HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

[geckoeyes]

I am not into my bridge humbucker any more on my 2009 HW1 and think I need to convert to SSS to get more use out of the bridge. I don't like how the humbucker sounds like I just switched guitars when I switch to it.

I love John Frusciante tone. I think the Alnico 3 neck and middle do a pretty good job. I would like a bridge that can support songs like can't stop and longer sustain. I have read he uses either SSL-1 or Antiquitys.

Should I try keeping my Alnico 3s and add an SSL-1 or Antiquity to the bridge or will they be off balance and sound too different from each other? Maybe I should get a SSL-1 set or CS 69s set? I like the demos I have heard of them.

Appreciate any insight! Thanks

 

[Mr. B]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

I like those A3 single coils in the new Highway one series. Why not just get the Fender HWY1 A3 bridge pickup off ebay, so you'll have the whole set? I bought a whole set of them someone had taken out of their HWY1 for practically nothing about a year ago.

 

[geckoeyes]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

Thanks B. That's not a bad idea. I didn't consider that because I was thinking of buying new. Any Fender Alnico 3 on e-bay should be right...right? Did they just make the 2 kinds (normal and RW/RP)?

If I go that route I'll have a standard off the shelf highway one. I can always go back or try something hotter down the road.

Any other suggestions anyone?

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

I did exactly the same thing...bought a Highway One with a humbucker in the bridge because it was AU$500 cheaper than the others in the store, but knowing i would be re-modelling the pickup arrangement. I got a brand new Highway One SSS pickguard with the plastic and stickers still on it, and a Hot Alnico 3 pickup from Reliable Fender (Stratosphere) on Ebay. I remember i paid US $15 for the pickup. I was quite impressed with the Alnico 3 pickups, but i always knew that ultimately the guitar was going to inherit a set of BKP Apaches from another Strat, and that's what i now have in the Highway One. If you find any cheap pots or switch in there, it might be worth upgrading them, though mine had CTS pots and a Fender 5-way switch....not sure if that's standard or not.


EDIT : Yes, be sure to get a specific bridge model pickup. The middle is RW/RP and of course the neck will probably be cooler than the bridge pickup.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

when i ran into this problem with my HSS strat, i put a Phat Cat in there.

the P90 tone is pretty different from the Strat single coil tone but...i think it's way better than a typical strat bridge pickup. Somebody else on this forum has that setup...maybe he'll chime in too but...i always find strat bridges to be way too thin and bright. The P90 still has the defined nature of a single coil but is a fatter, bigger-sounding bridge bucker(sizedP90)...very versatile set-up.

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

I have Antiquity Texas Hots in my JB Strat an they are the absolute best pickups I have ever played thru. I also like ths SSL-1s, great pups less sizzle. Good luck.

Peace,

Darrin

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

Try a Twangbanger. Strat meets Tele. Just watch out on the RP/RW mixes. The TB may be the same relationship as your centre pickup.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

when i ran into this problem with my HSS strat, i put a Phat Cat in there.

the P90 tone is pretty different from the Strat single coil tone but...i think it's way better than a typical strat bridge pickup. Somebody else on this forum has that setup...maybe he'll chime in too but...i always find strat bridges to be way too thin and bright. The P90 still has the defined nature of a single coil but is a fatter, bigger-sounding bridge bucker(sizedP90)...very versatile set-up.

I like that idea and have a Phat Cat bridge pickup I'm saving to put in my Strat someday. It's already routed for a humbucker size pickup. But I wouldn't do that to my only Strat! If I only had one Strat I'd want it to sound like a Strat with three single coils.

My faves are the Antiquitys. I like both versions. If you like it bright and vintage then go with the Ant Surfers. If you like it fuller and warmer with less treble go with the Ant Texas Hots like Darrin recommended.

I use a combination: neck and middle Surfers and bridge Texas Hot Custom.

Or just get an Antiquity Custom bridge pickup - either a Surfer or Texas Hot. They're wound to over 9K (mine is almost 10K!) and they're my favorite Strat bridge single coils of all time.

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

I really don't like the bridge pickup in my Hwy1 Strat. It has all the famous problems you should expect from a bridge Strat pickup - you get a volume drop compared to the neck, it gets a little ice picky... there are better alternatives - modern or vintage.

 

[geckoeyes]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

Update. I bought an Alnico 3 Bridge on e-bay for $20 and installed it (thanks mr b for the suggestion). It is a step in the right direction. I definitely like it a lot better. I would like more punch out of the bass strings though. I see the Antiquity II has a hot bridge. Does the SSL-1 have a hot bridge? What about the set, is the neck and bridge the same pu? Sincerely appreciate the help.

 

[uOpt]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

Update. I bought an Alnico 3 Bridge on e-bay for $20 and installed it (thanks mr b for the suggestion). It is a step in the right direction. I definitely like it a lot better. I would like more punch out of the bass strings though. I see the Antiquity II has a hot bridge. Does the SSL-1 have a hot bridge? What about the set, is the neck and bridge the same pu? Sincerely appreciate the help.

The Antiquity Custom bridge is somewhat like the SSL5 is to the SSL1.

I don't like either too much, they are too hot IMHO.

A regular A2 Antiquity 1 is what I like (not the custom bridge).

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: HW1 HSS convert to SSS Pickup Suggestions

Don't forget about baseplates. A baseplate on the bridge pickup is a great help in Strats, and I think they only cost about $10. Tames the highs a bit and adds midrange punch. Definitely worth a try in my book.