These would be my choice but with the 58 and 67 reversed.

As always, this is merely IMO where YMMV.

+1000


The DiMarzio's have spoiled me!

Arjay

Actually, the compromise is small. The Areas mimic the tonality and output of the specific years of the Strat pickups they are named after by like, 95%. In other words, they deliver in an overwhelming majority as advertised. Now if I was going for a Pre-CBS pickup packaged Strat but HB as I have in the past, the aforementioned DiMarzio combo is without hesitation, the way I did go and still would go. Currently however, I wanted more than what Pre-CBS Strat pickup parameters could offer as I only own one guitar and needless to say, this guitar must be as versatile as possible. I chose the SSL-2 because I still wanted a Pre-CBS Strat pickup's characteristics in the neck. The SSL-6 in the middle, I wanted enhanced power and midrange beyond Pre-CBS Strat pickup's characteristics to balance both power and tonality wise between the bridge and and the neck; I also wanted that 'clankiness' to disappear which is characteristic of so many middle position Strat pickups. The SSL-3 in the bridge, I was outright going for a P-90 tonality which is certainly not found in any OEM Pre-CBS Strat pickup's characteristics. As to the whole HB vs single coil thing, frequency response will always be better with single coils. This is what I was implying with my above "95%" remark. Of note is the fact that I am not afraid of single coil hum. Most of my playing career has been with Strats way before Strat slotted HBs existed. And admittedly, yes, I have been in many situations where I wished my pickups were HBs but I always managed. FWIW, I made a calibrated dummy coil I could install in minutes where again, I'd get 95% of everything without the hum. I doubt very strongly that I'll ever use it though.

Hey, thanks for the excellent comparison! So, if I have two Strats, it doesn't sound like it would be too redundant to have one equipped with the DM combo and one with the SSL combo. By the way, that SSL combo is really great -- I'm really enjoying them. By the way, what pickup heights do you find works best with the SSL "Fratocaster" combo?