Which middle PU for HSH strat?

[h3r3t1k]

I wanted a strat which will do metal but still looks like a strat. Think Iron Maiden. I got Hot Rails for bridge and neck (like to solo in the neck and needed something scorchy there as well). Now the middle pickup is there to remind me that this is still a strat and can sound like one. It's there to impart a different flavour of clean tones than the Hot Rails neck. I might use it for slightly overdriven bluesy stuff. There shouldn't be a big volume difference between it and the Hot Rails. It doesn't need to sound vintage but definitely like a single coil. Gotta be noiseless, too.

What I'm wondering is if positions 2 and 4 are gonna sound good at all and if there are any interesting wiring options with this HSH setup or if I should just put in a 3-way and be done with it. Regarding the pots, should I use 250k or 500k? The Strat is what I would call warm (basswood, rosewood).

 

[Mincer]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

Well, Dave Murray used a JB Jr in between 2 Hot Rails. While that doesn't sound like a Strat, it does sound like Iron Maiden. If you want something 'stratty', you may have to deal with a drop in output if you go with a true single coil. You could always wire a JB Jr in parallel, or go with something like a Hot Stack Strat, which certainly has the high end of a Strat pickup, with increased output to balance with those Hot Rails.

 

[h3r3t1k]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

Thanks Mincer, Hot Stack Strat sounds like what I need. Can you give me advice on what pots to use and if there's any interesting wiring options? What are positions 2 and 4 gonna sound like?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

Well you can start with 500k pots, as Hot Rails are pretty dark with 250k. You can always swap them for 250k if they are too bright (that won't happen). 2 & 4 won't always sound Stratty, but more Stratty than the Hot Rails alone. You can probably auto split both the Hot Rails and the Stack in 2 & 4 positions for a little more Strat sound, although the output will drop.

 

[OsvyRock]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

STK-S6 would fit your description nicely!

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

Just wondering if the Vintage Rails is an option here.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

Just wondering if the Vintage Rails is an option here.

nice tone.


WAY too low in output for someone that doesn't want a big volume difference between it and the Hot Rails

 

[Mincer]

Re: Which middle PU for HSH strat?

Yeah, the tone is great, but you will have balance problems. It is good if you either have very low output humbuckers or use 3 Vintage Rails together for a Strat that is silent. They don't work so well with Hot Rails.