Deciding which configuration

[bluestometal]

Ok, now I'm in the "which pick-up configuration?" mode. Right now I've 4 options in my head, here it is:

1- Duncan JB (B) + push/pull coil split, Duncan SSL-1 (M), Duncan SSL-1 (N)
2- Duncan California set (3x SSL-1)
3- Duncan JB (B) + push/pull coil split, DiMarzio Cruiser (N) no middle pick-up
4- EMG SA set

The guitar is a Strat build Ash body, Maple/Indian Rowewood 22 frets neck (Warmoth). About genere/style: this guitar will be a "something different up my sleeve", I just wanted something different from my main guitars (ESP's with EMG's) and start exploring other instrument/tonal situations and I'll use it just for rock and blues things. Any input from who of you who had any experience/impression/idea about those pick-ups/configurations will be very apreciated. Thanks

 

[Updown]

Dimarzio Area  :icon_thumright:
I got a 58 N / 67 M / 61 B  ...... Love it  :guitarplayer2: ... great variety of tones  :toothy10:

Wired for seven way ie: neck and bridge or all in.
It's becoming my go to guitar.

:icon_scratch: If ya wanna get away from your EMG's, why are they even on your list ?

 

[swarfrat]

I took ESP + EMG to mean he's got something like an 81/85 set. SA's would still be something different.

Everyone needs at least one guitar with a bridge single coil, be it skinny or fat singles.

 

[bluestometal]

:icon_scratch: If ya wanna get away from your EMG's, why are they even on your list ?

I use EMG 81/60 on all my guitars so the SA would be far enough (by what I read at least, never heard/played it in person)... Also I'm too much in love with the ones I have to make me think I could also join their single coils family  :icon_biggrin:

Everyone needs at least one guitar with a bridge single coil, be it skinny or fat singles.

So you're for the 3x Singles configuration?

 

[bluestometal]

Dimarzio Area  :icon_thumright:
I got a 58 N / 67 M / 61 B  ...... Love it  :guitarplayer2: ... great variety of tones  :toothy10:

Sounds interesting, did you heard/tried the Blues anh Heavy Blues 2 ones?

 

[AutoBat]

I'd get the SAs, because that's what I'm planning on my next build.

 

[bagman67]

Everyone needs at least one guitar with a bridge single coil, be it skinny or fat singles.

QFT.


My own thinking on this point is P90.

 

[swarfrat]

I grew up thinking 'you have to have a humbucker on the bridge to play hard rock'. For all the effort I've spent chasing soulful and woody tones, my go to sound is crisp and on the tight side of chunky. And all three of my guitars actually have a single coil bridge at the moment, quite by 'accident'.
* 12 string strat (S/S/S)
* hardtail strat (EMG SA's - though I do make generous use of the SPC, I could still be happy without, although happy would sound different)
* Warmoth w/ Mean 90's.

But in this case, it sounds like he has no bridge single in his stable, and likes the EMG's on his other guitar. The biggest drawback to S/S/S is that it looks silly without a pickguard, although updown or someone else had an oiled koa s/s/s strat a few years ago that pulled it off remarkably well.

 

[Cagey]

Everyone needs at least one guitar with a bridge single coil, be it skinny or fat singles.

Righty-O! Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Richie Blackmore, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler... the list is long.

 

[bluestometal]

Everyone needs at least one guitar with a bridge single coil, be it skinny or fat singles.

Righty-O! Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Richie Blackmore, Eric Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler... the list is long.

You're really pushing me toward the California Set  :toothy10:  :blob7:

 

[Cagey]

Two things.

1. Every pickup/set sounds different, depending on its pedigree and the guitar you put it into. So, it's difficult to predict results. For example, I have a JB humbucker in one of my Strats that's less than inspiring, and another in a Tele that is pure sex. I've also heard Strats w/ JBs that sound like perfection, and the opposite in Teles. So, it means nothing. They're all that way, so asking for advice on pickups is like asking for advice on women. Fuhgeddaboudit.

2. You can always change pickups. It's not like replacing a neck where you might modify the feel/response of the guitar completely.

 

[bluestometal]

so asking for advice on pickups is like asking for advice on women. Fuhgeddaboudit.

:toothy12:

2. You can always change pickups. It's not like replacing a neck where you might modify the feel/response of the guitar completely.

Yup, that's why I'm leaning toward the California Set, to start with something "typical" and Strat-ish (but with Duncan's character) and then move from there once I "study" and "learn" my guitar. The body's routed for a H/S/H configuration so I can have fun swapping and changing.

 

[Cagey]

The state of the art has progressed nicely over the years, so like many modern cars, computers, guitars and consumer electronics, it's tough get something inherently "bad". It may not be perfect, but at least it'll range between something useful and pleasantly surprising. In other words, there's little risk you'll get something you can't even sell or use for something else.

 

[crash]

If you are going S/S/S, I would suggest a slightly hotter bridge pup like a Duncan SSL-5, Dimarzio Heavy Blues 2, Injector bridge, or virtual solo.

 

[bluestometal]

If you are going S/S/S, I would suggest a slightly hotter bridge pup like a Duncan SSL-5, Dimarzio Heavy Blues 2, Injector bridge, or virtual solo.

The only time I played a California Set (3x SSL-1) equipped guitar was at a GC in NY and the guitar was an ESP Vintage Plus R (awesome guitar btw, since then it's on my list!) and I really digged the tone and feel (I played it on a Blackstar head+4x12). I just jammed on it some blues stuff on an edge channel so I don't really know if the bridge pup's hot enough for me or if I want an hot thing instead of a quiter set-up but, from what I can read and hear on the internet the Heavy Blues 2 is pretty cool, maybe a bit too snappy but the character's in the right direction.

 

[bluestometal]

Adding a new option: Seymour Duncan Hot Rodded set SH-4 JB in the bridge and SH-2 JAZZ in the neck + push/pull volume. I spotted a very good deal on the set and think it would be very cool (tried it on an ESP Horizon and really like it). Any thoughts?

 

[Cagey]

That's a very tough combination to beat. It's been around for 30+ years for a reason: it works.

 

[bluestometal]

What about its versatility?

 

[Cagey]

Versatility is one of their strong points. You can get a lot of change out of the things just playing around with your volume knob. For instance, you can get a warm, clean tone out of an SH4 just by backing off the volume, then crank it to 11 and it'll peel paint. The SH2 isn't as wild but it behaves in a similar manner, albeit in a more docile way that takes advantage of its neck position to give you an almost acoustic tone, depending on where the volume is set.

In the end, they may not be exactly what you're looking for, but they're infinitely utilitarian. You won't feel like you have to change them immediately. If you do replace them, the change isn't going to be dramatic. It's a game of inches if you start with them.

You also have to consider your platform. Different neck/body wood combinations absorb different frequencies, so your mileage may vary.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I still prefer the '59 or ANII in the neck.