Suhr Aldrich pickup vs SSH+

[jrgrady]

Has anyone had an opportunity to compare these two pickups? I'm thinking about picking up a production model modern which has the SSH+ in the bridge. Having a higher output pickup (Aldrich) is appealing but I'm wondering how different these pickups really are and if it's worth changing them out. I play a lot of 80's hard rock/metal so the Aldrich seems to be the perfect fit. But if there isn't a whole lot of difference between the pickups I won't waste my time (or money). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HELSTRUME]

I was just gonna ask this question. I have heard the Aldrich just has a little more high mids, and output. But would like to make sure, before I buy one.

 

[Suhr]

I was just gonna ask this question. I have heard the Aldrich just has a little more high mids, and output. But would like to make sure, before I buy one.

The DA is an 10% overwound SSH+

 

[HELSTRUME]

Got an Email saying more high mids, and output. Sounds good to me

 

[rockridge98]

I have a carve-top maple+alder Modern that came with Aldrich's. Loved the bridge pu, hated the neck pu.
The neck Aldrich was very muddy, could not get a clear tone clean or dirty that I could stand
and didn't sound good split either.
I just replaced with SSV neck and SSH+ bridge. The SSV is now everything I want in a neck pickup:
clear, bright without being annoying, chord notes sound clear even overdriven.
However, while the bridge SSH+ is a good match for the SSV, it's quite a bit brighter than the Aldrich.
I find myself missing the darker more compressed sound of the Aldrich bridge pu and may put it back in.

 

[glip22]

I have a carve-top maple+alder Modern that came with Aldrich's. Loved the bridge pu, hated the neck pu.
The neck Aldrich was very muddy, could not get a clear tone clean or dirty that I could stand
and didn't sound good split either.
I just replaced with SSV neck and SSH+ bridge. The SSV is now everything I want in a neck pickup:
clear, bright without being annoying, chord notes sound clear even overdriven.
However, while the bridge SSH+ is a good match for the SSV, it's quite a bit brighter than the Aldrich.
I find myself missing the darker more compressed sound of the Aldrich bridge pu and may put it back in.

I agree with this 100%. I have both also in my two Suhr Moderns. I live with the Aldrich neck because the guiaar is a one off and I don't want to swap the pickup. The bridge is darker but has a really nice growl and tone to it. They are both really nice pickups. I used to use nothing but Bareknuckles for the last six years and I do not have a need to swap the Suhrs out.

 

[Nico]

I have a carve-top maple+alder Modern that came with Aldrich's. Loved the bridge pu, hated the neck pu.
The neck Aldrich was very muddy, could not get a clear tone clean or dirty that I could stand
and didn't sound good split either.
I just replaced with SSV neck and SSH+ bridge. The SSV is now everything I want in a neck pickup:
clear, bright without being annoying, chord notes sound clear even overdriven.
However, while the bridge SSH+ is a good match for the SSV, it's quite a bit brighter than the Aldrich.
I find myself missing the darker more compressed sound of the Aldrich bridge pu and may put it back in.

I agree with this 100%. I have both also in my two Suhr Moderns. I live with the Aldrich neck because the guiaar is a one off and I don't want to swap the pickup. The bridge is darker but has a really nice growl and tone to it. They are both really nice pickups. I used to use nothing but Bareknuckles for the last six years and I do not have a need to swap the Suhrs out.

I'm not that fond of the neck Aldrich either.

The bridge Aldrich is perfection though

BKP are hard to beat, they are my favorite pickups, they are so addictive as well!

By the way I love your Suhr from your avatar! insane color combo, I don't know what the heck it is but never seen anything like that!

 

[glip22]

I have a carve-top maple+alder Modern that came with Aldrich's. Loved the bridge pu, hated the neck pu.
The neck Aldrich was very muddy, could not get a clear tone clean or dirty that I could stand
and didn't sound good split either.
I just replaced with SSV neck and SSH+ bridge. The SSV is now everything I want in a neck pickup:
clear, bright without being annoying, chord notes sound clear even overdriven.
However, while the bridge SSH+ is a good match for the SSV, it's quite a bit brighter than the Aldrich.
I find myself missing the darker more compressed sound of the Aldrich bridge pu and may put it back in.

I agree with this 100%. I have both also in my two Suhr Moderns. I live with the Aldrich neck because the guiaar is a one off and I don't want to swap the pickup. The bridge is darker but has a really nice growl and tone to it. They are both really nice pickups. I used to use nothing but Bareknuckles for the last six years and I do not have a need to swap the Suhrs out.

I'm not that fond of the neck Aldrich either.

The bridge Aldrich is perfection though

BKP are hard to beat, they are my favorite pickups, they are so addictive as well!

By the way I love your Suhr from your avatar! insane color combo, I don't know what the heck it is but never seen anything like that!

Thanks Nico. Yeah an Aldrich bridge and SSV neck would be perfect.
Her'e a link to the Suhr. Only one they ever made.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=82451

 

[Tone Zone]

I much prefer the SSH+ myself. Never cared for the Aldrich. Although, it might work for you, if you're looking for that over-the-top 80's type of tone.

 

[JDouglee]

I dunno man, 2 Aldrich humbuckers in a Modern will slice thru a band mix like nobody's business. Mine is mahogany, the neck pickup sounds great.
Woman tone & jazz...not really. Sustain & cut...YUP.

 

[guitarnoize]

Here is my comparison video, my S4 has the SSH+ and my Modern has the Aldrich

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pA25rJFg4w

 

[RG955TT]

I have several Suhrs, a couple w/Aldrich's and a couple with SSH+. For my money, the SSH+ is nicer, has less metalic bite and is cleaner & clearer in the high end. Small differences for sure but noticable on higher gain settings. The SSH+ does everything I want plus it splits fantastic. My 2 cents.....If you're a metal guy you may like the Aldrich better though.