Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

[mexstrat]

I recently got an SSL-1 to put in the neck, and an SSL-5 in the bridge. So far, I'm loving the tone. I like the higher output and grittier sound I can get with the SSL-5 but the nice smooth bright bell-like tone of the SSL-1 in the neck. Just out of curiosity, I'd like others to share their favorite things about these pickups.

 

[Rhub]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

There is something I can´t describe on putting a bridge ssl5 on the neck position. It sounds just like the perfect single coil sound for me

 

[mexstrat]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

There is something I can´t describe on putting a bridge ssl5 on the neck position. It sounds just like the perfect single coil sound for me

I actually had my SSL-5 in the neck and my SSL-1 in the bridge for a day by accident. Didn't sound all that bad, especially the neck position. I was expecting the neck position SSL-5 to be duller, but it isn't as dull as I thought, so it took a while for me to figure out the mistake. The SSL-1 in the neck seems to be slightly better though, and the SSL-5 makes a much better bridge pickup than the SSL-1 does in my opinion.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

SSL-1s are simply great classic Strat tone. They've been available forever and a bunch of others make slightly different versions of it, but it's glassy without being shrill and full without losing sparkle.

 

[mexstrat]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

My favorite thing about these pickups is the versatility. I can have awesome dirty lead tones in the bridge, funky and sweet clean tones in any position, and an overall smoothness that is a huge upgrade over my stock pickups.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

I don't like vintage-type pickups in the bridge of a Strat, so an SSL-5 is ideal. It really makes a normal Strat's bridge pickup usable to me, and, unless that Strat has a humbucker there, it is getting an SSL-5 (or -6, which has flat poles that I prefer).

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

I will say, nothing quite "surfs" like a low output bridge single... Although few people care to do that, any more.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

Last thing I'm really happy about is the Mustang in the neck. By far my favorite neck single coil. There's a Duo Sonic in the middle and an SSL-5 in the bridge.

Fender Mustang pickup? or an aftermarket replacement? I hadn't ever realized Mustang pickups would fit Strats.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

A Mustang (or Duo Sonic) pickup is just a Strat pickup with flat poles, to fit beneath covers.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

A Mustang (or Duo Sonic) pickup is just a Strat pickup with flat poles, to fit beneath covers.

Thanks, never knew that. I like flatpole Strat pickups.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Favorite things about SSL-1 and SSL-5 pups

Thanks, never knew that. I like flatpole Strat pickups.

They're flatter than that

Mustang pickup (Antiquity: )

Flat Strat pickup (SSL2 : )