Which Single Coil PUP?

[ypunkd]

I've got a LEFTY '06 MIM Anniversary Strat (S/S/S) and want to keep it that way. I don't want to change pick guards, do any routing, etc. in this particular guitar - all I want are drop-in replacements. Wire mods are OK if it'll get me where I want to be.

So, what Single Coil pup would come closest to the VHII humbucker? Any links to sound clips?

While we're at it, anything in a Single Coil that resembles the Holydiver Humbucker?

[fps_dean]

You probably want Trilogy Suites... overwound single coils for the more aggressive tones.

[ypunkd]

Do any of the Bare Knuckle pups require a battery? I hope not, but I don't see mention of it either way anywhere on the site.

[38thBeatle]

no, none of th BKPs need batteries-they are passive pickups.

[Siadern]

Never heard the Holy Diver for real, so not sure how close it is, but the Sinner does a great 80s metal sound if that's what you're after.

They only do the Sinner for the bridge, so you'll need to combine it with something else. I have Irish Tours in the neck and middle and they work well with it.

As said above, Trilogys would also be worth a listen.

[ypunkd]

Thanks for the help everyone.

Basically, I'm after the infamous Eddie Van Halen sound, not because I want to emulate him (ok, maybe I do lol), but because the sound really, really appeals to me. But I also want the flexability to get a deep grungy punk sound, along with also getting the beautiful cleans of a great Strat.

I know it's a lot to ask, but hey, that's what makes it so fun. I've got the 5 selector switch, so I don't mind doing a little re-wiring if I can make use of its functionality to mix/match.

If you guys think a H/S/S or H/S/H would get me there as opposed to a S/S/S, I guess I'll break down and consider that. So, what PUPs/combinations do you recommend for my MIM Lefty Strat?

[ypunkd]

Can anyone help?

[DeanS]

I've got a calibrated set of Mother's in my strat and they're really versatile and easily cope with high levels of crunch/gain- really articulate.

However if you're really trying to nail the early EVH tone then a VHiII is the way to go. If funds allow I'd get Tim to pre wire a HSS set (I'm assuming your strat has the 'swimming pool routing?) with VHII and either Mothers or Slow hands for the neck/middle.

[dave_mc]

also remember to check under your pickguard- if you're lucky, it's already routed for a bucker in the bridge position, in which case a new pickguard is all you'd need...

[deg0ey]

^ Yeah, what Dave said...That's what I did to my strat (see avatar) although you did say that you didn't wanna do that sort of thing for this particular strat...

Mine's a Holydiver bridge and Slowhand neck and middle - sounds awesome. I got chrome plated singles as well 8)

VHII and Slowhands would get what you want IMO, but if you don't wanna change the SSS thing you got already then maybe Trilogy bridge and Slowhand neck and mid?

[ypunkd]

Thanks much. The reason I said I didn't want to change the S/S/S was to hopefully find a combo that would work in that particular configuration. Talking to others, it's do-able, but was recommended to go Humbucker. I don't mind shelling out the dough for the Bare Knuckles, but at that price, and not having another guitar to put them into, I want to make sure that I get exactly what I'm after.

Would it be too much trouble to ask for really good sound clips with those those configurations (links)?

Thanks again - awesome forum!

[deg0ey]

VHII Playing VH

VHII + Irish Tours

Slowhand Clean

Holydiver clean

Holydiver Dirty

Trilogy Clean

Trilogy Dirty

So yeah - there's clips of stuff for you :P

Not actually listened to them yet as I have no speakers on this PC, but that was just a quick search of the Players forum - there's plenty more if you go and look :drink:

[ypunkd]

Thanks for the links deg0ey. I've also found some other interesting clips.

I think I've pretty much narrowed it down, and will most likely go H/S/S. Another question before I pick up the phone to talk to Tim...

Do cover materials affect the pups in any way, such as Chrome as opposed to Nickel, or even leaving the pup completely open without a cover? And under ordering options, what is meant by covered versus uncovered (again, is there a sound difference)? If you can elaborate on the technicals I'd appreciate the education.

[Elliot]

In my view you wont get a EVH sound from a single coil - its bucker power all the way.  Therefore HSS is your only option.  In light of that I would go something like VHII/Slow Hand/Irish Tour or Mother's Milk - unless you like in-between sounds that is and then go for the same singles.  I think the midrange of SHs is a good option in middle and the blues boy sound of IT or MM neck (depends which end of the spectrum you want - hotter or less hot) gives you a clsssic strat tone at neck.

[deg0ey]

Do cover materials affect the pups in any way, such as Chrome as opposed to Nickel, or even leaving the pup completely open without a cover? And under ordering options, what is meant by covered versus uncovered (again, is there a sound difference)?

Covered pickups are ones with a metal cover - Uncovered are open, and uncovered. The covers do affect the sound (very slightly), but the clever BKP people compensate for that when they build your pickups, so in theory they should sound the same