Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

[Johtosotku]

For ages I've loved my 50th Ann. strat w/ Fender CS´54 pups... it's always sounded really really good and it's pretty much been the sound I've loved and been after, my #1 guitar.

Lately though, I've become more and more annoyed with the big volume and tone differences between the different pickups. I feel like I can't get a balanced tone for all of my pickups when dialing in my amp and pedals. It's either that the the bridge pickup sounds too weak and thin or that the neck pickup is too fat and dark.

Fast forward to these days and I'm seriously looking at the DG20 setup that's on sale. I've been looking to trying EMG strat setups for ages and I've had very good experiences with their humbuckers. The EXG and SPC controls would make the strat even more versatile.

I do realize that it could be easier just to buy an SSL6 and get done with it but I'm a bit wary with matching the pickups and keeping a pickguard intact for further use. I just don't know.... I've loved the tones I've heard from the emg setups, be they from Gilmour or youtube. I just don't know which way to go.

Any insight?

 

[BigJoe77]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

1) My short experience with somebody elses says it's way fun.

2) Read This

if you're still interested, I bet this guy might be able to help get you most of the way there at a pretty good price.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

A baseplate on the bridge pickup can be very helpful and assist with bringing the wayward bridge pickup more into line with the rest of the set. Just a thought....I have a set of BKP Apaches, which i imagine might be similar to the Fender 54 p'up's, and i have a baseplate on the bridge pup, and it works very very well.

 

[ponch]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

IMHO I have found the whole SA set to be a true champ. They go from squeeky classic clean strat to almost as much beef as a paul style git box. I have yet to hear the other set, but I agree, the expansion controls do wonders. I say go for it. If you would like to keep that set though, you could try a mini pearly gates pup. I have a strat with fender 62's and a mini pearly and it sounds awesome split or whole and complements the whole sound.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

1) My short experience with somebody elses says it's way fun.

2) Read This

if you're still interested, I bet this guy might be able to help get you most of the way there at a pretty good price.

I read both of Lew's threads carefully and searched around the forum too. They don't really get any bad press and I really like the descriptions they're given. Should be good then, but I'm still a bit wary...

I checked the trading post but I'm afraid the overseas shipping would end up too much of a hassle and cost likely as much as here with all the shipping and taxes.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

A baseplate on the bridge pickup can be very helpful and assist with bringing the wayward bridge pickup more into line with the rest of the set. Just a thought....I have a set of BKP Apaches, which i imagine might be similar to the Fender 54 p'up's, and i have a baseplate on the bridge pup, and it works very very well.

It's a good thought, I hadn't thought of it at all. I'll have to check the local shops if they have any and how easy they are to install.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

IMHO I have found the whole SA set to be a true champ. They go from squeeky classic clean strat to almost as much beef as a paul style git box. I have yet to hear the other set, but I agree, the expansion controls do wonders. I say go for it. If you would like to keep that set though, you could try a mini pearly gates pup. I have a strat with fender 62's and a mini pearly and it sounds awesome split or whole and complements the whole sound.

I've really loved the sounds I've heard from the SA's and I'm sure I'd like them as I've liked the humbuckers and never minded the hifi qualities or other stuff that's typically complained about emgs. I'm just a bit wary about breaking apart the guitar that's been so good for me. Not that it's not reversible, but still.

I'll keep the Lil' PG in mind. It could be very good, but I'm inclined to go with true single coils for the first time and if they don't work then look up some sc sized buckers.

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

Anyone else?

 

[LuredMaul]

Re: Looking for better strat bridge, thinking of EMG DG20

I really love my DG-20 set