Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

[Alvin Lee Fan]

I'm probably going to just end up buying a set of the CS '69s this weekend, but before I put down the green I thought I'd check the options :beerchug:

Are the Duncan SSL-1s similar? They appear to be oriented more towards the older '50s type vintage sound. I'm looking for the super clean late '60s style sound.

Any other ideas along that line?

Thanks, you tone monsters!:wave:

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

I haven't heard the '69s yet, but I've been using Fender Fat '50's for a while and love them. Although it will run you more $$$, I think the Duncan Antiquity IIs are meant to cover the '60's tone, and probably do it best.

Jeff

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

The Fender SSL1s are ridiculously awesome. Not 'FAT' by any means. Just an excellent sounding strat pickup. Deep, clear, chimey, not shrill, and not an ounce of mud. Perfect quack positions.

I'm telling you, get a set of SSL1s in the neck and mid and a twangbanger in the bridge, and you're GOOD to go.

Lew will agree. He's the one that I have to thank for convincing me to get this setup.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

SSL-1's are pretty much the standard 50's-60's strat tone. The Surfers are just the aged, custom shop variant of them. I think you'd be fine with the SSL-1's all around, if that's the tone you're looking for. If you need a bit more mids without going high output on the bridge pickup, just get the flat pole version, ore even the APS-2. It'll give you a bit more chunk without losing the "Knopfler tone" in position 4.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

Chubtone Custom Pickups. Mike Gray makes the best single coils pickups, hands down, end of thread! 63's, 67's, 69's.....all period correct, and a stepup from all other brands.

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data2/Chubtone_Custom_Pickups/69-Strat-Set-01.html

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

50's Fender Strat pickups were wound weaker than early 60's Strat pickups. The SSL-1 is more like a '62 Strat pickup: stronger than a 50's Strat pickup.

I love the SSL-1's...only Duncan alnico 5 Strat pickup I like better is the Antiquity Surfer, and those are handwound by MJ or Seymour himself. Very similar to the SSL-1 but Seymour and MJ do work a little magic with the Ant Surfer.

The pickups Fender wound in '69 were nothing special at all, IMO. Only thing cool about them is that Jimi Hendrix played Strats from the late 60's. But Fender wound better sounding pickups in the early 60's before CBS cheapened the Fender product.

Lew

Lew

 

[Alvin Lee Fan]

Re: Looking for Strat pickups similar to Fender CS '69s

Chubtone Custom Pickups. Mike Gray makes the best single coils pickups, hands down, end of thread! 63's, 67's, 69's.....all period correct, and a stepup from all other brands.

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data2/Chubtone_Custom_Pickups/69-Strat-Set-01.html

Thanks, I'll give him a shout! I'm looking for that really clean sound with deep bass and crystal highs. The Tex-Mex I have currently aren't getting me as close as I want. Those reviews sound just right, and the right price range.

Here's what they'll go in I'm thinking of getting a mint pickgaurd to replace the copper moto, still tossing up the reverse slant bridge.