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Post subject: Pickup/Guitar NOOB needs pickup suggestions
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 7:36 pm
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Hey guys - this seems like a great message board where I can learn alot. This is my first post. Let me thank everybody in advance for any input they share with me. I apologize if this is in the wrong section of the board but it seemed appropriate.

What I'm working with:
2013 Fender American Standard Strat HSS
Marshall MG30CFX Amp

I have BOSS DS-1 and ML-2 (Metalcore) Pedals and a Danelectro Daddy-O Overdrive pedal (these were given to me by friends and I dont use them much)


OK - so I've only been playing a for a couple of years and I would like to change out the stock pickups from this guitar. The guitar sounds a little thin and I'd like it beefier. It also gives hum and buzz on certain OD channels through my amp.

The Humbucker is in the bridge position and there are single coil pickups in the middle and the neck positions.

I'd really like a dirtier, more metal/grunge sound. I realize Strats arent really known for these sounds, but I think I can get closer to the sound I want with some cool pickups. I'd prefer to keep the same pickup configuration, but if you feel strongly about something that involves 2 humbuckers or whatever, I'd love to hear you out. Something that also doesnt provide buzz or hum through the amp are important to me as well.

The bands I like with the sounds I like: Alice In Chains, Sabbath, AC/DC, Soundgarden, VH, John 5, and Metallica.

I'm sorry if my post reeks of newbism lol. If you need any more info or wanna ask me any questions, I'll do my best to answer.

Once again, I REALLY appreciate any feedback. Thanks guys!


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Post subject: Re: Pickup/Guitar NOOB needs pickup suggestions
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 10:23 pm
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Joined: Wed Mar 31, 2010 12:48 am
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You might try reconfiguring the pickguard for a traditional S/S/S arrangement then installing some Virtual Vintage DiMarzio's -- a Solo Pro for the bridge, an Injector in the middle, and a Heavy Blues II at the neck. These are as hot as they come while still retaining some of the Strat's characteristic "squawk" and "honk". And they are noiseless which will solve your hum/buzz issues.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Pickup/Guitar NOOB needs pickup suggestions
Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2015 11:47 pm
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That's as good an answer as any - it's almost impossible to advice someone else on choosing pickups.
The DiMarzio pages have a nice Pickup Picker which might help you a little further, and they have quite a few prewired pickguards, which would make the mod relatively easy. Of course, nothing limits you to DM brand.

Just a couple of notes to ponder:
- Those "role models" you mention aren't especially known for typical Stratocaster sounds.
- Quoting Jerry Cantrell, "(...) it doesn't really matter what gear you're playing on - you're gonna sound how you sound (...)". I mean, you can do some things with pickup change, but the key to a certain sound isn't in a certain gear (just remember how fat SRV sounded with single coils).
- On the OD channels & noise; might not be the guitar at all - check it with another guitar (something HH style) and same amp/pedal settings.


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Post subject: Re: Pickup/Guitar NOOB needs pickup suggestions
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2015 9:32 am
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Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:47 am
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based on your goals, single coil pickups aren't probably what you are looking for at all.

not sure what the 'bucker in yours is, but you are definitely telling me by your comments you're more looking for what a set of humbukcers will give you

here's a thought

instead of spending the cash on re-configuring the pickups in your strat, look around for a second hand Epiphone les paul standard or tribute. (the newer ones are actually fantastic values)


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Post subject: Re: Pickup/Guitar NOOB needs pickup suggestions
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:20 pm
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Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
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Match Penalty wrote:
The bands I like with the sounds I like: Alice In Chains, Sabbath, AC/DC, Soundgarden, VH, John 5, and Metallica.


James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett use EMGs on their guitars.

I recommend trying out a KH-20 pickup set.



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