Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

[Franco]

Hi everyone,
My old 98 usa standard strat still has the same neck and middle coils. About 5 to 6k I guess.
I have sold the bridge single coil at the time. I regret it a bit.
My pickup set is the Blue (neck pickup) red (middle pickup) and I think the bridge was yellow colour code. I don´t know, but maybe they are Alnico V. They sound amazing to be honest. Nice sparkle, bright, enough body. Not for very high gain purposes, but excel in softer music.

for the bridge, I have installed long time ago a Duncan SSL-3 tapped version (old reference codes, should be an 80s one) and it works quite well and the tapped mode mantains the character in the nothched #2 and #4 positions.

However, as the years go by, I´m feeling there´s a very pronounced middy character to it and a lack of real bass and highs (velvet) and it only sounds good very loud and for rock when it compresses. Otherwise, there´s a resonant peak that lately I think is not adequate for my needs.

I am searching for something more Straty, with a vintage character to it, but, with more punch and some highs retained when compared to the SSL-3.
I am playing mostly Blues, Jazz, light rock. Tone is very important.

So, I have thought of the Antiquity Surfer, maybe the Custom bridge. Any other suggestions ? Antiquity Texas ? I want to feel that when I go from neck to bridge pickup, there´s a balance and the Bridge sound cuts through with warmth, and a bit of sparkle as well on the top end without being shrill.

Thanks!

 

[AlexR]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

The ssl5 (or 6) is just full enough to cut out the shrill, but vintage enough to not sound out of place with vintage n&m

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

I love Duncan's but the bridge model Fralin Steel Pole 43 is what I use with my Duncan Surfer single coils.

The SP43 combines beautifully with vintage voiced neck and middle Strat single coils.

Sounds like a cross between a Gibson P90 and a classic Strat pickup.

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Hi,
I have thought about an SSL5 tapped. Interesting choice for #2 and #4.
But how does it compare to an Antiquity surfer custom bridge? I´ve read things about that pickup, but i´m not familiar with the "antiquity" concept. I like Alnico II as well. But I think the stock neck and middle may be Alnico V, which have more bite.

As I said, I´m using this guitar for vintage sounding stuff, quiet and slow music. I can rock a bit sometimes but that´s as far as I go !

The ssl5 (or 6) is just full enough to cut out the shrill, but vintage enough to not sound out of place with vintage n&m

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Hi,
I also have an LP with P90. I love P90s, but that´s not the sound i´m after in a Strat. I have considered the Quarter pounder tapped version, but I think I want to be closer to the strat concept.
And It would be nice if Duncan had something coming from the typical strat sound and inject it with more 25% extra beef, still retaining a bit of velvet to the sound, but definetely standing out from the thin stock bridge pickup sound. SSL-3 is way more than this to the point you loose some treble and there´s not really much bass in it. It´s all about Mid-punch. Not saying it is bad. It is a great pickup and it is in my guitar since 2003 !! Just wanted to go in a more traditional route.

I love Duncan's but the bridge model Fralin Steel Pole 43 is what I use with my Duncan Surfer single coils.

The SP43 combines beautifully with vintage voiced neck and middle Strat single coils.

Sounds like a cross between a Gibson P90 and a classic Strat pickup.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Even Quarter Pounders are more "Stratty" than the SSL-3 .

 

[Mincer]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Hi,
I have thought about an SSL5 tapped. Interesting choice for #2 and #4.
But how does it compare to an Antiquity surfer custom bridge? I´ve read things about that pickup, but i´m not familiar with the "antiquity" concept. I like Alnico II as well. But I think the stock neck and middle may be Alnico V, which have more bite.

As I said, I´m using this guitar for vintage sounding stuff, quiet and slow music. I can rock a bit sometimes but that´s as far as I go !

Well, there is an Antiquity Texas Hot. But the Antiquity II Surfer is a little scoopier. Both have around the same output, and have A5 magnets.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

texas hot is a2, surfer is a5. the surfer custom bridge is still pretty vintage sounding. its got a little less high end and little more mids than the neck version and a bit more output but is much closer tonally than the ssl5

 

[Mincer]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Opps, looking at the wrong line in the chart..thanks for catching that!

 

[AlexR]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

The antiquity custom bridges are a thinner wire wind. So they are not as hot as the K reading would indicate - I'd guess a 7-8k strat pickup is about the equivalent. The thinner wire will tend to reduce the highs, and the slight overwind make for slightly more mids and signal, all things being equal.

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Yes indeed. I also have that feeling. Their have more scooped than the SSL-3, but i´m affraid they might be a little too bodied and lack a bit of sparkle.

Even Quarter Pounders are more "Stratty" than the SSL-3 .

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Dear Jeremy,

How would you compare the SSL-5 (full mode) to the Antiquity Surfer "Custom" Bridge?
Or, the Antiquity surfer "normal" Bridge (actually the same as Antiquity neck surfer) to the SSL-1 ?

Yesterday, I listened to some clips and I have the feeling that the even the normal antiquity surfer bridge is warmer sounding than an SSL-1 or the old USA strat bridge coil I sold years ago.

The Custom Bridge Surfer is a tad less brighter. Well, I suppose even so, much brighter than the SSL-3 (full mode) I currently have?

Just for the sake of setting a co-relation. It would help !

texas hot is a2, surfer is a5. the surfer custom bridge is still pretty vintage sounding. its got a little less high end and little more mids than the neck version and a bit more output but is much closer tonally than the ssl5

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

I've tried vintage strat pickups in the bridge (bad), the quarter pound (bassy but less stratty), and I'm settled on the custom ssl5. You can absolutely switch from your vintage neck to bridge without missing a beat. It balances volume wise and tone wise. The increased output helps it in that position a lot and gives it the right amount of bass, while it still maintains stratty character and sparkle. That's the best option that Duncan makes for what you want.

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Dear Clint,
Thanks for your comment. well, you look pretty decided !

So, why did duncan create the Antiquities single coils then ? I liked the normal Surfer sound (neck and bridge are the same), but maybe it will sound on the weak and thin side, just like the stock Fender single coil ? Not sure. If not, maybe that can be the sound i´m after.

I was also thinking on why Duncan create a "Custom" bridge Surfer when there is the SSL-5 ? How do they compare ?
I was chasing an SSL-5T (tapped for #2 and #4) sometime ago, but missed it.

I´d really like something special.

I've tried vintage strat pickups in the bridge (bad), the quarter pound (bassy but less stratty), and I'm settled on the custom ssl5. You can absolutely switch from your vintage neck to bridge without missing a beat. It balances volume wise and tone wise. The increased output helps it in that position a lot and gives it the right amount of bass, while it still maintains stratty character and sparkle. That's the best option that Duncan makes for what you want.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

i have a surfer set with the custom bridge. the bridge is a little less bright and fuller sounding than the "neck" version in the bridge. touch less sparkle on top but a touch more output and mids. it balances very well and still is bright and cutting like a strat bridge pup should be.

the surfer custom bridge is more vintage sounding than the ssl5 but also doesnt have as much power, bass or mids.

putting a neck surfer in the bridge would be a vintage correct setup. i have a guitar with three similar pups and its a great sound but not for everyone. i like putting a tone control on the bridge pup to warm up the tone when wanted

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Hi,
Ok, things are getting a bit more clear now.

So, considering treble response and output, I would say (in an easier way), from the weaker to the stronger :

1 - Normal Surfer bridge
2 - Custom surfer bridge
3 - SSL-5
4 - Quarter pounder
5 - SSL-3

For some reason, I have sold the thin bridge pickup that came stock with my Strat years ago. In those days I was using ´59s and EMGs, so, maybe today I would have not sold it, as taste changes with age.
The question is how to close to it is the normal antiquity surfer pickup...

I have been using the SSL-3 since, only because it has a tap option. Positions #2 and #4 still retain a bit of the classic sound, although not quite, but you can have a bit of it. Otherwise, it´s not a vintage sounding pickup, it´s very hot rodded.

SSL-5 would would need to be in tapped version as well. I like #2 and #4 to be more vintage correct sounding. Probably, in this regard, the Custome surfer bridge will be closer to vintage specs when compared to SSL-5 and with enough beef even without tap option.

Still a bit unsure Options 1, 2 and 3. I´m affraid 1 is too thin and 3 too much.

i have a surfer set with the custom bridge. the bridge is a little less bright and fuller sounding than the "neck" version in the bridge. touch less sparkle on top but a touch more output and mids. it balances very well and still is bright and cutting like a strat bridge pup should be.

the surfer custom bridge is more vintage sounding than the ssl5 but also doesnt have as much power, bass or mids.

putting a neck surfer in the bridge would be a vintage correct setup. i have a guitar with three similar pups and its a great sound but not for everyone. i like putting a tone control on the bridge pup to warm up the tone when wanted

 

[jeremy]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

the qp and hot are pretty similar in output just voiced differently. the qp has more bass, the hot has more mids.

you can always go custom shop and have them over wind you a surfer with #42 if you dont mind spending some extra coin. other wise, id say just get the custom surfer bridge since it still retains most of the vintage character but smoothes out the top end and thickens things a touch.

 

[Farkus]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

I found the American Series pickups (the same ones you are talking about, with the bridge having a yellow lead) were a bit of a compromise. They were okay for cleans and okay for dirty sounds but didn't really excel at either. This Strat is the one I use for clean tones the most. I have tried many pickups in that guitar and eventually I settled for a Fender Eric Johnson set. I like SD pickups and have them in most of my guitars, but the EJ's sound fantastic in this Strat. I have SD Ant I's in my '75 Strat and the neck and middle pickups are excellent in those positions. I find the bridge a little too "soft". I might try that Fralin in the bridge as Lew suggested. LOL.

Another set to consider is the SD STK series. One of my Strats that I use for classic rock (think Deep Purple) has a trio of STK 4's. They are fantastic for cleans, IMO, and I use them for recording because they are quiet even in front of the monitor.

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

Hi,
Well, I don´t have others single coils to compare to my Blue/red/yellow (this last one already sold) . Except my SSL-3 tapped.
So, I really don´t know how a regular Alnico II pro coil or an SSL-1 or SSL-5 will sound better or not. If they are really superior.

Are they?

The STK series actually sound very interesting. Probably the only hum-cancelling I would ever consider. But I want my Strat to have true single coils.

Last night I heard the clips in the website and I found SSL-5 to be great in the bridge, but a little too powerful. Tapped could sound thinner than I want.
I liked the APS-1 alnico II in the Bridge as it is trebley but softned and somewhat compressed. I didn´t like so much the Antiquity Texas hot (too dark), but I liked the Antiquity surfer "normal" and "custom" in the bridge. And maybe the Custom bridge Surfer is the way to go.

For neck, I surprisingly liked the simple SSL-1 sound. Reminded me of my current Fender single coils. The Antiquity Surfer was great in the neck too and APS-1 was nice, but it is very soft and a bit notched, which makes it loose a bit of sparkle and mid-presence. Jazzy I would say.

So, right now and for the bridge, I am considering the Antiquity Custom bridge surfer or the Alnico II Pro.

Tonight will listen again and decide

I found the American Series pickups (the same ones you are talking about, with the bridge having a yellow lead) were a bit of a compromise. They were okay for cleans and okay for dirty sounds but didn't really excel at either. This Strat is the one I use for clean tones the most. I have tried many pickups in that guitar and eventually I settled for a Fender Eric Johnson set. I like SD pickups and have them in most of my guitars, but the EJ's sound fantastic in this Strat. I have SD Ant I's in my '75 Strat and the neck and middle pickups are excellent in those positions. I find the bridge a little too "soft". I might try that Fralin in the bridge as Lew suggested. LOL.

Another set to consider is the SD STK series. One of my Strats that I use for classic rock (think Deep Purple) has a trio of STK 4's. They are fantastic for cleans, IMO, and I use them for recording because they are quiet even in front of the monitor.

 

[Franco]

Re: Strat Hot single coil - but with vintage character. What to choose ?

I´ve posted a reply but it seems it wasn´t uploaded.

In resume, I bought the Duncan Antiquity Custom Bridge, and I would say :

- It is vintage output
- Don´t be scared with the 9,8k. It´s not high output and is not dull sounding.
- Set it around 7mm height in the lower strings and 5mm in the higher ones.
- Has a good and more than enough amount of treble which is not ear piercing. Lows are correct.
- Great for rock, blues, surf, anything in between.
- Hum is low or acceptable.
- Enjoy your tone.

This pickup is magnificient. What a joy of sound. Loads of character, very sensitive to dynamics, very balanced when switch from position 1 to 5 (neck to bridge). Bridge + Neck or Bridge + Middle also sound incredible.

Cheers !