Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

[jmcorey]

I've got a Norton in an HSS Superstrat that has two Area 58s in the neck and middle. The Norton is way too dark compared to the single coils.

I play all kinds of music through an HSS Strat into an AX8 through a full-range rig.

Alder body, quilted maple top, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard.

So please vote in my poll. You can choose as many as you like.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

PG Plus is great in Strats too, if you can find one.

 

[Nagisa]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

Without knowing your musical preferences I went with the hybrid. I think customs are perfect in LPs but not sure about alder.

I personally cannot recommend the pg bridge, hate the one I am currently trying to sell. Bright, harsh, no balls. People say it has great harmonics but I get a lot more out of my uoa5 custom.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

I think customs are perfect in LPs but not sure about alder.

Most people can find a perfect version of the Custom in just about any wood. I mean, there are 3 production versions and 5 common mag swaps that can be achieved without going overboard (such as a double thick A4 with A5 spacers, which I have found a new love for.)

 

[Hank-]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

If ya wanna stick with DMZ than the 36th bridge would work well with the areas, shouldnt have much output imbalance issues with them.

The 59/C if ya going with SD.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

Huge fan of the Pearly Gates in Strats so it gets my vote–great tone for rhythm and lead plus won't be dark at all.

 

[mxaniac]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

I don't know what the 36th anniversary is like but I have the original DP103 and it would pair very nicely with single coils.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

The Hybrid works extremely well in an HSS setup (I used one in mine). It splits well, and blends well with single coils, too. It doesn't sound too compressed, and still has the open, PAF quality to it.

 

[stupendous silly]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

Hybrid can pretty much play anything without falling much at odds with the single coils. I hated the Pearly Gates bridge in all contexts I tried, and I tried hard. Custom variants seem to be too much output for this job, though I only judge by numbers.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

I think the PAF Pro is a great match for single coils because of how bright it is.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

The "Custom" pickup variants are studies in extremes. Initially, I always enjoy their distinct character, but eventually, their weakness begins to bother me and I end up replacing them.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

PAF Pro and Pearly Bridge work well with singles in a strat. I did not like the 59/custom when I had it, so I will leave it to others to recommend that.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need a new bridge pickup for HSS Strat

The CC was hands down the best bridge HB I've had in a Strat. Surprisingly does vintage and classic rock tones well, along with hard rock. It might be a tad loose in the bass for metal, but eq your amp and maybe tighten it up with some sort of boost and it would be pretty good at it. I just love the warm crunchy rock tones it has and it does surprisingly good cleans too. It's also hot enough to split reasonably well, if you're into that.