Question for HSS configuration.

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Explorer84

Active member
I want to try a HSS setup on my Fender Elite Strat. I've read a couple of articles where it was stated that a low output PAF is recommended for single coil pickups so that the humbucker wouldn't overwhelm the single coil/s. I realize that it's their opinion. I've got a Screamin Demon (bridge) and a 59 (neck) that I could try with the single coils. In your opinion. do you think that the Screamin Demon would be too hot because it's a medium output pickup? I know the obvious answer would be to try both and see what would work better. I'm trying to save some time by not having to switch back and forth between the two. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

The Demon is a great choice for an HSS because in the bridge it's qualities complement single coils very well. Between that and the 59/C are my favorite HSS Duncans.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

My first take is, no, the Screamin' Demon is not too hot to use in HSS set up, even with vintage output single coils. I think the output of the demon would be more appropriate than using a 59n in the bridge position. That said, looks like the resistance on the 4th generation noiseless pickups that come stock in the Elite strat is up around 10.3K, so if you're reusing those you might have a pretty spot on match. I would not attempt splitting the Demon in the notch position in this instance.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

The Demon is just fine in an HSS. Besides, some people love a small boost in volume when switching to the bridge. I use a Custom Custom in one guitar and another uses a 59/Custom Hybrid, and both of those blend well with the single coils.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

Even if the output is a bit mismatched, you can keep different patches in your rig with adjusted volume and EQ for each. The full-size HB will usually sound bassyer too.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

It comes down to which HB sounds best with 250k pots. Single coils only sound good with 250k pots. I have an A2P bridge in a HSS strat and it sounds nice. It responds so well to different pick attacks. Nice harmonics.

Also don't fret about differences in output of the different pickups. I have a JB paired with a P90 with half the output and they get along fine with regards to output when in parallel or switched separately.
 
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Re: Question for HSS configuration.

In this case I think the Demon is a great fit. Good match outputwise and tonewise, and it has a history of excellent results in Strat types.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

if you use the demon, id stick with what you have in there now. i think it will sound good.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

Explorer84 said:
So would I need to change the pots?
Click to expand...

I think it is a good time to experiment with pots. I like a 500k volume, 250k tone for the neck & middle, and 500k tone for the bridge. But pots are cheap, so experiment.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

zizyphus said:
See what works for you

I have two HSS strats, and both have a 1Meg volume, a 1M bass cut tone pot, and a 500k no load treble cut pot. It sounds beautiful to my ears
Click to expand...
Oh my. I'd hate to hear that monstrosity.
Mincer said:
I think it is a good time to experiment with pots. I like a 500k volume, 250k tone for the neck & middle, and 500k tone for the bridge. But pots are cheap, so experiment.
Click to expand...
I'd start with the stock pots and the demon first.

Explorer, I find HBs really open up nicely with 500k pots, as suggested, in case your tone search doesn't end.

One of my strats has a 250k volume and a 500k volume. No tone knobs. The 250k is for the SS and the 500 for the HB. My tone pots are always 10 anyway. Custom Warmoth pickguard. It's very versatile and each pickup sounds great on its own. I have a wiring diagram if you need it.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

esandes said:
Oh my. I'd hate to hear that monstrosity.

I'd start with the stock pots and the demon first.

Explorer, I find HBs really open up nicely with 500k pots, as suggested, in case your tone search doesn't end.

One of my strats has a 250k volume and a 500k volume. No tone knobs. The 250k is for the SS and the 500 for the HB. My tone pots are always 10 anyway. Custom Warmoth pickguard. It's very versatile and each pickup sounds great on its own. I have a wiring diagram if you need it.
Click to expand...

I'd like the wiring diagram. Thanks, I appreciate it.
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

donaldr said:
I had a Screamin Demon on my Strat and it was perfect with 250k pots, I personally not use 500k with that pickup, it's bright enough with 250k.
Also the Screamin Demon is a very good match with single-coils, it's really not a high output pickup at all.
Here's demos (2 different styles):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-xkwOtdvRM&t=45s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yusDUUUAaNw&t=196s
Click to expand...

I'm not a fan of bright pickups at all. If the 250K's will work with Screamin Demon I think I'll be good with that. Thanks!
 
Re: Question for HSS configuration.

donaldr said:
I had a Screamin Demon on my Strat and it was perfect with 250k pots, I personally not use 500k with that pickup, it's bright enough with 250k.
Also the Screamin Demon is a very good match with single-coils, it's really not a high output pickup at all.
Here's demos (2 different styles):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-xkwOtdvRM&t=45s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yusDUUUAaNw&t=196s
Click to expand...

I found the first video informative. It sounded great with the coil tap/split. But, I think I'm going to keep the humbucker in full afterburner mode. I've got a pedal that I really like but I don't use it with my Strat as it is right now (SSS). I don't think it's suited for single coils. To my ears, anyway. With the added humbucker I'll be able to use my Strat with the pedal more often.
 
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