What to put in Strat w/Clapton 25Db gain

[REDbiv]

Hi guys, I'm currently building a strat copy. I'm after ideas on what pickup to go with. I've got roadhouse strat (tex special pickups) so after something with a different sound.

The strat I'm building has an alder body, neck to be decided on, want SSS joined to a Fender/Clapton 25Db pre amp kit. At the moment I'm looking at possibly Apache or Irish Tours, but know that what I hear here, wont be how it sounds after the Clapton kit is fitted.

I also have a Zoom 9.2TT pedal, and usually play through a PA system at church.

Cheers,
Brad

P.S. Mostly play blues and also a bit of rock

[Mr. Air]

I'm not sure about this, but I think the Irish Tours have some similarities with the Texas Specials. If I'm right you might wan't to ditch the Irish Tours and go for something different.

[Doadman]

The Slowhand pickup has lots of mids for that Clapton tone but as your kit will give you a mid boost anyway, that seems rather redundant so instead I'll suggest Sultans as I think it will be effective for what you're looking for and still give a reasobly balanced sound with the kit.

[oilpit]

Are you sure the preamp will be able to work with standard (non noise canceling) single coils without boatloads of hum?

Ive neve heard if anyone using a kit like that with regular Strat pups, that's not to say it won't work, just something to keep in mind.

[Telerocker]

Apaches are great allrounders. You could even think of an Apache-bridge and Mother's Milks. I don't know if the kit works with this combi, it's something you should ask bt example member Fourth Feline.

[Doadman]

I was assuming the kit was some sort of mid boost circuit as I've seen that done on a Clapton style guitar before and it made no difference to noise. Mind you, now I think about it, I think that one had Fender Hot Noiseless fitted.

[38thBeatle]

I'd look at Apaches if it were me.

[REDbiv]

Cheers guys. Yeah, the IT's gave me the tex special feel when youtubing, but I've heard the tex specials are a popular choice with the Clapton kit, not that I've spent time looking at that combo for the fact I'm not going down that path.

As I generally play positions 2 or 4, getting a RWRP middle pickup, negates the hum issue, I guess I'd have to see about 1, 3 & 5 by trying it, and I guess once you're playing, it wont be an issue, just when you stop strumming :)

Telerocker:
Why would you put the Apache (bridge) and mid & neck as mother milks? Is that a setup you have? I don't have any experience setting up pickups, and stikes me as odd that you'd put the odd one out as the bridge pickup. With your suggestion, is it that the Apache has the lower treble for the bridge?

Cheers
Brad

[Telerocker]

Tim (from BKP) uses this combi in one of his strats. The Apache gives a fatter, rounder but punchy sound on the bridge, and pairs great with the MM's.

[REDbiv]

Ahhh, cheers