Need help on picking humbucker for Strat

[rubbersoul42]

Hi all, I need help settling on a humbucker for my HSS Strat. Currently I have a Dimarzio 58 and 67 for the single coils and a Tone Zone in the bridge. I just cannot connect with the TZ. No matter what I do or how far I adjust the pickup, I feel like it’s too bassy and muddy. I’m hoping to get steered in the right direction and hopefully make my next choice be the final one.

Want to play: Blues, Classic Rock, Hard Rock

Bands like: Joe Walsh, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Led Zep, Guns N’ Roses, Pink Floyd

Looking for: Punchiness and articulation, sounding good clean, dirty or split, hitting that A chord and hearing ballsy rock n roll

Wary of: muddy sounds, being too shrill or possibly too hot

Price range: $130

 

[donaldr]

...I feel like it’s too bassy and muddy...

Before swapping pickups, put an EQ pedal between your guitar and your amp: HPF at Hz:100/Q:1 and small boost if necessary around Hz:375/Q:1. You can go higher with the HPF, go with your ears.

I always use an EQ before my amp for cutting the low frequencies.

 

[ErikH]

For what you want to play, the TZ is too much, IMO. Look at the PAF style pickup, or one slightly overwound. The PAF 36th would be a really good match with those singles. Look at the DiMarzio Vintage pickup options. From Duncan, the Whole Lotta Humbucker would be a sweet option as would the Custom/59 Hybrid.

 

[beaubrummels]

Welcome to the forum

For the description, I've used Custom 5, Screamin Demon, 59/Custom Hybrid, '59 Model in my HSS Jackson to achieve what you are describing.

 

[Mincer]

Your description says 59/Custom Hybrid to me. It does many things well, and sounds great split, too.

 

[weepingminotaur]

I'd say Screamin Demon or WLH. Or more daringly, Pearly Gates, which can handle more than its spec suggests.

 

[beaubrummels]

I forgot, Full Shred also worked for me for that music and that tone in my HSS

 

[weepingminotaur]

I forgot, Full Shred also worked for me for that music and that tone in my HSS

I was thinking full shred too.

 

[Mincer]

Full Shred doesn't have the low end for blues or classic rock.

 

[AniML]

Wolfetone Marshallhead MKII
SD WLH

 

[uOpt]

In Strats with a tremolo I like the Pearly Gator.