SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

[Heretic]

I intend to install a single coil pick-up on a Warmoth Swamp Ash H-S-H. The store that I'm going to buy from has these two and the Fender is a tad less expensive, but I want the better tone. How does the 57/62 sound like? Say, SD rates the SSL-1 as 5-3-9 on Bass-Midrange-Treble, how would the Fender 57/62 fare?

P.S. I would also need some technical info's like magnet type and output.

Thanks!

 

[jeremy]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

check out lew's ultimate strat tone thread
the ssl1 is a great pup

 

[beandip]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

The output is very close between the two. The mag type is the same. They sound alot alike. The SSL-1 seems to have more of an open tone though. The 57/62's are good pickups, dont get me wrong, but I prefer the sound of the SSL-1's. Either way, you cant got terribly wrong. They sound alot alike, you probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference unless you had another guitar exactly like it to sit right there and test it with. The audience probably cant tell the difference either.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

I've not tried the Fenders but I've heard good reports about them. Still, based on my own experience, I'd say: "go with the SSL-1's". I used them for years and have compared them to my '63 Strat pickups and many boutique pickups like the Fralin Vintage Hots, Duncan Antiquity 1 and 2, Van Zandts and others and the SSL-1's are right up there with the very, very best, IMO, and for less cash. They are awesome vintage style Strat pickups. Lew

 

[Inge Malmstein]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

How is the SSL1 compared to Fender texas or to Duncan's Twangbanger?
Actually i use the SSL1 in the middle position of a Fender MiM Fat Strat.
I need a middle pickup for a US-Strat Plus, H-S-H and tried there the SSL1.
I like it more in the MiM Strat and will leave it there, and i want a more "cuttin" single-coil sound in the US-Strat, in opposition to the humbuckers. ('59 and CC)
The Pickup which i liked, got broken:
It was a diMarzio JEM-single-coil, which is described as a splitted HS-2.
Now i look for a new pickup. And thought about texas specials ot the twangbanger.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

How is the SSL1 compared to Fender texas or to Duncan's Twangbanger?
Actually i use the SSL1 in the middle position of a Fender MiM Fat Strat.
I need a middle pickup for a US-Strat Plus, H-S-H and tried there the SSL1.
I like it more in the MiM Strat and will leave it there, and i want a more "cuttin" single-coil sound in the US-Strat, in opposition to the humbuckers. ('59 and CC)
The Pickup which i liked, got broken:
It was a diMarzio JEM-single-coil, which is described as a splitted HS-2.
Now i look for a new pickup. And thought about texas specials ot the twangbanger.

If you want vintage Strat tone like SRV, Clapton, Knopfler, Hendrix, etc. you'll like it. But if you're using it between two humbuckers you might like a fatter thicker sounding single coil like the APS-2 more.

Lew

 

[Inge Malmstein]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

Thanks for the suggestion!
The APS-2 came also in my mind, but i think it is less brighter, or isn't it?
I also had a quarter pound, but i want a bigger "contrast" to the humbuckers.
Otherwise the JEM-single coil was a good match, and it's recommended for a H-S-H setup.

Do you think, that a splitted Stag Mag comes close to the APS-2?
No, i don't want to put a stag mag in the middle position, i think i could find out, how the APS-2 might sound in the middle position.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

Thanks for the suggestion!
The APS-2 came also in my mind, but i think it is less brighter, or isn't it?
I also had a quarter pound, but i want a bigger "contrast" to the humbuckers.
Otherwise the JEM-single coil was a good match, and it's recommended for a H-S-H setup.

Do you think, that a splitted Stag Mag comes close to the APS-2?
No, i don't want to put a stag mag in the middle position, i think i could find out, how the APS-2 might sound in the middle position.

No comparism. But full size humbuckers are always less bright than vintage style Strat single coils....that's why I suggested the APS-2.

I don't want to confuse you! However, I think the stronger mids and thicker tone of the APS-2 might make it the better choice for your application.

Lew

 

[Inge Malmstein]

Re: SD SSL-1 or Fender 57/62?

Hm, i just thought about this, because the splitted stag mag is a single-coil with AII rods. I already own it, but i don't want to put it in the strat. Then i would have a 3HB setup.
The APS-2 might be worth a try. I will listen to Duncan's sound clips and compare

Thanks ;-)