Humbucker that matches STK-S4 in the neck...

ColeJustesen

New member
Hey all, I have been toying with the idea of swapping the Custom/59 Hybrid (A4) out for something that could match the STK-S4 maybe a bit better. For the record, I really like the Custom/59 Hybrid, but I feel like it isn't necessarily the best option. The guitar I am debating this for is a GJ2 Arete in an H/S configuration. It uses sapele for the body/neck and a rosewood fretboard. It is a warm sounding guitar, but not dark and has a bit of snap in the top end. The STK-S4 sounds fantastic in this guitar. I was thinking something like a regular custom, or even possibly a Screamin' Demon. I am a bit worried about both of these pickups in the form of their top end, and they could possibly be too sibilant. I need to be able to get it in a Trembucker/F Spaced configuration too.

What do you all think? Any ideas on the best way to go? I will be using this for hard and heavy rock. Thanks for any insight!

Cole
 
What do you want to change from the 59/C? The Pearly Gates is the hb that goes best with a stratty sound, but I don't know if that's what you're going for.
 
I think what I want is to have less mids with the 59/Custom Hybrid. This is why I was thinking the regular Custom, however I don't want a pickup to be too squishy. I like A2, but it would still need to be fairly tight responding. Does the Pearly Gates do this?

Cole
 
The A2 vintage output hbs respond pretty directly, but I might recommend A5 ones if you specifically don't want squishy and mids. The 59 and Custom 5 on their own aren't middy or chewy. The Custom 5 isn't too bright. The ceramic Custom is quite bright.
 
A PG works great in an HSS setup. However, I've also found the Screamin Demon matches up well with singles due to its increased treble response. It's also tight and output wise, blends nicely as well.
 
The Screamin Demon matches up great. It's not that crazy in the high end. I think that gets over exaggerated. It may be a little more than some but it's not insane. If anything, it's just enough to make harmonics jump out easily. I love it and have it in a couple guitars myself. Another one I like is the Perpetual Burn. This pickup gets ignored and it's a shame. It's medium output, a nice fat EQ, mixes well with single-coils, IME. I've been using it with a pair of STK-S4's for a while now.
 
The Screamin Demon matches up great. It's not that crazy in the high end. I think that gets over exaggerated. It may be a little more than some but it's not insane. If anything, it's just enough to make harmonics jump out easily. I love it and have it in a couple guitars myself. Another one I like is the Perpetual Burn. This pickup gets ignored and it's a shame. It's medium output, a nice fat EQ, mixes well with single-coils, IME. I've been using it with a pair of STK-S4's for a while now.

Have a PB on order. Pairing it with a Jazz. Can't wait to hear it.
 
I think what I want is to have less mids with the 59/Custom Hybrid. This is why I was thinking the regular Custom, however I don't want a pickup to be too squishy. I like A2, but it would still need to be fairly tight responding. Does the Pearly Gates do this?

Cole

Ahh, OK. Yes, the Pearly Gates is great. Or, if you want a more powerful pickup, the Custom or the Custom 5 is great, too, and don't have many mids at all.
 
I bought a guitar that had a Perpetual Burn and I wasn't a fan of it, at least in that guitar. It might be what I am looking for in this particular guitar. I will definitely research the PG, PB, and see how those all compare to the Screamin' Demon.

Thanks for the insight all! I wouldn't have probably even looked at the PG or PB... I didn't think they were what I was looking for.

Cole
 
The PB is very sensitive to height adjustments. One full turn on the bass side and it might be too much where as others it may be just right. Gotta take it in small increments. I didn't like it in my Les Paul but in my Warmoth Strat, it sings!!!!!

The Demon may not feel as hot, and it really isn't, but it has a really articulate feel with great harmonics and definition to chords.
 
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