New Build. Pickup Suggestions

[MIJ_Sqiure]

I'm planning on building a custom Strat.

The plans for my new build is going to be a Strat Style, HSH blocked tremolo.

Body: I have a beautiful 1-piece solid Walnut, 2" thick for the body. We have the use of the local High School CNC to cut out the body. Downloaded some plans for the CNC already. Going to try a mock on MDF first.

Neck: I'm thinking of buying the Compound 7-1/4 to 9-1/2" offered by Musikraft & Best Guitar Parts. Flamed Maple neck, Maple fret board. Since I love the feel of my 1985 MIJ Squire, Vintage 57' Reissue 7-1/4" neck cording at the nut, it feels a little tight at the upper end for lead. That's why I thought of the compound 7.25"-9.5"

Thoughts on the neck?



Pickups:

Bridge: I like the TwangBanger in my Squire, so I'm hoping I can find Humbucker bridge pickup that will sound clean & bright so I can split it to a single coil to have one coil sound like the Twangbanger.

Middle: Might be the FIVE-TWO STRAT, SSL52-1M, RW-RP, or VINTAGE FLAT STRAT, SSL-2 RWRP to give the authentic Strat sound.

Neck: JAZZ NECK SH-2N

I like clean clear sound that isn't muddy. I usually play country & 50's 60's rock.

I going to use the 5-way switch, maybe add another single in the pick guard , or the Fender S-1 Volume switch.

I have 3-Flamed maple veneer for guitar tops, but was thinking a walnut body, flamed maple veneer pick-guard, light amber stain, with maple neck & fret board would look quite attractive. Stain the neck to match the pick-guard.
I built a Birdseye Maple violin, & have a few Flamed Maple violins & love the look.

Thoughts on my plans? I welcome all input from everyone.


Scott

 

[Clint 55]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

Cool project! Why not refrain from routing a trem cavity if you're gonna block it and just make it a hard tail?

 

[Mincer]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

I love the Five Two in the middle of my Strat...it is a really overlooked pickup that sounds amazing. You might consider either a 59 (4 conductor) or a Jazz bridge in the bridge...both are clean and bright, or for a little more power, a 59/Custom Hybrid.

 

[MIJ_Sqiure]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

I'm leaning towards the HSS setup.

Jazz Bridge SH-2b. Might still have the trebel punch like the Twangbanger when split.

FIVE-TWO STRAT, SSL52-1M, RW-RP in the middle

The Zepher ZSL-1N looks like a nice clear pickup for the neck.



Scott

 

[MIJ_Sqiure]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

Zephyr sounds great in demos, but a bit pricey for this guy. :disappoin

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

If you want real twang from a bridge humbucker, I'd opt for a TV Jones Magna'tron or a Rio Grande Muy Grande. The Stag Mag from Duncan may also do the trick. The thing is, the twang you're hearing from a real single comes notbonly from using a single coil in the circuit, butbalso from the polepiece design. Fillister screws simply round out the high end too much.

 

[MIJ_Sqiure]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

Well, after a bunch of research, I have decided on a Hardtail, HH, Strat.

Already picked up a Vintage 7-1/4" Fender MIM Maple Neck, making a 1-piece Walnut body of good stable wood I have.

Planning on no pick guard, mounting humbuckers in mounting plates with a control plate cover on the rear.


Pickups:

Bridge: Deciding between the JB SH-4 or STAG MAG SH-3(might be good with 7 1/4" neck radius)

I like the TwangBanger in my Squire, so trying to get a twangy sound on the single-tapped coil


Neck: JAZZ NECK SH-2N

I like clean clear sound that isn't muddy. I usually play country & 50's 60's rock.

Controls:

Going with a 3-way switch for pickup select, & 1-Vol, & 2-Tone, push/pull for coil splitting of both humbuckers.

Now to decide on 250K, 300K, or 500K pots.


More thoughts?


Scott

 

[Jeffblue]

Re: New Build. Pickup Suggestions

I believe the JB was designed around a 250k pot. Sounds like your plan is a good one. About the neck, I have found that roasted Maple is better than the unroasted in that you don't need to coat with lacquer or poly. I just oil mine and play it raw. I love the feel of raw wood of my guitar necks. I would also go with stainless steel frets because they could last you a lifetime.