Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

[Thames]

I'm thinking of putting a stronger bridge pickup in my Strat.

I want strong sounding, HB-like, but still retaining single-coil clarity and attributes. Is the Lil'59 for me ? How does it work with 250k pots ?

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

The Lil' 59er works fine w/t a 250k pot. But It sounds nothing like a
Single coil. For me it's a pleasent contrast in tones. But if you want
single coil tone from it ? you'll be disapointed.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

For what you're describing, I like the Cool Rails a bit more. Still not single coily (is that a word?) but a bit brighter and twangier than the 59.

Another option to consider is the Dimarzio Virtual Vintage Solo. More of a cross between a P-90 and a Hot Strat pickup, but still very nicce and fat when driven.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

I'd go for a alnico 2 Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot Custom or Fralin Steel Pole 43.

Both are true single coils and will blend better with your middle pickup for that classic Strat chime and Dire Straits tone.

At the moment, the Texas Hot Custom is my favorite hot replacement pickup for the bridge position of a Strat....the SP 43 is right up there with it though.

 

[Kelsey]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

I think the Twangbanger will get you close to a HB quality with OD and the tone rolled back a bit.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

I think the Twangbanger will get you close to a HB quality with OD and the tone rolled back a bit.

Another good call....thanks Kelsey!

 

[Toenail-Tommy]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

in my MIM strat I have lil '59 in the bridge, APS1's in Mid and neck, and when in the bridge/mid position it is a lovely hybrid tone. Roll off volume and tone and it growls rather niiiice. But yes, not single coil. You could split it but word from those in the know is that the '59 (when "halved") will be a bit weaker than standalone singles.

 

[Thames]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

Thanks dudes.... I'm still not sure at this point... I'll have to grab more info or wait for a cool deal!

 

[51501984]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

The Lil' 59er works fine w/t a 250k pot. But It sounds nothing like a
Single coil. For me it's a pleasent contrast in tones. But if you want
single coil tone from it ? you'll be disapointed.

I always get confused about this , do single coil size humbuckers work better with 500k pots vs. 250k? I`m gonna put the little 59 in a Tele and I was thinking since I use the 500k pot with the full size 59 i`d do the same with little 59. Help!

 

[51501984]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

Bump Bump

 

[Stevo]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

Thames, I don't really care for the split sound of the little 59, but the parallel wired sound is pretty cool. It does not get a true single coil honk, but it's not bad.

I always get confused about this , do single coil size humbuckers work better with 500k pots vs. 250k? I`m gonna put the little 59 in a Tele and I was thinking since I use the 500k pot with the full size 59 i`d do the same with little 59. Help!

Normally you use 250k ohm pots with single coil pickups. The little 59 works fine with 250k ohm pots also.

 

[Thames]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

Thames, I don't really care for the split sound of the little 59, but the parallel wired sound is pretty cool. It does not get a true single coil honk, but it's not bad.

Im with you on this Stevo dude. I never heard a splitted HB I liked.

 

[Stratfan]

Re: Q's about Lil'59 bridge...

I have the full-sized '59 in the bridge of my Strat, with a Jazz humbucker in the neck position. Thie guitar is wired like the Fender Double-Fat (Big Apple) Strats. Switch position #2 is the '59 split combined with the Jazz split. Switch position #4 is the Jazz split by itself. IMO, these settings sound nothing like a "real" single coil...not even close! Of course, I'm used to the single coils on my other guitar, an American Series Strat S/S/S. I'll probably end up having the H/H Strat re-wired with a simple 3-way switch and no splitting.