Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: JesusCrisp on January 06, 2012, 07:45:10 PM

Title: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: JesusCrisp on January 06, 2012, 07:45:10 PM

Helly everyone!

I've owned my Fender American Special HSS for about one and a half year now.
While I really like the guitar in general, I'm not quite satisfied with the humbucker.
It just sounds flat, kind of dead on the top end and a bit flubby in the bottom end.

The guitar is an Alder Strat, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, the singlecoils are Fender Texas Specials (which I don't want to change ATM). My current amp is an Egnater Rebel 30.

I play mostly blues, classic rock, hard rock, grunge, alternative and metal, but nothing too heavy (Hendrix, AC/DC, Van Halen, AIC, RATM, RHCP, Volbeat, Metallica, ... ).

What I want is something with a more open top end (but not shrill), good amount of mids, defined bass and not too high output. A good split sound would be nice as well.

I decided to go with Bareknuckles because I really don't want to get some cheaper mid-range pickup and then regret it. Also I couldn't find a Dimarzio or Duncan that would fit my description.

So far I thought that the VHII might fit my needs best.


Anyway, what do you guys suggest?

Thanks in advance!  :)

Title: Re: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: BigB on January 06, 2012, 08:58:55 PM

Hi and welcome

I have texas Specials on my MiJ RI '62 strat, and for the bands you mentionned I'd try the VHII or Crawler. I don't have experience with the VHII so I can't comment, but from the clips and reviews it's rather on the bright side. The Crawler bridge is warm, fat yet bity, and has lot of growl, but the guitar I have it in is nothing like a strat.

Title: Re: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: Telerocker on January 07, 2012, 12:47:32 AM

I have both the VHII and Crawler in (swamp)ash-strats and what you describe is the VHII. It doesn't sound thin in a strat, it's balanced, articulate, touchsensitive and it simply rocks with superb harmonics! Cleans up nice to a near single-coil vocal quality. Big B's description of the Crawler is very adequate. I like the Crawler as a very good allround pickup, but I think the VHII suits the mentioned styles better.

Title: Re: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: JesusCrisp on January 07, 2012, 01:40:44 AM

Looks like I'll go with the VHII then. 8)

Thanks guys!

Title: Re: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: Telerocker on January 07, 2012, 06:45:22 PM

Quote from: JesusCrisp on January 07, 2012, 01:40:44 AM

Looks like I'll go with the VHII then. 8)

Thanks guys!

You could ask the BKP-team for some final recommendations.

Title: Re: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: JesusCrisp on January 08, 2012, 12:20:05 AM

Quote from: Telerocker on January 07, 2012, 06:45:22 PM

Quote from: JesusCrisp on January 07, 2012, 01:40:44 AM

Looks like I'll go with the VHII then. 8)

Thanks guys!

You could ask the BKP-team for some final recommendations.

Good idea, should I contact them via e-mail?

Title: Re: HSS Strat humbucker recommendations?
Post by: Telerocker on January 08, 2012, 02:15:34 AM

Yes via the site.