HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

[Thomas_Desch]

I've got a Strat (alder, rosewood fretboard), and currently it has got a Fender Nocaster neck pu (great), an APS-2 middle pu and a Little 59 (neck version) in the bridge. This setup works great for the type of music I play (country, blues, light rock, "jazz", slide).

I'm considering installing a full-sized humbucker in the bridge, though, and the keyword is clarity. I would like it to sound pretty and sweet clean (think steel guitar), but still singing and fairly punchy overdriven. The Little 59 is fine, but it's maybe lacking a bit in the clarity department?

Would either a Trembucker version of the 59 or APH-1 be a good match, you think? I should note I've got a Tone Tubby Red Alnico speaker in my amp (Rivera), so the top end is pretty round as it is.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

I love the way a 59 sounds in a Strat. I would also consider the Alnico II Pro if I were you. The humbucker with the most clarity from Duncan is the Jazz, very articulate and bright.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

Pearly gates bridge

 

[Detroitblues]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

The clearest pickup I have ever used is a Railhammer. It was so clear I didn't like it. If you plan on rocking the house with high gain, its the pickup to have.

 

[Thomas_Desch]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

No high-gain applications. I guess when I'm saying clarity I mean no excessive mid-bump.

 

[Liquids]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

The suggestions above likely good options, but for an alternative option are Wilde/Lawrence pickups, most of which make clarity without peaky highs or any mid-bump their target tonality.
I'm told the L-600 does the ticket (haven't tried them yet, but awaiting arrival). Looks most like a stock humbucker from their line (see: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kaVrZAWfQK8/maxresdefault.jpg).

The L90s definitely do the trick! But alas, they aren't rounded as normal humbuckers, and so in a strat pickguard, you have to exacto/sand out the corners of the HB route for them to fit. They also look out of place in many setups, and aesthetics are a reasonable factor. In a Gibson style pickup route, they drop in.

The wait can be rough, too. But if that's what you want--those pickups are the ticket! Especially if you are willing to use your tone knob (if you didn't use it much before, you'll finally find it actually useful with wilde pickups!)

Just a satisfied Wilde user.

Should note that I've also enjoyed a Seth Lover NECK model in the *bridge* position (of my 335) for vintage clarity, and that would probably sound good in a strat's bridge position, too.

 

[Harhash]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

+1 for 59 and Pearly Gates.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

I'm on a Dimebucker kick right now–it is the most articulate pickup I've used and it's clarity is scary. lol

The '59 in my former Ibanez Prestige was not very clear but that was in the neck position.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

I'm on a Dimebucker kick right now–it is the most articulate pickup I've used and it's clarity is scary. lol

The '59 in my former Ibanez Prestige was not very clear but that was in the neck position.

Dimebucker would definitely do the job.

If you want a bit more meat a '59/Custom hybrid. If you don't want the output, I'd probably say the Jazz bridge or the '59. I haven't used a Custom 5, so I'm not sure how the clarity is on those, but the clips I've heard on YouTube (like Ola England's) sound like that might work, too, if you want more output.

 

[blaise.brown.7967]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

+2 for Pearly GATES!!

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

No high-gain applications. I guess when I'm saying clarity I mean no excessive mid-bump.

I know a lot of people are suggesting the Pearly Gates, and they are not wrong to do so as it is a clear pickup with singing highs. However, it does have more mids than the 59, Jazz or Alnico II Pro. I would not call it an excessive mid-bump at all though, it really does sound good in a Strat.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

No high-gain applications. I guess when I'm saying clarity I mean no excessive mid-bump.

I know a lot of people are suggesting the Pearly Gates, and they are not wrong to do so as it is a clear pickup with singing highs. However, it does have more mids than the 59, Jazz or Alnico II Pro. I would not call it an excessive mid-bump at all though, it really does sound good in a Strat.

A C5 would probably qualify since it tends to be described as being relatively "scooped".

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

PG doesnt have a mid bump at all.. .infact the reason most think it does is because pickups like the 59 have a hole in the mids

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

A C5 would probably qualify since it tends to be described as being relatively "scooped".

no mid bump equals scooped now?

 

[GilmourD]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

no mid bump equals scooped now?

Well, like I said above, it's one pickup I haven't actually had my hands on, and that's how it tends to be described. Plus I put "scooped" in quotes.

A lot of people have also describe the EQ as being like a bigger '59, and you yourself said:

PG doesnt have a mid bump at all.. .infact the reason most think it does is because pickups like the 59 have a hole in the mids

Again, this is simply going but what's been described here in the forum. I can't claim to have any personal experience with it. Has anybody reading this actually used one?

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

Again, this is simply going but what's been described here in the forum. I can't claim to have any personal experience with it. Has anybody reading this actually used one?

I have a C5 but i dont have it installed in anything at the moment. To me the 59 is more scooped than the C5, the C5 isnt as much scooped as it has boosted lows and highs which can be good and bad

 

[Darg1911]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

I've got a 59/custom hybrid in the bridge of an HSS. I like it but I wouldn't describe it as "pretty and sweet". It's got an edge, even clean.

 

[Detroitblues]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

I've got a Strat (alder, rosewood fretboard), and currently it has got a Fender Nocaster neck pu (great), an APS-2 middle pu and a Little 59 (neck version) in the bridge. This setup works great for the type of music I play (country, blues, light rock, "jazz", slide).

I'm considering installing a full-sized humbucker in the bridge, though, and the keyword is clarity. I would like it to sound pretty and sweet clean (think steel guitar), but still singing and fairly punchy overdriven. The Little 59 is fine, but it's maybe lacking a bit in the clarity department?

Would either a Trembucker version of the 59 or APH-1 be a good match, you think? I should note I've got a Tone Tubby Red Alnico speaker in my amp (Rivera), so the top end is pretty round as it is.

Reading this again, I realized you already have a great setup. I had a Fender Lonestar HSS (Texas Specials in Neck/Middle, Pearly Gates in the Bridge), the output volume when switching from the singles to the humbucker is dramatic and annoying. Your current setup is darn near perfect to me. I had a Fender Strat I assembled last year that had Vintage Noiseless in Neck/Middle, and a Lil '59 Bridge in the Bridge. There was a really good balance there and the tone was fantastic. I would avoid the full HSS route.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

I've got a 59/custom hybrid in the bridge of an HSS. I like it but I wouldn't describe it as "pretty and sweet". It's got an edge, even clean.

Here's me playing one in an alder-bodied Strat with a non-recessed Floyd and a one-piece maple neck. I would say it's got clarity, but still a nice midrange.

 

[Rockstar216]

Re: HB with great clarity? For use in HSS configuration

My vote is for either a L-500 C model (thats the lowest output model made) or a L-600 from wilde pickups. The clarity is unmatched in those pups.

Also another thing to look into is if you want more clarity try using lower capacitance cables.