Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

[comstox]

Hi guys! I have a standard Strat and have previously replaced the bridge pickup with a Hot Rails for Strat - Mission accomplished! But now I'm looking for a Seymour Duncan Humbucker in single-coil size to compliment the Hot Rails bridge pickup. As I'm looking for another SD Humbucker in single coil size neck position pickup, there are a LOT to choose from. The sound I'm looking for is that traditional older low growl from say... the older Les Paul PUPS. I don't want a screaming neck pickup.

Although it SEEMS reasonable to change my single-coil neck to the Hot Rails for Strat Neck, I'm afraid it may be too bright or even overpowering and miss the sound I'm searching for. I looked atthe Dave Mustane loaded pick guard but that seems too harsh for the sound I'm trying to achieve. Then again, the Lil' 59 may be too weak of a sound/tone. (Help me with this logic.) So what do you guys who have used these pickups in a similar situation feel would be a good fit? Rememeber: Single Coil size, Seymour Duncan Humbuckers that offer that growly sound I described.

I play mostly 70's - today's music and basically play single note runs with a lot of bending and embellishments. I think they call it... "Noodling" lol

You guys have always been great at answering my questions and I'd like to thank you in advance for your wisdom and insight!

Glen in New Hampshire.

 

[rustyjones13]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

I have a hot rail in bridge cool rail in neck and lil59 in middle, the guitar rocks. cool rail is much better in the neck than the lil59.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

There is no way the Hot Rails is too bright. The Cool Rails is a bright pickup, though. You might check out the Lil Screamin Demon in the neck.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

i dont find the neck hot rails overpowering or too bright, it matches the hr bridge well

 

[comstox]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Thanks Rusty. WHAT STYLE of music do you play? So you'd agree that the Cool Rail Neck can achieve that low growl sound? What scares me is the little graphical pictures that they associate with each pickup.
Below I'll put the: Cool Rails Neck, Lil'59 Neck & Hot Rails Neck. I see how the Cool Rails REALLY boost on the mid section.

THANKS AGAIN everyone who's replied. I think this info will be valuable in helping me make my decision! :bigok:

 

[comstox]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Thanks Jeremy. What type/style of music do you play?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

those graphs seem all out of whack sometimes. the cool rails doesnt sound like the graph to me, much flatter. i play funky jammy blues/rock. i like big warm overdriven guitar sounds that have defined notes, not blurry mush

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Yeah, I don't know if I agree with the Cool Rails graph. Look at the graph for the Jazz humbucker- it sounds much more like that.

 

[comstox]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

I'm reading some reviews and descriptions of the Cool Rails pickup. One says, "Hot and loud with punchy single-coil sound." Would you guys agree with this? I do NOT want a single-coil sound. I'm looking for a humbucker sound. Is the Cool Rails Neck the pickup for me?
Thanks!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Well, the Cool Rails is clean and clear. It isn't a single coil sound- it sounds like a Jazz humbucker, but that is probably the most single coil-iest of the humbuckers.

 

[comstox]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

...it sounds like a Jazz humbucker, but that is probably the most single coil-iest of the humbuckers.

Single-Coil-iest! Love it! lol

Hey Mincer, can you send a link to a youtube or other video that had a good tone demonstration for the Cool-Rails?Or is this link I sent a good representation?
I tried to paste the video to play @ the spot I wanted you to hear, but if it doesn't que up correctly, start at the 1:49 second spot. I want a neck pickup that sounds like THAT!

Thanks!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

That's the sound. I know from experience, but I haven't seen a video of it. It sounds a little less 'bubbly' on a 24 fret instrument vs 22, but that is most pickups, anyway. It has that clarity in the highs, and sort of bouncy mids and lower mids.

 

[metalchurch79]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Off topic slightly but I always wanted to spec out a CS Full Shred stacked single and call it the Half Shred.

 

[comstox]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

That's the sound. I know from experience, b

Mincer, did you begin at the 1:49 mark where it says, "ROCK"? Like this picture:



(I'm just wanting to double-check before I order.)

Thanks again for your help Mincer! - And others!!!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Yeah, where the distortion kicks in. At least that is the terms I use for that tone.

 

[comstox]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

Good news guys! I just found a private seller on Reverb who sold me a Cool Rails for Strat Neck AND a Hot Rails for Strat Neck. $50 each!!!!!! FREE Shipping too! - WHAM!
So now I don't have to wonder if I get the right one. I'll try em both, which leads to my next question: The Hot Rails for Strat Neck is a neck/middle position pickup, isn't it? I'm thinking of the CR-n in neck position and HR-n in middle. Anybody see any issues with doing that???
Thanks!!!

 

[jeremy]

Re: Help choosing a humbucker in a single coil size.

no issues doing that, you can try it both ways and see which you like better!