Bridge Humbucker without the honk

andyg_prs

I've been playing my self-build Strat recently. HSH, mahogany body, maple cap, 24 frets, set maple neck / rosewood board, fixed bridge.

 I think it's a Dimarzio Evolution in the bridge and a ToneZone in the neck. The bridge is just too honky for me.

I remember a Tim Pierce video where he was praising certain PRS pickups for not having that nasal effect.

I was wondering about maybe the Andy Timmons AT-1.

What are your recommendations?

Thanks,
Andy

meltedbuzzbox

A good cheap option is a dimarzio paf pro

Pricey - Seymour duncan seth lover

ICBM

In an inherently bright guitar like I expect that is...

Duncan Custom Custom

TTBZ

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

andyg_prs

ICBM said:

In an inherently bright guitar like I expect that is...

Duncan Custom Custom

I'll take a look....but rosewood board and mahogany board...it's actually quite a dark sounding guitar.

andyg_prs

TTBZ said:

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

Ah....how do I decide which to go for?  To expand after doing a brief bit of research (early start tomorrow) - I do play a lot of clean, and edge of break up as well as full on "nasty" levels of gain.....current bridge is high output, which is fine, and it is good for pinch harmonics...but like I say....the nasal side - absolutely not, don't want that....I can dial in more mids of I want them.

andyg_prs

Btw.....I also have a couple of Suhr pickups from Moderns long gone....an SSH+ and a Doug Aldrich I think.

TTBZ

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

Ah....how do I decide which to go for?

I'd probably try the Custom 5 first if it's a dark guitar, the CC is too warm and muddy for me. 

andyg_prs

TTBZ said:

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

Ah....how do I decide which to go for?

I'd probably try the Custom 5 first if it's a dark guitar, the CC is too warm and muddy for me. 

Thanks -  I just expanded on my response above.  SH-14 it is....I'll start looking.....and if anyone is looking to trade for a Suhr pickup, let me know

pluckbuddy

For something different you could try a dimarzio bluesbucker. It's meant to sound like a P90 but to it's not quite there. I like it all the same as it has more top end and a less tubby midrange than most HBs. Lollar imperials and dimarzio 36th annies are also good for a PAF sound.

andyg_prs

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

Ah....how do I decide which to go for?

I'd probably try the Custom 5 first if it's a dark guitar, the CC is too warm and muddy for me. 

Thanks -  I just expanded on my response above.  SH-14 it is....I'll start looking.....and if anyone is looking to trade for a Suhr pickup, let me know

Hang on SH5 or TB5?  Is TB the equivalent of F-spaced?

Philly_Q

andyg_prs said:

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

Ah....how do I decide which to go for?

I'd probably try the Custom 5 first if it's a dark guitar, the CC is too warm and muddy for me. 

Thanks -  I just expanded on my response above.  SH-14 it is....I'll start looking.....and if anyone is looking to trade for a Suhr pickup, let me know

Hang on SH5 or TB5?  Is TB the equivalent of F-spaced?

Yes, TB models are Trembuckers, with wider string spacing.  It's a little bit wider than DiMarzio F-spacing.

The pickup itself is also a bit wider than standard, so you might need to modify your scratchplate (if you have one) slightly.

ToneControl

how about an HB sized P90 ?

crunchman

andyg_prs said:

TTBZ said:

Duncan Custom 5 would be good too, it's very scooped so you won't get that honk. The good thing with the Duncan Custom pickups is with a simple magnet swap you can go between a Custom Custom (A2), Custom 5 (A5), Custom (ceramic) or the unofficial Custom 8 which gets rave reviews on the Duncan forum.

Ah....how do I decide which to go for?  To expand after doing a brief bit of research (early start tomorrow) - I do play a lot of clean, and edge of break up as well as full on "nasty" levels of gain.....current bridge is high output, which is fine, and it is good for pinch harmonics...but like I say....the nasal side - absolutely not, don't want that....I can dial in more mids of I want them.

High output may be your problem.  That tends to lose high end and emphasise the mids.  You might be better with something closer to a vintage output.  You can always turn up the gain on a lower output pickup.

andyg_prs

pluckbuddy said:

For something different you could try a dimarzio bluesbucker. It's meant to sound like a P90 but to it's not quite there. I like it all the same as it has more top end and a less tubby midrange than most HBs. Lollar imperials and dimarzio 36th annies are also good for a PAF sound.

Also @ToneControl ....That does sound interesting, but a P90 feels like a step too far right now....I could be wrong!  If it weren't for the expense and hassle of fitting, I'd love to try multiple options, but need to go for the safest one - which feels like the Custom 5 at the moment with its mid scoop.

The P rails also sounds like a fascinating pickup....again, with the time and the money....

thegummy

That's like asking for a goose without the honk