Hi guys! I'm building a HSH strat and need your advice. I'm going with a Custom 5 in the bridge and a Fender Fat 50s in the middle. As for the neck, I'm not still a 100% sure. The APH-1 has always been my go-to pickup in Les Pauls and I was going to use it for this project as well. However, given the anatomy of a strat (in this case, Agathis body, rosewood neck), maybe the APH-2 would be a better choice (higher output than APH-1, lower peak). What do you think? I'm also doing an auto coil split at position 2 (neck + middle) to try to retain some of the quack. Hence, I am also considering a 59 neck, since it is Alnico V (just like middle pickup, so theoretically achieving a better quack). Thoughts? Tks guys!
Neck pickup for HSH strat
- Thread starter golivax
- Start date
Clint 55
OH THE DOUBLE THICK GLAZE!
Re: Neck pickup for HSH strat
Welcome to the forum!
I think either of those would be nice. If you want the A5 then go for the 59. It sounds great in a strat. For auto split, I recommend a 20k resistor. It provides quack and hum cancellation but almost no volume drop.
Welcome to the forum!
I think either of those would be nice. If you want the A5 then go for the 59. It sounds great in a strat. For auto split, I recommend a 20k resistor. It provides quack and hum cancellation but almost no volume drop.
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Neck pickup for HSH strat
In a Strat, the APH-1 has always been my go to pickup. Nice and warm, but with good clarity. The strat body keeps it from getting too thick or dark. I haven't played the APH-2, but I'm sure it sounds great too. Another great option is a Pearly Gates neck. Less bass, more midrange bark and slightly brighter highs, even though it's an A2 magnet. It can still be very sweet sounding. I personally never liked the 59'n, but a lot of people do so this is just my opinion.
Other possible options include the WLH neck, the SNS neck, the Jazz neck and even the Seth neck. I loved the Seth neck in my double fat strat, but it's not potted so if you play with a lot of gain it might squeal a bit. It has a great open, airy, bright and chimey tone, that really smooth nicely with a roll of the tone knob.
Good lick and let us know what you decide. And welcome to the forum!
In a Strat, the APH-1 has always been my go to pickup. Nice and warm, but with good clarity. The strat body keeps it from getting too thick or dark. I haven't played the APH-2, but I'm sure it sounds great too. Another great option is a Pearly Gates neck. Less bass, more midrange bark and slightly brighter highs, even though it's an A2 magnet. It can still be very sweet sounding. I personally never liked the 59'n, but a lot of people do so this is just my opinion.
Other possible options include the WLH neck, the SNS neck, the Jazz neck and even the Seth neck. I loved the Seth neck in my double fat strat, but it's not potted so if you play with a lot of gain it might squeal a bit. It has a great open, airy, bright and chimey tone, that really smooth nicely with a roll of the tone knob.
Good lick and let us know what you decide. And welcome to the forum!
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Neck pickup for HSH strat
You need to get a Shop Floor Custom 4-conductor version of the APH-2 set (no extra charge) to be able to coil split. I'd recommend a '59n for the neck, it can be a bit bassy in Gibson models, but should be just fine in a Strat.
You need to get a Shop Floor Custom 4-conductor version of the APH-2 set (no extra charge) to be able to coil split. I'd recommend a '59n for the neck, it can be a bit bassy in Gibson models, but should be just fine in a Strat.
