FRED or '59?

[ratherdashing]

Check it: https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=62485

I have to choose between a FRED and a '59 for the bridge of my #1 Strat. I think they would both be great pickups in that guitar - obviously quite different, but both very cool in their own way.

The winner will be joining a pair of Texas Specials, which I also intend to replace at some point.

I will be using it for chunky rock riffs, mildly crunchy rhythm (think Matchless Chieftain), and leads that cut through the mix.

Opinions highly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[taphappy]

Re: FRED or '59?

Fred will do all of those things and more.

I should add it can do all of that with a turn of the volume knob

 

[FretFire]

Re: FRED or '59?

What body/neck woods? The Fred loves bodies made of alder, basswood, etc., and maple necks w/ a rosewood board in particular.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FRED or '59?

What body/neck woods? The Fred loves bodies made of alder, basswood, etc., and maple necks w/ a rosewood board in particular.

Poplar body (it sounds pretty much like alder), maple neck with rosewood board.

 

[FretFire]

Re: FRED or '59?

I'd probably try the Fred first then, it's a great pickup.

 

[FretFire]

Re: FRED or '59?

BTW, listen to the Satriani song "Flying in a Blue Dream" to hear a Fred in the bridge of a Kramer through what I believe is a Soldano.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FRED or '59?

I like Satriani's lead tone, even though I detest his music. Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: FRED or '59?

I Use the Fred alot in my bridge positions...Great pickup,harmonics galore,cleans up really nice,tight,crunchy,slightly raised mids compared to a 59,Lows are just right also...Cleans up and reminds me of a single coil when you volume down...Great pickup!

 

[FretFire]

Re: FRED or '59?

I Use the Fred alot in my bridge positions...Great pickup,harmonics galore,cleans up really nice,tight,crunchy,slightly raised mids compared to a 59,Lows are just right also...Cleans up and reminds me of a single coil when you volume down...Great pickup!

Yep, that's one great characteristic of the Fred. Instead of bogging down and getting loose and muddy under gain, it tightens up like a single coil and retains its character very well. Very unique pickup.

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: FRED or '59?

Fred was the First pickup I was really intrsted when I wanted to upgrade pups... Its a great pup

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FRED or '59?

Wow, so far a resounding show of support for Freddy. Thanks everyone!

Anyone else?

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: FRED or '59?

I always keep at least one Fred pickup at home(I actually have 2 now)....Great solve all for alot of styles,plus it sounds every bit as good in my strat as it does in my SG..It's not as fussy about what guitar it's in and it does possess this sought of single coil vibe when you volume back or play clean with it,but it grinds and the harmonics jump out of this pickup,yet the pickup always remains clear and articulate! I've used a Fred pickup ever since it came out and I still own the original 1 I bought....I'm a Satch freak and I had to have a pickup he used(uses).....You won't be sorry to at least try it....You're welcome to borrow one of mine if you like...I have a white one and a black bobbin one...

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FRED or '59?

I always keep at least one Fred pickup at home(I actually have 2 now)....Great solve all for alot of styles,plus it sounds every bit as good in my strat as it does in my SG..It's not as fussy about what guitar it's in and it does possess this sought of single coil vibe when you volume back or play clean with it,but it grinds and the harmonics jump out of this pickup,yet the pickup always remains clear and articulate! I've used a Fred pickup ever since it came out and I still own the original 1 I bought....I'm a Satch freak and I had to have a pickup he used(uses).....You won't be sorry to at least try it....You're welcome to borrow one of mine if you like...I have a white one and a black bobbin one...

Thanks for the offer ... I don't need to try one, I think I'll just go ahead with the trade. If I don't like it (and based on the reviews thus far I'm fairly certain I will), I'll just trade again.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: FRED or '59?

Thanks for the offer ... I don't need to try one, I think I'll just go ahead with the trade. If I don't like it (and based on the reviews thus far I'm fairly certain I will), I'll just trade again.

Ok buddy.....It's a great pickup,plus the Dimarzio stuff is considerably less money,but a trade would be way cool! :banana: :dance:

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: FRED or '59?

The Fred is a realy nice pick up, I honestly wanted to buy it but then I did not like the other pup options I was getting to match it. Then I chked the Jb and liked it too.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FRED or '59?

Ok buddy.....It's a great pickup,plus the Dimarzio stuff is considerably less money,but a trade would be way cool! :banana: :dance:

Huh ... I didn't know DiMarzio was cheaper. I don't really care though - I'm not looking to make any cash off the deal. I just want a new pickup in that Strat!

If the trade with BachToRock (as laid out in the link in the first post) falls through, I'd be happy to extend the same offer to you for your black FRED. Let me know. :amish:

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: FRED or '59?

hmm both aprox cost the same out here at least when I try to get them

 

[Dave Z]

Re: FRED or '59?

Fred rocks, cleaner sound than the 59...I think the 59 can scream better but the fred's more polished, and the harmonics are just as good, just a different sound to them. I have to build another guitar this year to put a Fred in....

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: FRED or '59?

hmm both aprox cost the same out here at least when I try to get them

The Dimarzio prices are normally a bit less...Depends on what model,but I only payed $65 plus shipping for both of my VPAF pickups...This is for one pickup.