HSH Middle single humbucker

U

unccivil

New member
I have an HSH with a Custom Custom bridge and Alnico 2 Pro neck. The middle is currently and Alnico 2 Pro Strat SC but I don't like it much. I had it installed to match with the split HBs in 2&4, but I never use the split and am considering going all HB or stack mid. I like the bridge and neck buckers, so I'm keeping them.

Any suggestions on a good middle SC sized HB or Stack? Body is chambered mahogany...ebony fretboard.

Thanks for any suggestions...
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

I use a Duncan STK-S4 between a Jazz neck and a Jazz bridge. In the past I have used a STK-S4 between a 59 neck and a Alnico II Pro Bridge. I have also used it between a 59 neck and a Custom Custom bridge and even had a JB bridge in there for a while.

I love the STK-S4 on my HSH's. I use coil splits on all 3 pickups and can get the sweet quack on positions 2 and 4. I also get really cool tones from 2 and 4 when operating in full HB modes.

Pros:
Classic, vintage Strat tone from the STK-S4
Noiseless in full mode
Great tones from positions 2 and 4

Con:
A little volume drop off from the humbuckers and a pretty big volume drop from the Custom Custom or the JB

In the end though, it's worth it IMO. If you are really worried about a volume drop you could try something a bit more powerful like a STK-S6 or similar stacks.

I currently use it in a chambered black korina body with a wenge neck featuring a ziricote fretboard. I have used this setup with a few wood combos before though.
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

I have an SHR-1 in the neck paired with a Custom (TB-5), this guitar of mine has H/S configuration. I really like the SHR-1 for leads and fast shredding, both clean and distorted tones... You might only pay attention concerning the output of the other pups, cause the SHR-1 is real hot!
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

Personally I'd go with an STKS7 or a Vintage Rails. The VR looks a little funky but it sounds great for what it does!
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

STK-S2 Hot Stack works great in my H/S/H. Any of the stacks have a nice single-coilish sound to help you get that "quack." Personally I'd be a little leery of a regular HB being too muddy.
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

SnakeAces said:
I use a Duncan STK-S4 between a Jazz neck and a Jazz bridge. In the past I have used a STK-S4 between a 59 neck and a Alnico II Pro Bridge. I have also used it between a 59 neck and a Custom Custom bridge and even had a JB bridge in there for a while.

I love the STK-S4 on my HSH's. I use coil splits on all 3 pickups and can get the sweet quack on positions 2 and 4. I also get really cool tones from 2 and 4 when operating in full HB modes.

Pros:
Classic, vintage Strat tone from the STK-S4
Noiseless in full mode
Great tones from positions 2 and 4

Con:
A little volume drop off from the humbuckers and a pretty big volume drop from the Custom Custom or the JB

In the end though, it's worth it IMO. If you are really worried about a volume drop you could try something a bit more powerful like a STK-S6 or similar stacks.

I currently use it in a chambered black korina body with a wenge neck featuring a ziricote fretboard. I have used this setup with a few wood combos before though.
Click to expand...

Great info! Thanks!

The CC is pretty hot and right now I get a huge volume drop with the A2 I currently have. I'm thinking the STK-S6 or S2 might be a better match with the CC. But the A2P in the neck isn't as hot (which is what I like about it), so maybe the S4 might be a better balance between the two HBs?
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

unccivil said:
Great info! Thanks!

The CC is pretty hot and right now I get a huge volume drop with the A2 I currently have. I'm thinking the STK-S6 or S2 might be a better match with the CC. But the A2P in the neck isn't as hot (which is what I like about it), so maybe the S4 might be a better balance between the two HBs?
Click to expand...

Well, the S4 will be a touch quieter than the Alnico II Pro even unless you raise the STK-S4 a little closer to the strings. If you are concerned with volume transition even a little bit go for the S6 or S2.
 
Re: HSH Middle single humbucker

unccivil said:
I have an HSH with a Custom Custom bridge and Alnico 2 Pro neck. The middle is currently and Alnico 2 Pro Strat SC but I don't like it much. I had it installed to match with the split HBs in 2&4, but I never use the split and am considering going all HB or stack mid. I like the bridge and neck buckers, so I'm keeping them.

Any suggestions on a good middle SC sized HB or Stack? Body is chambered mahogany...ebony fretboard.

Thanks for any suggestions...
Click to expand...

I have the Lil Screamin Demon in the middle of my HSH Basswood Strat. It is surprisingly clear and clean sounding for a middle pickup. I loved the tone of the Lil '59 in Mahogany, but it was in the neck position...still a thought though. Best of luck!
 
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