Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

[briluster]

I'm looking to convert my stock Squier Classic Vibe 60s Strat into a HSS for versatility. I like what I've read and heard about the Pearly Gates, but was wondering what other PAF type humbuckers I should consider for a Strat. I want it to combine well with the vintage output single coils it currently has, and at this point I'm not too concerned about splitting the pickup for the 2 position, as I'm perfectly happy with (and mostly use) the 4 position.

Any ideas and differences between different PAF options, especially more budget friendly ones? Tonerider AC2? Dimarzio 36th Anniversary PAF. Other?

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

I found the 36th too bright in a strat.

Some good alternatives:

Whole Lotta Humbucker
59
Anico II Pro Humbucker
Dimarzio Air Classic

 

[wolf5150]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

Lollar Imperial.
Regular wind if splitting, Low wind if not.
Wonderful in a Strat, just fitted one in mine.

 

[bovelrick]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

if you have other guitars with humbucker, I think you should get P-rails on the bridge
im going to install that too on my bridge tele

 

[51501984]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

Whole Lotta Humbucker just kills in the two Charvel Clones I`ve got it in. But beware cause to my ears it seems a good bit hotter than its high 8k rating , I replaced a JB with the WLH in my Mahogany Strat and the WLH seemed just as hot volume wise as the JB but with a much more open like and vintage tone.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

i like the pearly gates in the bridge of a strat very much, but im also a big fan of that pup in general.

 

[phred]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

+1 for a 59 on the budget side. I had one in my USA Dlx strat for a long time. A 78 is also quite nice, but costly.

 

[briluster]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

Thanks to all for the input and ideas. As far as the Toneriders or other more economical options (circa $50 range), does anyone have any comments? I'm ok with going up to about $75 like the Dimarzio 36th Anniversary or '59, but would exclude options such as the Pearly Gates and Whole Lotta Humbucker. My thoughts are that I'm no pro--I'm just a bedroom rocker so every dollar counts when getting return on investment (which I guess is purely personal enjoyment).

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Pearly Gates vs. ? for Strat bridge

I don't know anything about Tone Riders.

The 36th is very bright, like a PGb, but it might work just fine with stock Fender 250k pots as an alternative. In fact you will need 250k pots with either. It has a tight solid bottom end too.

The 59 usually works fine in Strats with vintage output singles because of the relaxed mids and the vintage output. Works fine in a strat with 250k or 500k pots.

Don't over look the Air Classic in an HSS strat if you want smooth humbucker response with clarity and dynamics.