Suggestions for middle pickup in an h-s-h config.

[OceanMachine]

I'm looking for a single coil for an HSH setup where I'm using a distortion in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. Really I'm looking for a pickup which will work well in the 2 and 4 positions with the humbuckers.

I have little experience with single coils, I have another guitar in an HSS config and I'm using the distortion, STK s4 and the cool rail. I really like how that guitar cleans up when I roll off the volume in those 2 and 4 positions so I'm very tempted just to go with another STK s4.

Thought I would see if anyone had any suggestions or advice here first.

Thanks guys.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Suggestions for middle pickup in an h-s-h config.

Hardest slot to fill ever. You might get some luck with cool rails or a lil 59 for a bit more beef - and something different to what you have in the other guitar.

 

[SJ318]

Re: Suggestions for middle pickup in an h-s-h config.

For what it's worth-
I have a Jazz bridge (8K) in the bridge, a newly re-mounted TwangBanger (8.5 LOUD but nice twang), and because of it's remarkable volume and sound, for this application it is like a humbucker in my neck position, so with all that fire power I put a Fender (5.8K) weak but very "sparkly" '69 single coil in the middle. I use 500K pots for this one and the middle by itself can get some very hard to get organic sounds (think Axis-bold as Love-Hendrix).
The bridge pup w/the mid SC sound beautiful, again, use my last reference plus when pushed, together they go full Firebird, Clapton Cream period, low buzz, screaming lead or turned down not only a nice, but "different" kind of clean and almost quack like. Same thing on the TwangBanger with the Fender mid, just a little more crunch to it from the TwangBanger, as it has some great natural breakup.
I have also used Fender 57/62 SC's in the middle and that is great too, I have that in a HSS set up on my other Strat going Jazz Neck HB in the bridge (7.5K maybe) a 57/62 middle SC (6.3 or so) and a Fender '69 in the neck.
I lie my first set up I told you about as it is a little more versatile, and I have moved that TwangBanger around in different spots and they all sound great, different, but really fun.
Duncan A2 Pro single coil is what I would buy next, (hope I said it right) followed by another TwangBanger that I might, for the first time ever, try as a bridge lead pickup. All said, for HSH, I'd go Fender '69, 57/62 or a Duncan A2 Pro in the middle.
I really hope that helps, even a little.
Steven John Buffington (sj)