Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

[B2D]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

Since everyone else is plugging their pet favorites as if there's an STK-S4 in the neck rather than an STK-S6, I'll instead begin as the OP did: I'll take my favorite single-spaced neck pickup and then choose a bridge pickup to go with it...

Haha. I've actually never found a Duncan noiseless single coil I've liked. They all sound too thin to me. The STKS7 got close, but still no cigar.

My favorite noiseless singles I've tried were the Dimarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues and Solo, and the Fishman Fluence.

 

[esandes]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

So once I read an article in the SD website about single coils that play nice with HBs so it was like finding a SC after you have a HB that you already like. Well think of this post as the other way around, for me the Strat the neck pickup is the center of my tone as it is my rythm for clean and overdrive tones as well I can play lead with it too. I am currently very happy with the Custom Stack Plus STK-S6 in neck position (advertised as similar to SSL-5 but noiseless) along with the SSL-1 in the middle, I just want to choose a new humbucker. In the past I had used a JB and volume wise it would match but tone wise I want a humbucker sound that is more open and versatile, I don't want a typical single coil in the bridge as I want a bit more power but not too much, maybe some kind of under wound PAF or a fat noiseless single coil? Just regular production models, custom shop is usually beyond budget specially out of USA.

I have an A2P in one of my HSS strats and it's awesome even with all 250k pots.

 

[gregory]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

Haha. I've actually never found a Duncan noiseless single coil I've liked. They all sound too thin to me.

What's also funny was I was thinking about whether to plug a stacked middle pickup that would help make a neck pickup quack and keep the Duncan fanatics happy: YJM Fury neck, which is about as thin as you can get (minus the glassy top end).

...then we have the Vintage Rails.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

I have an A2P in one of my HSS strats and it's awesome even with all 250k pots.

I was thinking of that one too...as well as the new Slash set, which is like a slightly hotter version of the A2Pro set.

But I didn’t want to throw too many out there and confuse the OP so I just listed my very favorites.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

My point is you need a briter pickup with 250k, if its to dark change to 500k pot with the humbucker.

The JB is too sharp and peaky sounding, for me, with 500k pots but sounds more pleasing, warmer and less sharp with 250k pots like are in Strats.

So there’s something to what you’re saying, especially since the OP wants a PAF style pickup with a more “Open” sound than he’s getting from a JB in his Strat.

That being the case, maybe a 59b or Custom 5 would remedy that although I’ve never tried either with 250k pots and cant speak from experience.

I’ve had them in guitars with 500k pots and both are too sharp and bright with the stock magnets. But with 250k pots maybe either would be just right.

 

[gregory]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

Sigh. Again, STK-S6 in the neck which, do to the lack of highs in that position will do better with 500k pots, unless the OP likes it even darker. If 500k pots with SSL-1 in the middle is a problem, a resistor can be wired in parallel.

Show of hands: who has put an STK-S6 or even an SSL-5 or SSL-6 in the neck position?

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

It does not have to be a PAF sound, I was just guessing a good starting point would be an under wound PAF, but I was also open to a fat noiseless single coil if you read my comments. By the way, is there a noiseless P90 in HB size by Duncan? Maybe that could be another option. What about the Jazz bridge or Full Shred? The neck versions of those have a single coil vibe to them I have liked in the past but then for my strat I definitely want an HSS and keep the STK-S6 in the neck.

So there’s something to what you’re saying, especially since the OP wants a PAF style pickup with a more “Open” sound than he’s getting from a JB in his Strat.

 

[gregory]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

What you need to address is how much of an output difference you're willing to tolerate especially considering that you you've expressed a preference for just the opposite: a lean and bright vintage output neck pickup against a hot and full bridge pickup. The STK-S6 is quite strong for a neck pickup, requiring a powerful bridge pickup to maintain the same balance, as you well know.

Tell you what: swap out your JB for your Full Shred Neck so you get a good idea of what you're facing if you decide to follow the advice you've been given. Do you happen to have anything like a 59 or Pearly Gates? Anything that is in the 7.5k range with ~3.5k for each coil, because that is exactly what you're asking about: underwound character.

...or take your chances with the suggestions provided, ignoring the reality of the situation.

I'm hesitant to recommend something with an underwound PAF-ish vibe, but if you insist, it would be a Screamin' Demon. Be prepared for a dramatic change in tone and output when you switch from the bridge to the neck. I know: I've run a TB-12 in the bridge with an SSL-6 in the neck as I was overhauling one of my HSS guitars.

 

[gregory]

Re: Humbuckers that play nice with single coils?

is there a noiseless P90 in HB size by Duncan?

Unless you hit up the custom shop, no.

If you're willing and able to look outside of Duncan, then yes:
http://www.dimarzio.com/node/2148

Will it maintain they type of balance you like with an STK-S6 in the neck? Absolutely not.

Jazz bridge

Super bright and dynamic.

Will it maintain they type of balance you like with an STK-S6 in the neck? Probably not.

Full Shred

Not exactly bright from a vintage sense, and it is pretty tight and focused. It doesn't seem at all like the voicing you're asking for. The Full Shred won't be deep and fat like the STK-S6, but it will be deeper and fatter than a Screamin' Demon. Will the Full Shred maintain they type of balance in output you like with an STK-S6 in the neck? Possibly.

If I get some time, I suppose I could pair my Full Shred with my SSL-6 and let you know. I also have a Pegasus which ought to fall somewhere between the Screamin' Demon and the FS. It may very well be the best you're going to get from Duncan in terms of output and voicing, though it is definitely a compromise. I have a Jazz Bridge as well, but I really don't see the point in trying it with the SSL-6.

The Becky and Bill Lawrence L500 would still be my first choice based on what you seem to want. I'd go with the L500L model (a step below the XL model).