Finding specific Strat pickup sound

[Sjoerd1234]

Re: Finding specific Strat pickup sound

In my understanding, what you're searching is a tonal response with a "high Q factor": in this case, the "resonant peak" of the pickup(s) is narrow and pointy enough to make it sound "tubey" - while a "low Q factor" produces exactly what you say: a flatter sound, more even across the audio range.

If this reading of your requests is correct, you may find what you want in any low DCR / A5 rods / PE wire Strat PU in the late 60's style: those with grey bottom baseplates, in most cases (Fender CS69 or any boutique pickup with the same specs like the Duncan Psychedelic evoked in your links).

BTW, if memory serves me, your EJ Strat features A3 mags : A5 is a better way to achieve what I'm talking about.
Now, the Q factor of any pickup can be tweaked to some extent thanks to the value of the pots used: higher resistance = higher Q factor. Try 500k pots in your EJ Strat and see what happens (if it's too bright, it's always possible to tame the high range without lowering the Q factor, thanks to some "high capacitance" cable).

FWIW. Good luck in your quest.

Thanks for your detailed reply. This contradicts with what others say, interesting.

 

[freefrog]

Re: Finding specific Strat pickup sound

Thanks for your detailed reply. This contradicts with what others say, interesting.

You're welcome.

Contradiction is superficial in this case: when other members evoke the importance of the amp and playing, I see what they mean and don't disagree. Same thing about the idea of a typical / idealized / generic Strat tone: what you want is not that rare. I just think it easier to achieve with late 60's style pickups (the Texas Special evoked somewhere above being just a souped up variation on this recipe, FWIW).

Once again, good luck in your quest...