Fralin SP43, mixed feelings.

[Heavy]

I thought I found my perfect pickup for a strat. It sounded good at first, but the more I played it, the more I started not liking it. Mostly on overdrive. Low notes weren't as prominent with fast runs, it kinda was muffled. They didn't have the same definition as the stock single coil, or even a hotter Duncan stack. The high notes did have more weight and sounded less thin, and that's what I liked about it.

But, the hum was pretty bad. With vintage output singles the hum doesn't bother me much and it's not noticeable while I'm playing, but with the SP43, I noticed more hum even while playing, it was there all the time. I lowered the gain, figuring it's a hotter pickup so it's going to have more noise, but it still seemed too noisy for me.

Anyone find their perfect strat pickup? How's the lil Screamin' Demon compared to it's big brother? I don't like the Hot Rails at all.

Anyone try a Dimarzio Virtual Solo? Kinman makes a hot bridge, wonder how that is?

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: Fralin SP43, mixed feelings.

I can't stop singing the praises of the SSL5 or SSL6 Custom Strat. Loud and proud, beefy sounding... but still sounds like a strat.

Imagine an SSL1, louder, with slightly more mids, slightly less treble, and a tad more bass.

Don't let the output chart decieve you. It will balance up VERY well with SSL1s in neck and mid.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Fralin SP43, mixed feelings.

I love my SP43. I matched it against an old P90, and they were pretty much the same, which is what I was hoping for.

Having said that, maybe it just fits the style I play, which is blues rock, and older style hard rock.

A ballsy SC is the Duncan Quarter Pounder. However, you still may have a hum issue (which doesn't bother me).

I also really like the DMZ Chopper. It is hum canceling, but has a nice high end kick, and a decent amount of crunch.

The SD lil 59 is wonderful. Had one in a Strat, but it is a HB, although it isn't exactly like the full size 59.

I have not used the SSL 5 & 6 pups mentioned above. Everything I've heard makes me want to try them!

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: Fralin SP43, mixed feelings.

I love my SP43. I matched it against an old P90, and they were pretty much the same, which is what I was hoping for.

Having said that, maybe it just fits the style I play, which is blues rock, and older style hard rock.

A ballsy SC is the Duncan Quarter Pounder. However, you still may have a hum issue (which doesn't bother me).

I also really like the DMZ Chopper. It is hum canceling, but has a nice high end kick, and a decent amount of crunch.

The SD lil 59 is wonderful. Had one in a Strat, but it is a HB, although it isn't exactly like the full size 59.

I have not used the SSL 5 & 6 pups mentioned above. Everything I've heard makes me want to try them!

SSL6 is a QP.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Fralin SP43, mixed feelings.

no the ssl4 and ssl7 are the qp flat and staggered respectively. the ssl5/6 are the custom stag/flat for strat