HSS for Songwriting

[NovaeSci]

Hi all,

First post, so thought I'd say a quick hi, first.

I went to Dawsons, today, and played on a HSS Strat through a Fender Hot Rod which I really liked. I'm pretty set on the guitar, but still going to look around at clean amps. I'm looking for a set of pickups which would be good for writing songs and playing live. I'm looking for a set which provides the most response/dynamics - preferably extremely vocal with the kind of material we are writing: everything from clean strumming, to finger-picking, to chords with a slight break up in the tone. But sometimes harmonising with the singer, so something sweet, organic and vocal to do that. It's hard to explain the style. But needs to be a pretty much plug-and-play type set of pickups. Songs vary from sweet ballads, to more upbeat numbers. I'm a person who wants my style to shine through as naturally as possible, to portray what I'm playing; chords having clarity rather than dull. Something 3 dimensional.

I know it's a lot to ask...but it's a lot of money, too. SO best to try and find out as much as I can.

A big thank you in advance for anyone who can help. Any questions, please ask as I can explain more. :)

[Telerocker]

Hey mate

A lot of BKP singlecoils have the dynamics and clarity you're looking for. A slight breakup comes usually from the amp or a boostpedal, not really from the pickups, the more powerful just push the preamp a little harder.

I can see a lot of sets working in a alder/ash body - bolt on maple neck or maple/rosewood neck guitar.

Stormy Monday + Sultans would be a great platform for cleans.

or

Mule + Mother's Milk or + Pat Pend 63

It might depend on the guitar. Does it have a dark or a bright voice?

[darkandrew]

but still going to look around at clean amps.

I know you were asking about pickups but if you're looking around for clean amps then don't forget to give the Roland JC series a go. Roland aren't necessarily who you first think of when you mention guitar amps but the JC series are very highly regarded by those that know of them (for what it's worth, the clean guitar parts on Metallica's "Black Album" were all recorded off of a Roland JC-120).

[Telerocker]

Not planning to hijack the thread, but the Roland JC is eighties 'sterile' hifi clean. If you're looking for that, it will serve you well. I wouldn't label them as warm and organic sounding. I you like the Hotrod just test some other F-style tube-amps.

[NovaeSci]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

The Strat is like a Strat to my ears. I payed through a Fender amp so was bright.

I do have a question though: I'm torn between Abraxas and Mule (I know the Abrxas is like a hotter Mule) and I'm curious what the Pros and Cons in comparing in each other are? Like what would I gain from one that I don't the other; and what would I lose from the other, etc?

Thanks :)

[Telerocker]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

The Strat is like a Strat to my ears. I payed through a Fender amp so was bright.

I do have a question though: I'm torn between Abraxas and Mule (I know the Abrxas is like a hotter Mule) and I'm curious what the Pros and Cons in comparing in each other are? Like what would I gain from one that I don't the other; and what would I lose from the other, etc?

Thanks :)

First of all the guitar is leading: is it bright, mediumbright or dark sounding? Then pick pickups that fits the guitars voice.
The difference between Mule and Abraxas is more mids and output, but (a tad) less dynamics, clarity and 3D. I think the Mule is very balanced. Both are good pickups and will do in a strat. I even have a Crawler in my strat (the split is quite tele-esque).

[NovaeSci]

I'd say it's a balanced bright. The current pickups are a bit ice-picky though, so it may be that.

Wouldn't the Mule be a tad bright in a Strat? I'll admit, I am really liking the sound of the Mule. It describe things great. But then the Abraxas having a vocal voice also really appeals to me as well.

Regarding the single coils, would the 63 Veneer Boards be a good choice? I really like the description of them having a very full, piano-like ring to each note. With writing songs on guitar, this sounds extremely appealing - especially when playing arpeggios and finger picking. Would you say the website description is pretty bang on with this?

Again, I really appreciate everyone's help :)

[Telerocker]

I'd say it's a balanced bright. The current pickups are a bit ice-picky though, so it may be that.

Wouldn't the Mule be a tad bright in a Strat? I'll admit, I am really liking the sound of the Mule. It describe things great. But then the Abraxas having a vocal voice also really appeals to me as well.

Regarding the single coils, would the 63 Veneer Boards be a good choice? I really like the description of them having a very full, piano-like ring to each note. With writing songs on guitar, this sounds extremely appealing - especially when playing arpeggios and finger picking. Would you say the website description is pretty bang on with this?

Again, I really appreciate everyone's help :)

Abraxas + 63 Veneer Boards will be a awesome set