suggestions for a new set of pickups

[luke73]

ello everyone I am new to the site
I would like some advice on buying a new set of pick up for my stratocaster 1990 usa..body alder rosewood fingerboard ..
seeking a blues sound but that spaces between Gilmour and Hendrix ..
I had thought about ssl 5 bridge SSL 1 medium and neck ..
what do you think? and if instead of SSL 1 I used ssl3?
seeking a warm sound with a good output without exaggerate too ..
thank's..Luke 73
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aibylmqezlo4kxq/AABoH0AQKb82FnNuNNl3CBTDa?dl=0

 

[Zacker]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

Check if your strat allows HSS pickguards. If yes, SH-4 JB/STK-S4/STK-S7
If not, get STK-S6, STK-S6,STK-S7 and get the Clapton boost kit as a mid-boost so you can go with crunch to blues and back

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

SH4 for Hendrix and Gilmore? ummmm yeah im going to vehemently disagree with that suggestion. Stacks dont cut it for real single coil tone.

OP i think your on the right track... The SSL1's are great single coil tone. The SSL5 would be my first choice its still has a vintagey tone with being more rude. The SSL3 is has even more push but the feel isnt the same as vintage style pups.

The only other pup I might say consider is the SSL-52... i really dig these, vintage power but the highs are pulled back a touch a softer. Not as brash but more easy feeling to play.

 

[luke73]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

The Stratocaster is sss
not familiar with this set now I see ..
thanks

 

[luke73]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

I have other guitars for Humbucker ..
I prefer the Strat single coil

 

[Zacker]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

Stacks dont cut it for real single coil tone.

Huh? I heard them on the Tubes and they DO sound like single coils. Well then, true singles then. For pure blues, no doubt the California 50's(3 SSL-1s), for more Hendrix-like tones, Fender Custom Shop 69. And Gilmour used to use SSL-5 bridges(does he still use it?). So, to sum it up, SSL-5 bridge, Custom Shop 69 neck and SSL-1 middle, and get the BYOP pickguard, it will make your life easier and experiment the pup positions. I'll have to agree with Edgecrusher on the SSL-3, it tries too much to sound like a bucker but isn't even noiseless.I tried to get you as noiseless as possible, but 'cuz Edgecrusher says Stacks don't cut it, and I agreed on him a lot in the past, so I just had to.(He's just too reliable ).

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

SSL-5, SSL-1, SSL-1 should suffice for the Gilmour (NOTE SPELLING!) thang. Both he and Hendrix used regular, modest output, single coil pickups then piled on the gain via distortion pedals. The more modern Gilmour sound also involves quite a lot of compression.

For the flatter fingerboard radius of the Am Std Stratocaster, I suggest the SSL-6, SSL-2, SSL-2 combination. Apart from anything else, this saves worrying about whether to get left-handed pickups. (It is possible to get severely anally retentive about replicating the Hendrix sound.)

For latter day Gilmour tones, the only option is EMG active pickups. The EMG DG-20 assembly drops straight in and replicates what was in the man's guitars during the late Eighties and Nineties. In my opinion, a better sound can be achieved using the EMG-SLV or -SAV pickups in conjunction with the -SPC mid booster. Those magnet rod polepieces make a considerable difference.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

I had thought about ssl 5 bridge SSL 1 medium and neck ..

and you would be correct sir!

(ive got them in my 1991 strat plus deluxe. awesome set)

 

[uOpt]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

I would put SSL1 or APS1 everywhere, or the Antiquity equivalent if you have the money (no "custom bridge", though).

The SSL5/6 is very hot and compressed and I really don't think it plays that well with the other kids in neck and middle. If you use another SSL1 or APS1 in the bridge you will have to find a suitable boost to thicken it up. But that is what your idols are doing and it is worth the trouble.

I actually like the SSL3 a bit better than the 5/6 (in the bridge). And stay away from the QP unless you really do it as a side test.

Whether the APS1 comes out better than SSL1 depends on the guitar. APS1 sets are dirt cheap so it might be worth a try with at least one of them if you are good with the work to try them out.

 

[luke73]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

the cs69 is interesting but has little output than the other two? already there will be difference between ssl 5 and SSL 1? mine is just a question.. more I move upwards more I lose power
I must say, however, it is interesting

 

[luke73]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

combination ssl5-SSL1-SSL1
for now is the one that convinces me more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7by7lRzpBv4

 

[Demanic]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

I'll agree with Edgecrusher on the 5-2's, I've often wanted to try a set of those in my Strat, to the point where I've purchased magnets that might let me try such a mod on the stock singles that I have.

 

[luke73]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

I'm confused ..
I thought I improve my decision but it is not so

 

[wolf5150]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

What neck radius is your Strat ?
I prefer flat magnet staggers so the SSL-2 would be my choice for a modern neck.
Same as SSL-1 but with flat stagger.

 

[luke73]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

What about the pick up psychedelic? any of you tried them? will do for me?
http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/psychedelic-strat/

 

[DonP]

Re: suggestions for a new set of pickups

And stay away from the QP unless you really do it as a side test.

Please explain. I'm a single coil novice and haven't used a QP before, but I thought it could be used for a Ritchie Blackmore tone?