Vintage single-coils

[Number One]

I already have several pups in mind for my Standard Strat. The only one I'm having problems with is the neck position. I'm thinking of getting Vintage single-coils for it, but I have a maple fingerboard. The Vintage uses Alnico V's, but I hear Alnico V's are better for rosewood or walnut fingerboards, while my fingerboard is maple. Will this mess with the tone?

 

[Rocker35]

Re: Vintage single-coils

If your looking for a vintage tone with extra warmth, you should consider Alnico II Pro's.

 

[sgstrat]

Re: Vintage single-coils

Vintage single coils, SSL-1's, will not mess up the tone of a maple board Strat - they are excellent pickups. That said, if you want to have a little more smoothness Rocker35 gave some good advice regarding the APS-1 or APS-2 pickups with Alnico II magnets. You might want to listen to the sound clips available in the SD product section.

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Vintage single-coils

No way will alnico 5 single coils mess up the tone of your maple fingerboard Strat. Alnico 5 was used in the pickups of all Strats from 1955 until just recently when some winders started experimenting with alnico 2. When you listen to the classic tones of the 50's and 60's Strats used by Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, etc., etc. you are hearing alnico 5 pickups. It is THE classic tone. Personally, I prefer alnico 5 pickups in my Strats...the tone is bright and bouncy with a little glass on top and big bottem. I think the SSL-1 is one of the best sounding Strat pickups Duncan makes. Highly recommended.

This isn't to imply that I don't also love the tone of my Duncan Antiquity Texas Hots, which are alnico 2. I love those pickups. But the alnico 5 SSL-1's sound more to me like the pickups in the real '54, '57 and '63 Strats I have owned.

Lew

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Vintage single-coils

I've got two Alnico 2 single flats and a twangbanger in my beater strat. Bright as heck tone. Not sure I'd like it much brighter with an A5 mag. Maple neck btw.

 

[brinton]

Re: Vintage single-coils

Rocker35 hows that PG-C hybrid workin out, give us a review man, or if you already did link me. post some clips.

 

[Number One]

Re: Vintage single-coils

Thanx guys. I've decided on this setup. Tell me if it's any good.
Bridge: Twangbanger
Mid: Alnico II Flat
Neck: Vintage Flat

I know some will say that it'd be better if I put in another Alnico II in the neck, but iono. Wuddu u guys think?

 

[Kelsey]

Re: Vintage single-coils

I have a set of SSL-1 vintage staggered pickups (RWRP middle) in a Fender California Series Strat with 1-piece maple neck and vintage hardware. It is bright but not harsh sounding -- classic Strat tone. I rewired the bottom tone control to the bridge pickup instead of the middle, which has a couple of advantages. Now in a Tele, I'm not too fond of AlNiCo 5 pickups, especially in the bridge slot. But in a Strat, it sounds great to me. I think you'll like the SSL-1 in the neck position. I don't see anything wrong with mixing AlNiCo 5 and 2 pickups, but I don't have any direct experience with the middle and bridge pickups you selected.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Vintage single-coils

FWIW my MIM Strat (poplar w/ rosewood fingerboard) is a little bit bright unplugged, and I prefer the APS in the neck over the SSL for that guitar. Personally, I'd put the SSL in the middle and the APS in the neck, but that's just me.

Chip