So I've talked my wife into buying me a American Special Stratocaster (HSS 3 Color Sunburst to be exact) for my birthday this year. I love the texas specials that come stock on the guitar, but I'm not really feeling that humbucker. I've been doing alot of looking around online for a replacement pick up and I'm really leaning towards the Dimarzio Area 61 single coil ( I do have a spare SSS pick guard laying around somewhere). Have any of you had a Area 61, and what are your opinions of it ...good?...bad? Love it? Hate it?

Just curious, why not go for the SSS? If its the color I understand, I wanted an SSS but loved the look of the 3 tone HSS with Rosewood fretboard, just didn't want the humbucker. That being said they are both great guitars. I own an Apple Red (more metallic really) and absolutely love it.

Its the color and the fretboard seriously...lol. I really like the candy apple red, but I'm stuck on the sunburst with the rosewood, I love the feel of the rosewood personally. I wish Fender made a SSS with the sunburst and rosewood. But I figure I can atleast make the HSS a SSS. Problem solved...lol.

I completely understand. Honestly, my next guitar may be a 3tone HSS that I swap out the pickguard and add CS69's to, since I already have the 3 Texas Special version. You will not be disappointed with your purchase.

I say as long as you are happy with it, mod you soon to be guitar as much as you want. I have a HSS ( converted) Highway 1 and a CAR American Special. In my case I wanted a Maple neck guitar and I love the Texas Specials. I do believe the bridge pickup is a bit too tinny, but I just back off the treble and it is alright. I have been toying with the idea of a Dimarzio Area 61 for mine as well.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

I liked the color and the black pg on the HSS but wanted the SSS combo and the maple neck. black pg is on order to swap out the white one that came with the SSS.