ToneNerd Sunset Strip - What Will Get Me 'Close'???

[PDC]

Really, really digging the ToneNerd Sunset Strip that I got from Scott some time ago. Sounds good in any guitar I have tried it in - sounds exceptional in my ash spare parts build. Since Scott is no longer winding and I have missed the boat on that last few that changed hands in the classifieds, I am wondering if any available production pickup is somewhere in the same vane as the Sunset Strip? I think it is around 14k/A2 - but I readily concede, DCR doesn't tell the whole story. Damn its a great pickup. Thank you and happy 2026 to all.

 

[harddriver]

Really, really digging the ToneNerd Sunset Strip that I got from Scott some time ago. Sounds good in any guitar I have tried it in - sounds exceptional in my ash spare parts build. Since Scott is no longer winding and I have missed the boat on that last few that changed hands in the classifieds, I am wondering if any available production pickup is somewhere in the same vane as the Sunset Strip? I think it is around 14k/A2 - but I readily concede, DCR doesn't tell the whole story. Damn its a great pickup. Thank you and happy 2026 to all.

Jalen Pinnacle. 14K/A-2....I have not compared it to Tonenerds( Scottosan's) pickup directly but Scott did say he liked his Jalen Pinnacle quite a bit.

 

[PDC]

Jalen Pinnacle. 14K/A-2....I have not compared it to Tonenerds( Scottosan's) pickup directly but Scott did say he liked his Jalen Pinnacle quite a bit.

That makes sense - I have a few Pinnacles in different builds and they also sound really good. To my ear, the Sunset has maybe a bit more clarity and the Pinnacle has a bit more compression? But that's a great alternative for sure.

 

[harddriver]

 

[PDC]

That is a great sounding clip. From the playing to the pickup to that mean-ass VooDoo head. You hear it and you could play all day through that setup.

 

[fek]

I have Whiskeys in a Chubtone that I love. Have not had the pleasure of trying the Sunset Strip.

 

[RedPlated]

Pretty positive Sunset Strip is A5. I have one or two around here.

Closest would probably be a Duncan Custom 5.

 

[PDC]

Pretty positive Sunset Strip is A5. I have one or two around here.

Closest would probably be a Duncan Custom 5.

Sorry for the delay here - out of town for a few days. Yes! Grabbed the box that my Sunset Strip arrived in and it is an RC A5. Some mysteries aren't mysteries at all - I swapped an RC A5 into a Duncan Custom Wind some time ago (don't remember if it started life with a Ceramic or an A2...) and it was my 'go to' pickup for quite a while. No wonder I'm loving this Sunset Strip so much. 14K-ish DCR, RC A5. Really dynamic, plenty of snarl, not to hard or percussive sounding, and cleans up really nicely with the guitar's volume knob.

 

[japetus]

My favorite humbucker, but I am not sure what magnet Scott put in mine, I think it was different...

 

[LPMojoGL]

I'd ask @scottosan
I'd be interested to know his thoughts, as well.

Obviously, I've played, and own, many of his pups. What sets the Sunset Strip (and most of Scott's pups) apart from other pickups, imo, is pick attack, clarity and dynamics.

I have 2 Squier CV HSS Strats, one with a JB, and one with the Sunset Strip.
They're pretty close. The SS is tighter, with a bit more mid stank. The JB has a softer and fuller low end, with a bit less heat in the mids.

That same JB loaded in the Explorer sounds almost identical to the SS in the Squier. Tiniest bit more rowdy. Go figure.

I'd say, depending on the guitar, go JB, or Suhr SSH+. The SSH+ can have a fuller body to the sound, but will be close. Haven't heard it sound bad yet.
SSH+ is a fav amongst my friends that have had it.

Think Scott mentioned he's digging some Suhr and Anderson pups these days, for that kind of sound.

 

[LPMojoGL]

I have Whiskeys in a Chubtone that I love. Have not had the pleasure of trying the Sunset Strip.

Different beast. SS tighter more cutting, Whiskey more well-rounded, forgiving. Both have great touch and clarity.

 

[LPMojoGL]

Pretty positive Sunset Strip is A5. I have one or two around here.

Closest would probably be a Duncan Custom 5.

Is A5. Rough cast, if I had to guess.
Edit: see that was addressed above.
Not sure what other voodoo Scott put on those pups.
Never played a C5. I'm curious. How does the C5 compare to the Roxy?

 

[LPMojoGL]

That player sucks!!!!!

 

[PDC]

What sets the Sunset Strip (and most of Scott's pups) apart from other pickups, imo, is pick attack, clarity and dynamics.

THIS ^^^ Yes - there is a clarity / string separation / sparkle to the Sunset Strip that my RC A5 mag swapped Duncan Custom did not have. My Mag Swapped Duncan sounded very good in dense, heavy guitars - but in medium weight or lighter guitars, the low end felt a bit loose and it lacked that string separation and articulation that the Sunset always delivers.

I am keeping my eyes open in the Classified forum to see if anyone ever wants to part with theirs.

 

[scottosan]

Really, really digging the ToneNerd Sunset Strip that I got from Scott some time ago. Sounds good in any guitar I have tried it in - sounds exceptional in my ash spare parts build. Since Scott is no longer winding and I have missed the boat on that last few that changed hands in the classifieds, I am wondering if any available production pickup is somewhere in the same vane as the Sunset Strip? I think it is around 14k/A2 - but I readily concede, DCR doesn't tell the whole story. Damn its a great pickup. Thank you and happy 2026 to all.

It’s a short rough cast A5. Basically a 2.36” A5 similar to what Gibson standardized on in late 59 through the patent days

 

[scottosan]

That makes sense - I have a few Pinnacles in different builds and they also sound really good. To my ear, the Sunset has maybe a bit more clarity and the Pinnacle has a bit more compression? But that's a great alternative for sure.

I have Jalen’s in my Chibtone. They’re great. You are hearing correct. I use more agressive wing pattern that tighter and clearer vs some compression and bounce on the Jalen.

 

[scottosan]

Different beast. SS tighter more cutting, Whiskey more well-rounded, forgiving. Both have great touch and clarity.

Most of my first models were clear and tight because that’s what was wanted. The whiskey was the fist pickup that o went back to my roots of chewy tones. It’s not going to cut like the Roxy or SS, but to my eats it’s never shrill, and excels at lead playing

 

[PDC]

Good to hear from you Scott! We miss you pickups!!!

 

[EVH73]

It’s a short rough cast A5. Basically a 2.36” A5 similar to what Gibson standardized on in late 59 through the patent days

Hey Scott, would definitely prefer to purchase yours but seeing yours are not options at this time whats the closest we can to your Sunset Strips? RTM, Maybe a SD Custom Shop JB with rough cast A5, rebel yell or something else?

 

[Music&Chaos]

The Planet Tone Legacy is a 1959 Paf with Alnico Vs if that is what you are going for.

I have one in my S/H tele in the bridge and it rocks.