Have I got the balance right?

[Darran]

Hi Everyone!

I'm about to change the pickups in my strat and was wondering if you thought this configuration would meet my criteria. Here it is:

Bridge JB Jun
Middle Classic Stack
Neck Hot rails

The position I'm most concerned about is the neck. I use this pickup for most of my lead and because I'm looking for a high sustain rock tone I thought the Hotrails would be best. However I'm concerned that when switching from neck to bridge during a solo the difference in power would be quite noticeable (I'm told that the neck position has the highest output).

The other configuration suggested to me is this:

Bridge JB Jun
Middle Duckbucker
Neck Little '59.

I worry that the little '59 would give me the necessary sustain should it be required.

Your opinions would be much appreciated.

 

[The JEM Ghost]

Re: Have I got the balance right?

I would not go for the Hot Rails in the neck position... Same reason as you mentioned (balance), and for my tastes the Hot Rails is too hot for neck operation.
The little '59 would be a better option in my opinion or a Little Screaming Demon. Sure it can all be a matter of taste, but i surely don't recommend the Hot Rails as you described.
Good luck on your tone quest, when having any questions feel free to ask!

 

[Darran]

Re: Have I got the balance right?

Thanks for replying.

I thought the screaming demon would also be too powerful in the neck position; this isn't the case then?

 

[Rei Arthur Pendragon]

Re: Have I got the balance right?

I am probably going to buy the Cool Rails N / Duckbucker M / Hot Rails neck... I ve been told that you can get nice lead sounds from both neck and bridge without too much of a difference cause the cool rails is a good match and can get leads pretty well too. I want to use both of them for leads.. the neck for fast picked lines (a la malmsteen) and the other for hitting harmonics tapping stuff...