SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

[Jeremy357]

Hi!
I'm considering buying one of them but I'm not sure which one.
Can someone explain to me the sound difference between them? I'm especially interested in the neck position.
Thanks!

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

Welcome to the forum!

I believe the new ones are more 'vintage' sounding with less mids, closer to a real single coil. They also use different magnets. I am not sure if the original ones are still available. Here is a thread discussing the differences. The S4s are my favorite pickups in a Strat.

 

[Artie]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

The S4s are my favorite pickups in a Strat.

Ditto for me too. Although, closely tied with the Livewire Classic set. But those are active.

 

[Jeremy357]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

Thank you!
I was leaning towards the STK-S4 and if they sound closer to real single coils I will definitely go with them.
The original ones are not on the SD website but I found them online.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

Yeah, I think the S4 replaced them, and for me, sound a lot better.

 

[Synapsys]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

I once tried a S4m on the bridge on my ash strat, and was indeed surprised, no harshness at all.

The S4n is glorious, it even handles high gain well.

 

[Jeremy357]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

The S4n is glorious, it even handles high gain well.

Good to know, I mainly play on neck position.

 

[Artie]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

Just for the record, I have an S6 in the bridge. Balances nicely with the S4's. Several people like the S7 in the bridge also.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

Just for the record, I have an S6 in the bridge. Balances nicely with the S4's. Several people like the S7 in the bridge also.

I had an S7 in the bridge with 2 S4s in my Legacy, and it was just hot enough without sacrificing the 'Strattiness'

 

[Jeremy357]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

OK, interesting. I'll probably get a set of S4 first and then I'll see.

 

[jeremy]

Re: SD Classic stack (sTK-1) VS Classic stack plus (STK-S4)

i have a set with s4 neck and middle and s7 bridge and i really like it. the s4 bridge is about the same output as the s7 but the s4 is brighter and more "vintage correct" tonally