New Pups- Texas Specials, DiMarzios, or Van Zandt Strats?

  • Thread starter Thread starter stevieb
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stevieb

Just another guy, really.
So, posted the Strat copy in Craigs List, with a note that I may be interested in some SSS pups for it's replacement, and got two guys interested in it. One guy offered some DiMarzios (have not heard back from him as to what models, so I guess just tell me about DZ's you know about) and some Van Zandt Strats. Other guy offered some Texas Specials. I tend twards blues and rock, and don't want pups that are too hot. It would be nice to get tele twang out of the bridge pup- is that going to be at odds with a blues sound if I, say, use position 5 (bridge pup only) for tele twang and position 4 (bridge and mid) for blues stuff?

As an alternative, I am offering the Strat copy for $130, any pups someone might suggest for about half that? (I need money, so don't want to spend it all on pups.) I have a Epi LesPaul with Burstbucker Pro/Alneco 5's, for either comparison or to give you an idea of what I like (love that setup, but of course I know there is a world of difference between that and strats.)

Thanks.
 
Jeez, I've never used the in between positions for a "blues" sound. For me it's usually neck, occasionally bridge, and rarely middle. The in between positions only get used for SRV or Jimi inspired clean tones...

I can't speak for them personally, but the Texas Specials are basically born for blues and rock, and unless you're using an absurd amount of preamp gain I wouldn't worry about any true singlecoil being "too hot."
 
[QUOTEI am offering the Strat copy for $130, any pups someone might suggest for about half that?][/QUOTE]

My guess you would be hard pressed in finding a used set for half that.:o Not those brands anyway. Sorry, that wasn't much help.:)
 
DrewPeterson7 said:
Jeez, I've never used the in between positions for a "blues" sound. For me it's usually neck, occasionally bridge, and rarely middle. The in between positions only get used for SRV or Jimi inspired clean tones...

I can't speak for them personally, but the Texas Specials are basically born for blues and rock, and unless you're using an absurd amount of preamp gain I wouldn't worry about any true singlecoil being "too hot."
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I go light on pre-amp gain, anyway, so thanks for that point.

I am thinking if the bridge is Tele-twangie, if I go position 4 I will mitigate that enough to get more bluesy-strat tones.

I am leaning pretty heavily twards the Texas Specials- at least in part 'cause the other guy is not returning my emails, in part because they sound like they may be what I want, anyway. Guy with the TS's is supposed to come over tomorrow.
 
If you want real single coils, Lindy Fralin is the way to go.

If you want something quiet, either Kinman's (very nice), or Seymour Duncan Classic Stack Plus (my favorite strat pickups, at the moment). I've got them in my newish strat, and I'm seriously in love with that guitar right now. You can wire them up so the in-between positions are taped, giving you real single coils - it makes a BIG difference in those positions.

Whatever you do, don't buy any of the crap pickups Fender is making these days.


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"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Ganhi
 
stevieb said:
Would that include the Texas Specials??
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Hell yes!


Actually, I'm a bit unfair towards Fender's pickups. They don't make BAD pickups (well, most of the Asian made ones...but they don't sell those after market). They just don't make GREAT pickups. If you are really thinking of Texas Specials, I think you would be much happier in the end with a set of Lindy Fralin Blues Specials. If I were you, I'd go with something with slightly lower output - say a set of Lindy Fralin's Vintage Hot pickups. They give you a little more versatility, a little more dynamic range, and a bit more bite while still giving you the ability to drive your amp.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
 
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