STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

[Silence Kid]

I've had one in the neck for almost a week; MAN what a good pickup.

I'm one of those who tends to judge single coils as "good" or "junk;" for some reason I don't appreciate different voicings and tones the way I do with humbuckers; a Strat pickup either sounds like a Strat ought to sound in my head, or it doesn't. I had an APS set recently that I couldn't appreciate because they "didn't." The Tex Mex set I had was closer, but still mushy and flat in comparison.

This stack nails it. Twangy high end that does that almost flange-like dynamic thing when you lay on a clean funk line. Quick, piano tight low end, and glassy, smooth scooped mids. Gritty and defined under gain, with enough "sing" for leads. All the dynamic sensitivity of a real single. And no noise, of course.

I'm a Fender single coil devotee before anything else; my favorite clean tone is a classic Jaguar. MAN, these might just be it for me as far as a Fender pickup. I almost want to shove a set in a Jaguar now to see if I can better even that idiom. For now, it and the Screamin Demon are not leaving my Strat; killer combo.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

You're welcome :beerchug:

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

 

[Mincer]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

This is probably my favorite Strat neck pickup. You get the twangy cluck without the noise. The percussive snap is still there. I have it in several guitars.

 

[SJ318]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

Hi,
Would this p'up work in the mid position? Been using TwangBangers in mid and neck position for more power and
Strat like sounds. They work very well. I use a Humbucker for the bridge. Been using this set up for a couple years now, I think. But if you are like me, and I know I am, I have an awful memory in general. Some things stay crisp forever.
Just curious if the STK-S4 could be louder but still retain a crisp Strat sound.
Thanks.
Steve

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

It's a real good "noiseless" version of a vintage Strat pickup. One of the best.

But it's not as open and airy as a good "noisy" Strat pickup.

I havent heard a "noiseless" Strat pickup that is.

I think "noisy" Strat single coils made "noiseless" by installing the Ilitch backplate results in a better, less compromised, vintage Strat tone.

But if you don't want to do that, then the Classic Stack Plus is a good choice if noiseless or hum-free performance is a must.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

I believe there's an rwrp middle stack (with greater resistance and to avoid hum issues when splitting/combining with a humbucker.) The STK-S4 is still a low/vintage output pickup, it's DEFINITELY crisp but I doubt it's as hot as a Twangbanger (which I've never played.) I know a lot of higher output singles can come across as mushy, but if you want a louder pickup that retains clarity (and don't care about hum canceling) I'd look into a Rose Buff Beauty set; I think a full set is available for between $75 and $100 ? Don't know if there are any Duncan analogues or if any of the other Stack pickups would do the job because I haven't tried all of them, but I know a few of the hotter ones like the Quarter Pound/SSL3 are a bit darker.

Edit: Damn... Sale, $65 shipped for three Rose pickups... With covers. Just grabbed some myself

 

[Mincer]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

It works well in the middle position, too. For my ears, the lack of noise makes up for the 'not quite a single coil' sound. That never concerned me much anyway- 'authentic' sounds that have hum are useless to me when recording or performing. I'd go for the Stack every time.

 

[Farkus]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

I have a set of 3 in a Strat and I play through Marshalls, Mesas and Fenders.

They are the best I've used in terms of pickups that are going for a vintage voice/vibe and are also hum cancelling. To my ears, they are voiced a little darker than a classic Fender pickup, but I think that is consistent with Duncan's other offerings that are not noiseless (SSL-1 for example). IMO, that slight lack of high end really helps keep it smooth under gain and that works well for me. I use this guitar to play classic rock, like Deep Purple for example, and it just nails it. At the same time I can get vintage country sounds from the guitar through my Fender amps very easily...I don't think I could tell a difference between these and true singles if someone else was playing the guitar.

I have considered getting a hotter bridge, but that's a knee jerk/gas reflex I guess because when I'm actually playing the set responds perfectly as is.

 

[SJ318]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

Lewguitar,
I have'nt heard any noiseless p'ups that sounded open or "sparkling", to me, they all have a certain level of top crystalline and
pure tone missing. I would rather go with that type of backing you spoke about. Is it something I can install myself? The non-stacked tone is so pristine. No offense meant, Mincer. You know I take your advice seriously and act on some of it too.
Lewguitar, where can I get this (to me) mystery backing foil, or maybe copper made backing.
Silence Kid, the Rose Buff set sounds interesting, who makes these gems?
Thanks All,
Steve B.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

Rosepickups.com , made in the US, he'll work with you for something custom too as he winds each set individually.

 

[Gunslinger_505]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

It works well in the middle position, too. For my ears, the lack of noise makes up for the 'not quite a single coil' sound. That never concerned me much anyway- 'authentic' sounds that have hum are useless to me when recording or performing. I'd go for the Stack every time.

All my singlecoils are of the noiseless variety now, and I couldn't agree more with your sentiments more! In fact, I often wonder if the naysayers associate the hum with the single coil sound? Therefore, by default, the noiseless variety will never sound like a true "single coil."

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

^^ I think that impression may come from people trying noiseless single coils that do not meet their expectations. Back to the thread original comment, I have tried the STK-S10n and STK-S6 in the neck and both I have liked so far, now I feel interested on trying the Classic Stack.

 

[Mincer]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

I totally get people no liking the Stack idea. Using regular single coils for years (20?) before I tried stacks, I was surprised at how much that hum was part of the sound. Play in a few places with neon, CRT TVs and near transformers or dimmer switches, and I changed my tune.

 

[Gunslinger_505]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

^^ I think that impression may come from people trying noiseless single coils that do not meet their expectations..

Of course, the question is why? Was it the wrong choice of a pickup? Now they relate that to all noiseless as bad, is something missing from the sound, it didn't sound like some xxx pickup they wanted it to sound like? There are many more factors involved. How many manufacturers make a late 50's vintage strat pup they claim is vintage correct sounding and how many sound the same? If it were that easy... And no noiseless may ever be made that meets their criteria (the chime, shrill, sparkle, hum, or?), which is cool.

I've spent bucks on some JBE's that I actually ended up liking a $30 GFS better. I eventually put in an sh-5 which I liked even better. I just say the others weren't for me and ymmv. Funny when the reverse happens people bash GFS. Which you see a lot of. LOL, I've read post here and elsewhere saying SD or DMZ suck because they didn't like the pup they have/had. I've seen others want a hot rail in their strat for the sound they're after and it inevitable that someone chimes in that it doesn't sound like a single coil.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

Play in a few places with neon, CRT TVs and near transformers or dimmer switches, and I changed my tune.

^^^ truth ^^^

 

[dotsdad]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

Steve B... Yes, there is an STK-s4m. It is RWRP. You can also set it up so that the dummy coil is cut and you just have the single coil. As for working with your bridge humbucker, it depends what hukbucker tou have. If your bridge pickup cooperates with an SSL-1, it will work with that STK-S4 too.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

It's a real good "noiseless" version of a vintage Strat pickup. One of the best.

But it's not as open and airy as a good "noisy" Strat pickup.

I havent heard a "noiseless" Strat pickup that is.

I think "noisy" Strat single coils made "noiseless" by installing the Ilitch backplate results in a better, less compromised, vintage Strat tone.

But if you don't want to do that, then the Classic Stack Plus is a good choice if noiseless or hum-free performance is a must.

I've got to try the backplate

 

[SJ318]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

Such good info,
dotsdad, thanks for the information on the STK-4. Lewguitar, Ilitch backplate still seems a mystery, but good info, I am sure, guess I better punch that one into the web. Silence Kid, thanks for the website, I should have just guessed at that, but I am
gettiing old enough that "Lazy" is a bigger part of my description now.
Seymour D.'s Forums are the best. Lots of info if you really need it. Far less trolls and people looking for a fight cuz they are bored, when they should be playing their guitars. I haven't been to the gear page in a really long time. Maybe it is less hostile than it used to be.
Thanks,
Steve B.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: STK-S4 : Classic Stack Plus

I've got to try the backplate

I previously owned a set of STK S4 and currenylt own an Ilitch pickguard (same as his backplate) so heres my two cents:

The Classic Stack Plus is silent. Peiod. I have a ceiling fan, CRT, and a dimmer switch in my music room and the stacks were dead silent.

The Ilitch System does have some buzz, but it does knock down 80-90% of it. When I play it with high gain I need a noise gate, though the very lowest setting gets the job done

I have tried a lot of noiseless pickups: DMZ Areas, Fralin split Blades, Lace Sensors, Fender Vibtage Noiseless, and duncan. I can honestly say that the Classic Stacks are the best I have played. They really do sound land feeel like SSL1s (which I have also owned).

I personally prefer the spanky, funky sound of the Fender 69s to the fat, wooly SSL1 sound. That's why I currently use the backplate. Both options are great, it really depends on the tone you prefer.