Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

A

aroman

New member
I have a Jeff Beck Strat with a SD Cutom flat on bridge and Custom staggered on neck.
I am very happy with the bridge sound. I wish the neck was brighter/cleaner.
I tried the SSL-1 on the neck but it does not want to distort.

I like Robin Trower, Hendrix, Uli Roth, SRV tones.
What would you recommend ?
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Well, SRV and Hendrix are not really 'distorted' at all. They are like a more like a low to mid overdrive tone.
I find no issue with pickups of much lower supposed output (even than the ssl1) getting the right ballpark of tones (drive level included). This is with sub 6k vintage strat neck pickups with an overdrive tone dialled in with either amp doing the work or an OD pedal.

What rig do you run and how is it set?
 
Last edited:
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

AlexR said:
Well, SRV and Hendrix are not really 'distorted' at all. They are like a more like a low to mid overdrive tone.
I find no issue with pickups of much lower supposed output (even than the ssl1) getting the right ballpark of tones (drive level included). This is with sub 6k vintage strat neck pickups with an overdrive tone dialled in with either amp doing the work or an OD pedal.

What rig do you run and how is it set?
Click to expand...

Marshall 18 wat and JTM-45 with Ratt, Guv'nor and TS.
I did not like the SSL-1 in the neck.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

aroman said:
I did not like the SSL-1 in the neck.
Click to expand...
Funny you said that... see, the SSL-1 has more the quintessential SRV iconic tonefootprint than any other p'up in the market, specially the neck one.

/Peter
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Maybe the Alnico 2 Seymour Duncan’s? I believe the model are aps. I’ve had my eye on them lately... I heard they are good for that 60s blues tone.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

If OP wants a bright tone that distorts, IMO the Alnico 2 singles (APS-2) are the exact opposite of what he wants. Those pickups are dull and low-output; good if you like that, but...

I’d look into Rose Buff Beauties. Clear and decent output.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

i dont find the aps dull at all, they are low output though. i used an aps2/aps2/twangbanger set for years in a strat and they sounded great. i think they sound better with overdrive/cranked amp than a typical a5 fender strat pup but dont have the same chime when clean
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

The Five Two is a great compromise between the warmth of the APS series and the SSL series.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Discharged said:
Funny you said that... see, the SSL-1 has more the quintessential SRV iconic tonefootprint than any other p'up in the market, specially the neck one.

/Peter
Click to expand...

I like Robin Trower, Hendrix, Uli Roth, Jeff Beck, Malmsteen, Blackmore, SRV etc.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

jeremy said:
i dont find the aps dull at all, they are low output though. i used an aps2/aps2/twangbanger set for years in a strat and they sounded great. i think they sound better with overdrive/cranked amp than a typical a5 fender strat pup but dont have the same chime when clean
Click to expand...


Thank you !
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

jeremy said:
i dont find the aps dull at all, they are low output though. i used an aps2/aps2/twangbanger set for years in a strat and they sounded great. i think they sound better with overdrive/cranked amp than a typical a5 fender strat pup but dont have the same chime when clean
Click to expand...

They sounded good with a fuzz; given OP's statement his pickups 'don't distort' I'm guessing he's not wanting to turn up the gain though? APS's would need that.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

I have a Jeck Beck Strat (early version) with Gold Lace sensor. The bridge (splited) are very clean and bright.

If you want Hendrix like distortion, you can keep your SSL-1 and get a Fuzz Face.
Then you will control the amount of fuzz with your guitar volume knob.
 
Re: Need help choosing Neck Pickup.

Silence Kid said:
If OP wants a bright tone that distorts, IMO the Alnico 2 singles (APS-2) are the exact opposite of what he wants. Those pickups are dull and low-output; good if you like that, but...
Click to expand...
Agreed had a pair in my last Strat in the neck and middle good pickups for clean fat but not great for the tones you are looking for. I like the Texas Hots in particular in both the neck and the Bridge. The neck will nail those tones you are talking with 9's or 10's rather than the 12's Stevie used. Remember the Texas Hots are North leading so are RW/RP from all other single coil Duncans. If you are looking for a neck to be humbucking with a RW/RP normal Duncan it has to be a RW/RP Texas Hot (confused yet?? Makes no sense to me ether but is true!).
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top