Humbuckers that split for 2nd position quack

[zionstrat]

Hey guys, I've done a lot of HSS strats, splitting the bridge to get quack in the second position, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I've had good experience with sh4 and 5 and have assumed it's because the split coil is a little more powerful than the average center Strat pup.

Of course adjustment of the center pickup is almost always necessary.

But I was wondering if anybody is aware of a list of good second position quack combinations? If not, I would be very interested in individual experiences.

For example, in general, a JB quacks extremely well with a dmz cruiser..
I'm guessing that some lower powered hb coils might quack well with a low-powered center pups and the same might be true on the other end of the spectrum.

And I'm also guessing that wind might play a part, but that's just a guess and I would be interested in any thoughts.

And just to be clear, I know that the best second position quack is on sss strats.. I'm not expecting an absolute perfect reproduction.. just an idea of how close different combinations may come to the classic Strat quack.

Thanks in advance!

 

[beaubrummels]

IME Custom is number one. Doesn't matter which version, Custom, Custom Custom or Custom 5; when split they all sound VERY Strat-like just by themselves. Combined with a single, hard to tell it was a humbucker split.

 

[Mincer]

Any of the Customs, do too, as does the Hybrid.

 

[zionstrat]

Thanks guys!

Yes I've had had experience with the custom split with Mexican Strat ceramics.. surprisingly beautiful combination and I have to admit a little undeserved bias against ceramics.

 

[playas]

Interesting thread Zionstrat.

I also think it would also be interesting to hear peoples thoughts on how partial splits compare to a humbucker that naturally splits well.

 

[zionstrat]

Interesting thread Zionstrat.

I also think it would also be interesting to hear peoples thoughts on how partial splits compare to a humbucker that naturally splits well.

That's a good caveat... It's usually not what I would think. As mentioned before, the JB quacks really well with a single coil in the second position. So in my mind I assumed it would be rather strat-like as a single coil.

But it's something all together different when you split a JB.. definitely not a strat. Not a bad sound but kind of hard to describe.. kind of like a thicker single coil which makes sense considering it has more winds than a strat.

So that brings me back to what makes good quack and where does it show up in a humbucker? If a relatively fat thick JB coil can quack with a weaker middle, maybe the middle pickup is the more important part of the equation.? I know comb filtering is kind of hard to project without software however something is generating the clucky percussive bright transient and in my JB example, I doubt it's the JB coil.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I figure part of what makes a JB quack so well in position 2 is its abundant upper mids.
Some of its signature mid peak probably remains even when split.

 

[zionstrat]

I figure part of what makes a JB quack so well in position 2 is its abundant upper mids.
Some of its signature mid peak probably remains even when split.

I guess that makes sense but I don't know why...

To my ears, quack is a fast transient followed by a more hollow decay. Maybe the JB provides more thump in the transient and the comb filtering thins after the attack.

Maybe it makes more sense than I think.. as good as a JB quacks, a real Strat quacks even better.. to my ear, a real Strat has a little less transient but it's thinner in the decay..

 

[Mincer]

Lower output pickups can split well, too. I have had great results splitting A2P, Seths and the Jazz.

 

[zionstrat]

Lower output pickups can split well, too. I have had great results splitting A2P, Seths and the Jazz.

Bingo! Great to have options. What did they quack well with in the middle?

 

[Mincer]

Bingo! Great to have options. What did they quack well with in the middle?

Both a Classic Stack (split) and a Five Two.

 

[Securb]

You might want to look at the Auto-Split mod for your wiring.

https://www.premierguitar.com/diy/mod-garage/hss-auto-split-mod

 

[zionstrat]

You might want to look at the Auto-Split mod for your wiring.

https://www.premierguitar.com/diy/mod-garage/hss-auto-split-mod

Yep, practically always go to this route..

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Another option for great quack would be a humbucker with rod mags in it like an actual singlecoil.
Duncan has the Stag Mag, and a few makers offers hums made from two Strat pickups.
I have a TallBreed hybrid from RioGrande; it quacks like a single and splits to genuine Strat tone.

One thing about this type of pickup - in series mode, they aren't as smooth as regular humbuckers.
There's extra bite in the attack. Totally usable, but it takes some getting used to.

The original PRS T&B humbuckers have rod mags in their slug coils, and regular screw coils with a bar mag underneath.
They split amazingly well and have a really fast, modern attack character even as full humbuckers.
Can't speak to their quack since I only have 'em in dual-hum guitars.
But I bet they'd quack like true singles.

 

[zionstrat]

Another option for great quack would be a humbucker with rod mags in it like an actual singlecoil.
Duncan has the Stag Mag, and a few makers offers hums made from two Strat pickups.
I have a TallBreed hybrid from RioGrande; it quacks like a single and splits to genuine Strat tone.

Eclecticsynergy, you may have inspired me for a future build.. I've always wanted to try pole-based humbuckers but have no experience and have not recommended them for clients..

But I'm a single coil freak because I love the snap and tight bass, so in theory I should love this type of humbucker. And yes that ought to be about the best quack you can get

Thanks everybody for great input! I'll be putting this thread to good use relatively quickly
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[beaubrummels]

I've used the StagMag in my Jackson for months. It was great. Full humbucker was in Distortion territory. Split to either coil was various Fender sounds (Strat/Jaguar/Jazzmaster, etc.). Parallel was like a Tele bridge.

 

[zionstrat]

I've used the StagMag in my Jackson for months. It was great. Full humbucker was in Distortion territory. Split to either coil was various Fender sounds (Strat/Jaguar/Jazzmaster, etc.). Parallel was like a Tele bridge.

My primary do anything guitar has a JB in the bridge and it splits really well but I've always imagined something other than a JB for that guitar. It really doesn't need the mid-range Spike and I thought about combining a JB coil with a very different coil to keep the split but have a more general humbucker, especially one that can clean up.

In theory to stag mag would do everything.. I would default to parallel but it would be nice to punch in series for overdrive.

Will let you know what I do when I do it and I'm almost certain I would get good quack