Hot Stack STK-S2N Dull Attack?

[SavageRiffer]

I just installed an STK-S2N in an HSS strat. I'm using 500k CTS pots. It's a little less output than I expected, but still adequate. What's bothering me though is that it has a very dull pick attack. There's no definitive quack or pick attack sound, just a very rounded pick attack. Maybe I need to just get used to it, but it doesn't seem to cut through that as well as the Hot Rails even though the EQ chart seem to indicate that it has a little more treble & upper mids. It's actually a little better clean than with distortion. There is no noise or anything, everything is working as it should, and my wiring is perfect, so could it be that it might be defective or is it just how this pickup is?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Hot Stack STK-S2N Dull Attack?

There should be at least a little attack on there, but it won't sound like a regular single coil. I'd start by making sure the pickup is putting out the right output (hook it to a meter), and then possibly hook it straight to the jack. I never found this pickup to have a rounded attack like you are describing, though.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Hot Stack STK-S2N Dull Attack?

Its been about 15 years ago but what I do remember is that they don't have a strong attack, Particularly if you have them in a warm guitar like I did. I wouldn't go so far to call it rounded though but it sure didn't have the attack of a normal strat single. First I would check to make sure you wired them right but it might just be the wrong pickup for your guitar.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Re: Hot Stack STK-S2N Dull Attack?

I just double-checked everything. This was the first time I've touched the guitar since last night. It's still the same thing. I checked my multimeter and it's reading about 12.76. The website says it's 13k, so that sounds like it's within range. The cap is a .047, so there's no other component that would affect it. It's an HSS strat, so I bought the Hot Stack with a Pegagus for the bridge. The Pegasus is perfect. No issues at all. I don't think there is anything wrong with this pickup.

It seems like the pickup just doesn't have a sharp attack. I played it for a while to get a better feel for it. It's either not as bad as I initially perceived, or I'm starting to get used to it a little. One thing though is that it does seem to really respond to the character of your amp. Through a punchy amp, it has more attack. Through a smooth amp, it's a little dull. It's pretty good with distortion, and has a better low end than the Lil 59. I guess it's cool in it's own way. It's also interesting because I got a similar impression from the Sentient neck pickup, so together with the Pegasus in an HSS strat, it's actually very similar to the Pegasus/Sentient set I have in another strat. Well it will stay in the guitar unless I find something more ideal but I'm not going to try that hard. One thing I do love about it is that it freely gives off pinch and touch harmonics which is a great quality in a neck pickup.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Hot Stack STK-S2N Dull Attack?

Yeah, the point was to make sure the pickup is working properly. You may not just like the sound- there are a few that don't work for me, either. The higher output does allow all those little sounds to come through loud and clear, though.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Re: Hot Stack STK-S2N Dull Attack?

I'll admit it's growing on me. I'm used to having a very perceivable attack, and it seems like that helps it cut through a little better. Instead of the notes popping out, they kind of just ring out because there's not really an initial pick sound. I use a lot of other pickups, and noticed some pickups like Dimarzio have kind of a scissory attack which sounds cool in fast picked runs. This pickup does it all though, just instead of like a pick sound introducing the note, the note just kind of shows up. It takes a little getting used to, but I like it. It handles distortion well, the bass doesn't get boomy or mush out, and it has a decent output. It sounds a bit warm with overdrive, but nice clarity with clean tones. I have a lot of experience with various brand pickups, and I have to say this pickup is rather unique.