Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

[nason]

I've wanted a hardtail Stratocaster on and off for years and I finally managed to find one for a deal.

It needed a little cleaning (sat it a closet for years and had sticker residue on it). I cleaned it up, humidified the fingerboard (some fret ends poking out) strung it up with fresh strings and adjusted the truss rod.

The stock Duncan Invader isn't for me, but then again, I didn't expect it to. It will be replaced but I haven't decided with exactly what yet. It'll likely be one of the following options:

1) Bridge only HB (but a more tame model) with either Vol or Vol & Tone.
2) Bridge single only with 1 vol & tone
3) bridge and neck only with 1 vol & tone
4) Dick Dale (3 SC, reverse slanted bridge pup, 1 vol, 3-way switch and toggle)

What would YOU do to rewire this beauty?
(keep in mind I play mostly clean stuff. Rockabilly, Country, Surf, etc)

 

[LReese]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

#4 But with a twist...

Use a Tele bridge PU. I'd put tone controls (or just simulate the loading of a potentiometer on 10(cap and resistor)), otherwise its shrill IMO.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

What kinds of surf are you playing? Another layout to consider would be a hb-sized p90 in the bridge, and two singles. That would cover a lot of bases. I used to run that in a strat when it was the only one I was using. Did a good job.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

I like the Pearly Gates Trembucker with nickel cover. I use one and love it.

Also love the Duncan Custom Shop 78, which used to be called the EVH.

For other recommendations, check out the guitars and pickups I mention in my signature.

 

[staybobo]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

'59 & JB Model for Epiphone Nighthawk with the JB in the bridge, the '59 in the middle, and nothing in the neck.

 

[Laughing Kookaburra]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

Surf's up tonight? #4!

 

[nason]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

OK, thanks everyone! Keep 'em coming!

 

[teleblooz]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

Nice looking strat Nason! I really like the Tonerider Strat pups. I've tried the Classic Blues, Surfriders and they were both great sets. I settled on the Pure Vintage set. After trying lots of sets (Duncan, Dimarzio, Lawrence, Keystones, a few Fender sets, Carvin, EMG, Lollar Specials and a few others, the Toneriders feel like home. Great classic tones.

Zhangliqun would be my first recommendation though. Check out his sound clips. Great, great pickups and he'll wind you what you need. Both his single coils and his buckers are amazing. Great guy to boot!

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

I'd play Blink 182 covers with that.

or put some Surf ants in it and go total Dick Dale.

 

[nason]

Re: Seeking pickup suggestions for me new (to me) hardtail Strat

Right now the Dick Dale transformation is winning out...