JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
It's worth asking how old the strings are, as well.
It's worth asking how old the strings are, as well.
Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
- Thread starter StratKid
- Start date
Ayrton
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Whoops, absolutely.
You will want fresh strings in the brand and size you normally use.
Whoops, absolutely.
You will want fresh strings in the brand and size you normally use.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
To put what I said about higher action in context, my American Standard Strat is currently at .082" on the low E, .072" on the high E, strung 10-46. The rest of my guitars (Strats & a Tele) feel like similar action, but are strung 11-52. The Fender will be getting thicker strings next time I change them.
To put what I said about higher action in context, my American Standard Strat is currently at .082" on the low E, .072" on the high E, strung 10-46. The rest of my guitars (Strats & a Tele) feel like similar action, but are strung 11-52. The Fender will be getting thicker strings next time I change them.
Tone Meister
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
To add to the above, lighter strings actually require higher action than bigger strings do to prevemt fret buzz The reason is lighter strings vibrate with a larger parabola than heavier strings.
All things being equal, with a solid neck you should be able to dial in minimal relief and set a reasonably low action. Shredder action on a Strat requires one part compromise and five parts technical expertise by the one performing the setup.
To add to the above, lighter strings actually require higher action than bigger strings do to prevemt fret buzz The reason is lighter strings vibrate with a larger parabola than heavier strings.
All things being equal, with a solid neck you should be able to dial in minimal relief and set a reasonably low action. Shredder action on a Strat requires one part compromise and five parts technical expertise by the one performing the setup.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
The only guitar I've ever played that was setup with shredder action was a friend's Flying V. It was a black one from the 80's, a real PAF in the bridge, and .008s set really low, but it sounded huge.
If you want thicker tone and sustain, physics will tell you thicker strings set high enough to vibrate without hitting the board. This height will vary based on how hard you pick.
The only guitar I've ever played that was setup with shredder action was a friend's Flying V. It was a black one from the 80's, a real PAF in the bridge, and .008s set really low, but it sounded huge.
If you want thicker tone and sustain, physics will tell you thicker strings set high enough to vibrate without hitting the board. This height will vary based on how hard you pick.
Tone Meister
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
How hard the player picks is just one factor. Scale length plays a part as does neck relief and fret clearance at the nut.
How hard the player picks is just one factor. Scale length plays a part as does neck relief and fret clearance at the nut.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Agreed, it all matters.
Especially how good you want the guitar to sound
Agreed, it all matters.
Especially how good you want the guitar to sound
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
I would actually suggest Custom /59' instead of JB. Only because you said you wanted chunk and thump. I like both pickups a lot, but the JB I would describe as having a sizzling top end that you might find a little harsh for your application.. the Custom tends to have a more smooth creamy tone to it. Both have plenty of power.
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I would actually suggest Custom /59' instead of JB. Only because you said you wanted chunk and thump. I like both pickups a lot, but the JB I would describe as having a sizzling top end that you might find a little harsh for your application.. the Custom tends to have a more smooth creamy tone to it. Both have plenty of power.
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Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
59 and a Custom is what I was thinking. You can also add a compressor if you need it. I use either a Vise Grip or a BYOC one.
59 and a Custom is what I was thinking. You can also add a compressor if you need it. I use either a Vise Grip or a BYOC one.
DavidRavenMoon
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
I find the neck has a huge effect on the overall tone of the guitar too!
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I find the neck has a huge effect on the overall tone of the guitar too!
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Tone Meister
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Very much agreed. But typically the stock Fender necks are very good quality and likely not part of the problem here with the lack of natural sustain.
Very much agreed. But typically the stock Fender necks are very good quality and likely not part of the problem here with the lack of natural sustain.
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Action raised a tad bit, truss adjusted, and some new 10-52s and it sustains much MUCH better. Thank you all for the help.
I have listened to many sound demos on the S-D Distorion, JB, and the Custom, and I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with the sound of the Custom bridge pickup! It is exactly the smooth thumpy tone I am craving.
Is the ‘59 the go to neck pickup in this case? Should I consider a S-D Jazz or a DiMarzio PAF or something along that track?
Action raised a tad bit, truss adjusted, and some new 10-52s and it sustains much MUCH better. Thank you all for the help.
I have listened to many sound demos on the S-D Distorion, JB, and the Custom, and I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with the sound of the Custom bridge pickup! It is exactly the smooth thumpy tone I am craving.
Is the ‘59 the go to neck pickup in this case? Should I consider a S-D Jazz or a DiMarzio PAF or something along that track?
DavidRavenMoon
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Typically yes, but I’ve replaced a neck for a customer precisely for this problem. For whatever the reason the stock neck (on a Roland ready Strat) was a dud. The new after market neck made a big improvement.
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Typically yes, but I’ve replaced a neck for a customer precisely for this problem. For whatever the reason the stock neck (on a Roland ready Strat) was a dud. The new after market neck made a big improvement.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Tone Meister
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Of course, every rule has its noteable exceptions, but a dud Fender Statocaster neck cannot be anything but an outlier under a very wide bell curve. It does appear the sustain issues have been solved with basic setup techniques, and without blocking the tremolo unit.
Now the OP can focus on shaping the sound further with pickup choice, which should be pretty easy from here.
Of course, every rule has its noteable exceptions, but a dud Fender Statocaster neck cannot be anything but an outlier under a very wide bell curve. It does appear the sustain issues have been solved with basic setup techniques, and without blocking the tremolo unit.
Now the OP can focus on shaping the sound further with pickup choice, which should be pretty easy from here.
Last edited:
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
A friend of mine recommended actually unblocking the trem and setting it up to float. He said that it will make the guitar more resonant while not hurting the sustain. I have to say, he was quite correct. The guitar resonates much better and sounds clearer. I believe my final decisions regarding the pickups are a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge and a ‘59 in the neck. Thank you all for your help, you all helped me a great deal!
A friend of mine recommended actually unblocking the trem and setting it up to float. He said that it will make the guitar more resonant while not hurting the sustain. I have to say, he was quite correct. The guitar resonates much better and sounds clearer. I believe my final decisions regarding the pickups are a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge and a ‘59 in the neck. Thank you all for your help, you all helped me a great deal!
Tone Meister
New member
Re: Strat HH Pickup/Sustain Help
Yes, I absolutely agree about the floating trem. (Look at my previous posts). And we both know your neck is not a dud.
Good pickup choice, BTW.
Yes, I absolutely agree about the floating trem. (Look at my previous posts). And we both know your neck is not a dud.
Good pickup choice, BTW.
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