fretboard radius, while the flat pole pieces are for more modern neck radii (like 12" +)

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

SSL-2 uses the same rod mags as the SSL-1.

If you have a vintage fretboard radius, use the 1, if you have a modern, use the 2.

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

Has anyone tried the SSL-1 staggered on an a new American Strat? If so, how does it sound?

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

I don't have SSL-1's on a US Strat, but I do have them fitted to my '96 G&L Legacy, which has a more modern radius. To me they sound exactly as a classic Strat should sound. Lovely and clear, very bell like and great quacky in between tones.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

I actually have two SSL-1's in my Strat currently. (Am Deluxe) It's a perfect vintage Strat sound, I find them to be highly underrated. The G is a bit overbearing due to the offset, but not bad enough for me to change them out for flats.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

I don't like the staggered versions. To me the volume for each string comes out wrong, in particular G is too loud and B too quiet.

I suppose it depends on the strings you use, this is Dean Markley's Custom Lite or LTHB.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

SSL-2 uses the same rod mags as the SSL-1.

So the tone chart is mistaken?

SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Single Con. Cloth : 6.5 k
: 10 KHz
Alnico V Rods 5 / 3 / 9 Compare Tone

SSL-2 Vintage Flat Single Con. Cloth : 6.6 k
: 9 KHz
Alnico V Bar 5 / 3 / 9 Compare Tone

 

[uOpt]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

So the tone chart is mistaken?

SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Single Con. Cloth : 6.5 k
: 10 KHz
Alnico V Rods 5 / 3 / 9 Compare Tone

SSL-2 Vintage Flat Single Con. Cloth : 6.6 k
: 9 KHz
Alnico V Bar 5 / 3 / 9 Compare Tone

That looks like a mistake.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

They are both rod magnet pickups...the flats were made for "better" string defination and a more even tone for flatter radius necks however I prefer the staggered magnets no matter what the radius...sure the string to string balencs might be "off' but to me thats part of the strat sound!

FWIW, I find the SSL-1's to have a tiny bit more chime to them than the SSL-2's but IMO you can't miss with either!

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

I would vote the opposite, I hate string imbalance and I am sick of fighting that strat-itis warbling of the G-string with staggered pole pieces. You can't get rid of it most of the time unless you have the pickup set so low that its not giving you the best tone it has. I don't see why manufacturers who make staggered sets don't make the stagger MUCH less pronounced. I don't think many of us still use the wound G string they were staggered for in the first place.

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

After further research on this matter, it looks like most players prefer the SSL-1 Staggered over the SSL-2 Flat, and most Duncan dealers say that the SSL-1 is the best selling aftermarket Strat pup, and most of dealers do not carry the SSL-2 but will special order them, at your request.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

After further research on this matter, it looks like most players prefer the SSL-1 Staggered over the SSL-2 Flat, and most Duncan dealers say that the SSL-1 is the best selling aftermarket Strat pup, and most of dealers do not carry the SSL-2 but will special order them, at your request.

Do you think that's because the SDs are usually replacing stock pups on Fender or similar guitars with vintage or near vintage neck radii?

I'm just wondering because I have a pair of new SSL-2s in the box just waiting for me to finish my project guitar (12" R).

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

Do you think that's because the SDs are usually replacing stock pups on Fender or similar guitars with vintage or near vintage neck radii?

I'm just wondering because I have a pair of new SSL-2s in the box just waiting for me to finish my project guitar (12" R).

It seems that most players prefer the SSL-1 for their Strat. Here are some reviews, I could not find much info on the SSL-2, but I am sure it is a great pup as well.
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/...our+Duncan/SSL-1+Vintage+Staggered+Strat/10/1

 

[jerryjg]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

I use SSL-1 for bridge, SSL-2 for neck& mid on a vinatge replica Strat.It works for me.
That said, I dont think I'llever use anything but a Five -Two again in the middle position! Oustanding mid position pickup!

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Duncan Strat SSL-1 vs SSL-2 Pups

I would vote the opposite, I hate string imbalance and I am sick of fighting that strat-itis warbling of the G-string with staggered pole pieces. You can't get rid of it most of the time unless you have the pickup set so low that its not giving you the best tone it has. I don't see why manufacturers who make staggered sets don't make the stagger MUCH less pronounced. I don't think many of us still use the wound G string they were staggered for in the first place.

Point well taken.