Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

M

MacDaddy

New member
OK, perhaps this is lazy and I know there are tone charts for loads of different pups, SD and other available out there on the inter web but sometimes you just can't beat good old consensus of personal opinion and experience.

I have quite an important gig coming up later this year and it's all 1950s music. For this gig (because I need an excuse, right?) I need to replace the pups in my strat 'cos they ain't exactly vintage sounding. What sort if pups should I be looking at to recreate that '50s sound? Should I get something that truly clones the era or opt for something with the same vibe but a little bit hotter?

Help please??

Cheers!
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

I would think the California surfer set would fair well or go with the antiquity surfers for even more vintage vibe. But the latter would be the best bang for your buck.

Outside of Duncan many people like D.Allen singles along with Fralins and Lollars.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

I think you mean the former!

And I'd go along with that. 50s sound? Set of SSL-1s, and you're done.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

Duncan SSL-1 or for something really special, lollar Blondes.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

If you're doing '50s stuff, I think using flatwound strings would be a huge factor in getting that sound. Using a clean combo amp if possible would also be an obvious one.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

What amp are you using? That's going to make a big difference in what you hear.

I would not do the California set - A Strat is traditionally 3 single coils, same wind/polarity/strength. 3XSSL-1 would be my 1st general vote. If you got the scratch, Antiquity II (all neck models).
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

I see the ssl 1's as more 60's....fuller and with higher winds.

A lot of 50's style winds tend to be A2 or A2 with lower wind counts. D.Allen, BKP and Chevalier all tend toward this style, and they are more differentiated/precise in their low output singles than Duncan.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

Er, what guitar is under discussion? Which end of the Fifties are you hoping to imitate?

Compare and contrast the current Fender AVRI '56 and the previous series '57. These have very different neck profiles and, consequently, different sound. In crude terms, the '56 is a deep, thick V whereas the pre-2012 '57 is the ever-popular soft V as found on several models.

I prefer the big ol' '56 because it feels like a Telecaster.
 
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Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

I think of the SSL-1s as more of a 60s Strat vibe. The Antiquity Texas Hots or APS-1s are probably closer for the 50s sound.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

Pure nickel strings or Flats, and a set of Fender 54s, BK Apaches or equivalent. SSL1s are neat pickups, but I also think "early 60s" with those.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

IIRC 1954 to 56 give or take pickups were Al3, then AL5

1954 to 1967 Fender Stratocaster Pickup Specs...
Year Ohms Wire OD Insulation Turns WD MP Wound
1954 5.76k .0030" Formvar 7956 TL/TG North Hand
1955 5.89k .0029" Formvar 7844 TL/TG North Hand
1956 5.98k .0029" Formvar 8012 TL/TG North Hand
1957 6.02k .0029" Formvar 8105 TL/TG North Hand
1958 6.20k .0028" Formvar 8350 TL/TG North Hand
1959 5.95k .0030" Formvar 7925 TL/TG North Hand
1960 6.33k .0028" Formvar 8293 TL/TG South Hand
1961 6.19k .0029" Formvar 8119 TL/TG South Hand
1962 6.22k .0028" Formvar 8220 TL/TG South Hand
1963 6.37k .0028" Formvar 8319 TL/TG South Hand
1964 6.25k .002 Formvar/Enamel 7980 TL/TG South Hand
January 4, 1965, CBS bought Fender Musical Instruments.
1965 5.80k .0026" Plain Enamel 7626 TL/TG South Machine
1966 5.76k .0026" Plain Enamel 7630 TL/TG South Machine
1967 5.88k .0027" Plain Enamel 7656 TL/TG South Machine

SSL-1 I think matches 1956 to 63, but is a tad overwound. However, there's more to a pickup than the amount of wire wound on it.

I'd love to have a SSL-1(Or Antiquity) that sat in the middle of the above spec.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies and sorry it's taken a couple of days to respond.

Don't know if I've done the right thing but I saw a brand new California 50s set (SSL-1 calibrated set?) on special offer with a third off the price so I now have them sitting in the box awaiting installation.

Even if it's not quite 'that' sound it's gotta be closer than my current pup set (DM FS-1 x2& DM SDS-1). I'm keen to get them in and do a few other mods to the guitar (2001 USA Std Strat RW neck, as somebody asked) so I'll let you know how impressed I am.

Thanks again,

Chris
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

MacDaddy said:
Even if it's not quite 'that' sound it's gotta be closer than my current pup set (DM FS-1 x2& DM SDS-1).
Click to expand...

Swapping those for an SSL-1 set is definitely a huge step in the vintage direction and will give you a classic Strat sound.
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

Well, I gotta say, I'm stoked!

I expected it to sound very different to what I had in the guitar previously but I'm really pleased beyond comprehension. I can't put the thing down and the tone is perfect for what I need.

My only question is; why didn't I do this ages ago?!
 
Re: Strat PUPs for that 1950s sound

SSL-1s are really an outstanding pickup that fills the upgraded vintage tone requirement to a "T". Now time to grow the ducktail. ;)
 
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