Trying to decide on a pickup for my Strat...

[PhloridaMan]

So after watching and reading more reviews etc. I am between 3 pickups... One of which I have on hand and may swap in cause I never thought of trying it for the hell of it.

1. Suhr Aldrich
2. Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic
3. Gibson Burstbucker 2

Thanks for the input guys... I never would have known about the Suhr so I am looking more and most into that one. I do have the burstbucker sitting in the closet so I might give that a shot this week.

 

[ChurchHill]

I've always wanted to try a Suhr Aldrich, but haven't yet. That would probably be my choice out of those three. However, I've got a Gibson BB2 that is just flat out the most amazing pickup I've ever heard. But... it doesn't sound like any other BB2 I've ever heard. I know it's a BB2 as it came in a CS LPC 57RI that I bought new from The Music Zoo in 2004. I have no idea what they did to it, but...

Since you've already got a BB2, it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. At least you'd know, and if you didn't like it, could knock it off your list.

 

[Sierra Voodoo]

I have used a Suhr Aldrich in my strat and currently use a Dimarzio Super Distortion. Both sounded great! The only reason I did not keep the Aldrich in there was because I moved it into my Agile LP.

 

[Racerxrated]

Maybe I missed it but what is it that you don't like about the JB in that guitar? It would be much easier to suggest if we knew which direction you want to go from there.

It's just not exciting sounding. i can't really pinpoint any one thing. The JB sounds great in my Les Paul, but in the Strat it's just very dead. No life to it. Very uninspiring.

Unfortunately there's a good chance you just have a dead sounding guitar wood wise. JBs aren't my fav but they can sound killer in a darker wood like Mahogany. Alder is hit/miss for me...I had an Alder Hamer Diablo and it was amazing with a JB. But Charvels I have had need a Custom or something a bit darker. But no life/dead is not how I would describe a JB, maybe harsh/too grating when you have a bright sounding guitar to begin with.
My vote is for a Duncan Custom as a cheaper solution and if that doesn't liven it up some then I would be careful throwing tons of cash at spendy pups...you might just have a dead sounding guitar period. It happens.

 

[Gitfiddler]

I bought a prewired pickguard with super distortion in bridge, paf 36th anniversary in neck. Was worried about power imbalance. Great balance. Great combo for a strat

 

[rstites]

One of my favorite pickups in super strats are Anderson H-3 or H-3+. They're hot, but fairly articulate, especially on the lower end.

I don't see them get mentioned much in these threads, but I like them. The only thing about them is their distinctive poles, so aesthetically I want all Anderons or none!

 

[japetus]

These threads should just be called "Hey what pickup are you using"?

 

[ChurchHill]

 

[PhloridaMan]

These threads should just be called "Hey what pickup are you using"?

Yeah, my fear with that would be instant flames. I guess I have HCF PTSD...

BB2 going in today, Suhr Aldrich Ordered. If I like the BB2, I might just have to order an Agile LP and put the Suhr in it lol

 

[ChurchHill]

Hey, LMK what you think of the Aldrich when you get it. I've had my eye on one for years and recently acquired a Strat-Like-Object that I think would be a good candidate for one. I've heard great things about them, but always thought they might be better suited for set-neck mahogany guitars.

 

[Exo-metal]

JB w/a 500k wide open ain't bad. The Diablo and old super distortion are solid choices. I always wanted to try the X2N and Duncan custom but have yet to check them out.

 

[SpiderWars]

FWIW, I found the Aldrich I had to be a little dull in the top end and BB2 to be prone to squeal at high gain. The Duncan Custom range (Custom, Custom Custom and Custom 5) covers some nice tone options. The Duncan Pegasus sounds good but I like more oomph/output, the Perpetual Burn looks like it's similar to the Pegasus but a little hotter. I have a Custom 5 in a Maple-topped Alder Strat that I like a ton. I love the DiMarzio Breed in my D'Avanzo (also Maple-topped Alder) but that's a 24 fret guitar so both pickups are shifted towards the bridge.

 

[HellraiserJohnny]

I put a Fender Atomic in my Highway 1 Strat and I love it. I've lent it out to guys that gig and they can't believe the crunch and clarity. No it's not a $200.00 or boutique PU but they kick ass.

 

[Sierra Voodoo]

I put a Fender Atomic in my Highway 1 Strat and I love it. I've lent it out to guys that gig and they can't believe the crunch and clarity. No it's not a $200.00 or boutique PU but they kick ass.

Honestly, it may not be the popular choice but I cannot disagree. My HSS strat came with the Atomic. FWIW it sounded pretty darn good!.....I just wanted to try something different so I started with a JB, then the Aldrich, and now a Super Distortion.

 

[HellraiserJohnny]

I put a Fender Atomic in my Highway 1 Strat and I love it. I've lent it out to guys that gig and they can't believe the crunch and clarity. No it's not a $200.00 or boutique PU but they kick ass.

Honestly, it may not be the popular choice but I cannot disagree. My HSS strat came with the Atomic. FWIW it sounded pretty darn good!.....I just wanted to try something different so I started with a JB, then the Aldrich, and now a Super Distortion.

Most of my other axes have EMG's so I needed something that could stand up to them without having to change all the volume\Tone settings on the rig during guitar change. Mine also came with the original Atomic but in black, looked stupid so I changed it out to a white. I think it looks waaaaay better : )

Stands up against actives very well.

 

[DistortED]

I have a Motor City Afwayu and Garuda on a couple of guitars that sound awesome. I have recently installed a Jalen 78 and a Jalen Franky on two other guitars and I am blown away at the tone I am getting. Jalen's are a great price, great customer service and fast turn around. Ordered the Franky last Wednesday and arrived in a cool custom box with my name itched on it the following Monday.

 

[blackba]

I have always wanted to try an Aldrich in my fat strat, as I love it in my Les Paul. I am using an Anderson H2+ in my fat strat. If splitting is on the list, the H2+ and Aldrich both split really well.

 

[Zachman]

I REALLY enjoyed these Navarro pickups