Possibly Stupid Singlecoil-sized Humbucker Question

A

austin

New member
I've used singlecoil-sized humbuckers in the past, but never in an actual strat. Right now I have an SSH strat and I'm considering throwing a singlecoil sized humbucker of some sort in the neck. Is it just a straight drop-in or will I need to fiddle around with the pots? It seems like it would be insane to design them as anything other than straight drop-ins, but I checked the SD diagrams and they don't seem to indicate pot values? If this was a rear-routed guitar it would be no big deal, but I hate wiring strats with pickguards so I'd like to increase my odds of only having to open up everything once :D
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Austin
 
Re: Possibly Stupid Singlecoil-sized Humbucker Question

ive used a cool rails in the neck with 250k pots and it sounded fine
 
Re: Possibly Stupid Singlecoil-sized Humbucker Question

Usually, these are straight drop-in replacement. You can experiment with pots and caps, but start with what is in there stock, as that is what they were designed with in mind.
 
Re: Possibly Stupid Singlecoil-sized Humbucker Question

Easy to do and works well.

I use a modified set consisting of a Cool rails for neck and Little 59 in the middle position - combines with a JB (Humbucker) in the bridge position with 550K pots (Yes 550K) and 0.033 caps.

Sweet tone machine for rock, blues, raggie, and (Possible church - if I ever when to one)
 
Re: Possibly Stupid Singlecoil-sized Humbucker Question

I find that the single-sized buckers don't sound much like their full-sized big brothers. They don't have the brightness or snap. In fact (just for comparison sake), compared to a full-sized 59', the single-sized pup sounds warmer, middy, and muffled...lacking clarity. That being said, it wouldn't make much sense to use a 250k pot with it, especially in the neck position.

I would definitely put in a 500k pot to begin with so you won't need to take it apart later to put it in (you will be dissatisfied with the 250k pot...that is, unless you like the "wet-blanket" tone). Even in the bridge of a naturally bright sounding Strat with a thin cheap tone block and 500k pots, a single-sized bucker sounds a little lifeless to me.
 
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