Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

[GenoBluzGtr]

Replacing pickups in a "project" Strat. Need some advice.

I am working on a project. It's a 99 Strat Deluxe Ash body (HSH routed), with an American Series Maple FB Neck.

Currently running a set of Kinman Avn Blues.

I have two other strats, one Deluxe with Stock SCN (neck/mid) and DH-1 Humbucker (bridge) and the other an American Texas Special Fat Strat with Stock Tx SPecials (neck/mid) and Pearly Gates HB (bridge).

I like both those HBs, but prefer the SCNs to the TX specials. If I had to choose between the two HBs, I would lean toward the DH-1. It seems a bit warmer and less "gritty" than the Pearly Gates. More what I like in a Bridge Pup.

I have bought two SCNs to put in the Neck and Mid on my Project Strat but can't decide which Humbucker to use. The ones that I am considering are:

JB
'59
JB Jr
Lil '59
Seth Lover


I am looking for something that is warm, smooth, and a bit hotter than either the PG or the DH-1, but not too much. I would rather it be warmer and smoother than hotter, but still want it to be a definite HB tone, rather than Single Coil-like.

If I go with one that is a SC sized Pup (JB Jr, Lil '59, etc) I won't have to get a new pickguard, but that is a VERY minor issue.

Help me out. I have listened to all the sound clips, but I can tell almost NO differences that are noticeable. I realize that MP3s through a computer Speaker is not the way to audition pickups, but am somewhat limited there.

My tastes, in addition to what has already been mentioned, is Blues, Blues Rock, Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Country, some Jazz. Definitely NOTHING heavily distorted or punk. Favorite tones = Claptons Clean, Robben Fords Overdrive,

I play either through a Mesa Boogie Mark IV with a Keeley Tubescreamer or a Super Reverb with the Tubescreamer and Blues Driver for Overdrive. (Classic Rock/Country Cover Band)

I prefer a Blackface Clean in the #2 and #4 positions (pup switch), Blues overdrive in the Neck position and all the Rock stuff with a Humbucker overdriven just this side of "distortion".

I apologize for the length, but hope enough info will elicit some thoughtful advice and response.

 

[greendy123]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

I think seth lovers may be good choice for you. It's warmer then the 59, I have the 59 in the bridge of my strat and its pretty bright.

 

[Mephis]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

I think seth lovers may be good choice for you. It's warmer then the 59, I have the 59 in the bridge of my strat and its pretty bright.

+1

 

[Buck Cannon]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

Hay. I think your Fender OEM P.G./ Factory installed came with a Alnico 5 magnet not the Normal AlNiCo 2 equipped PG's.. IMHO that did add a brighter tone and more grit... I think Fender was just after a Strat Alnico 5 tone on that project and thats why they went with Alnico 5's?
So a regular PG Bridge just may work for you after all?,
Also a magnet swap may be a low cost test on that Fender PG you have there.

Cheers
Rev. Donzo.

 

[Artie]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

IIRC, the Lil 59 I had was a tad smoother and warmer than the full-size that I still have. But it has been many moons ago.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

I'd go with a Custom Custom. Looking at the resistance figures, it looks a lot hotter than the PG, but it doesn't sound like a distortion class pickup. Its smooth, warm, and big sounding. I have it in a Carvin paired with a Pearly Gates in the neck and it sounds great.

 

[SIXX]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

SH-5 Custom

 

[GenoBluzGtr]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

Bump...

Thanks for all the advice so far... I know there are more opinions out there...

 

[fenderiarhs]

Re: Help Choosing a Bridge HB for my Strat

JB...nice pickup, can do well both clean and distorted...........if you listen to Robben Ford..that's the JB (plus his fingers.......... )