Fender Stratocaster Pickup Modification

risingforce

risingforce

New member
Dear all,

I have an American Standard Strat and I want to make it heavy metal monster :)

I'm planning to change the pickguard for H-S-H configuration and I'm planning to put Duncan JB for the bridge and 59 for the neck position. Of course I will change volume and tone pots with 500 k.

My strat is Alder body and maple neck 3 tone sunburst. According to you, is JB-59 combination good choice to play 80's Iron Maiden and Judas Priest style.

Could you please share your advises with me ? You can recommend alternative options.

Thanks in advance...
 
Re: Fender Stratocaster Pickup Modification

I suspect that the Dave Murray ex-Kossoff Stratocaster sports two DiMarzio Super Distortions. Your choice of amplifier and pedals is going to be at least as important as the pickups.
 
Re: Fender Stratocaster Pickup Modification

The JB sounds gnarly in a Strat...but for what you want, it is too hot and thick IMO. The way I see it, you are in the right territory with a Di'Marzio Super Distortion in the bridge. They are just as loud/high-output as a JB, but they are crunchier and have more clarity and top end...and no Duncan sounds just like them to my ears (though the Custom is not a bad alternative). As for the neck pickup, I'd go with another Super Distorion, or a Super 2. For those kinds of tones live, 50W amps at minimum are a must, to keep either of those pickups having any semblance of treble and clarity. At gig volumes, less powerful amps just don't have the headroom to keep those pickups from turning into near-inaudible mush inside a venue.

Also, keep in mind that a huge part of the '80's sound of both of those bands was achieved via delay (and sometimes chorus). Those effects, just as does reverb, really exacerbate the need for a pickup that has lots of cut-through and clarity, and an amp that has headroom.
 
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Re: Fender Stratocaster Pickup Modification

For the music that you're talking about, with my amps, I'd set it up with a Hot Rails in the neck and middle and a JB in the bridge. Fantastic combination when you're using 500K pots. The amps will make a huge difference though, as well as effects.

I was actually surprised, but my American Standard with an A2 pro neck and '78 bridge sounds great doing this type of music; it doesn't sound like the original gear but still sounds appropriate.
 
Re: Fender Stratocaster Pickup Modification

For at least the bridge, I'd honestly say the DiMarzio Super Distortion. But if you want to stay with Seymour Duncan, I'd recommend the Custom Custom in the bridge, and either an Alnico II Pro or Pearly Gates in the neck.

Also, what type of Judas Priest do have in mind? IMO, the guitars between Stained Class and Painkiller for example sound way different.
 
Re: Fender Stratocaster Pickup Modification

I have a JB/Jazz combo in my strat, with 250k pots.. the Jb is a amazing, IMO. It doesn't sound like the originals.. but honestly, their equipment now won't sound like it did then either... but it does an awesome job. It's like Judas Priest with a modern twist.
 
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