Strat Pickups Upgrade Question

[islesdon]

I'm currently in the process of picking out pickups, and stuff for my Strat.

I'm going to convert it from an HH configuration to a traditional S-S-S one.

 

I do like DiMarzio, but can't decide what to get. One question I do have is, if I go with hum-canceling single coils...does that defeat the purpose? I don't want to lose that classic Strat sound (Which is my reason for the converting it.)

 

I don't really want a ridiculously hot pickup I don't think. I mainly play blues, country, and some pop/rock right now.

 

Also, how important are capacitors? I see all these different options like Paper, Oil, ceramic, etc.

 

Also, I'm not dead set on DiMarzio. I just always happened to like the company. If you tell me that something like Fralin, Lollars, etc. are going to sound a lot better than DiMarzios...I'd definitely consider it!

 

I originally was going with an EMG DG20 prewired pickguard. I decided against it, because I kind of thought that active would be getting away from what I was trying to accomplish. Plus, it was kind of pricey!

[cratz2]

Well, it depends on how picky you are. I had a guitar with HS-3s for a while and I didn't hate the tone, but if you are used to Custom Shop 54s, then the Dimarzios aren't quite up to par. If you are used to a MIM Standard with ceramic pickups then the Dimarzios would be a step up.

 

The Fender Vintage Noiseless sound more like the 'classic strat sound' than any of the Dimarzio noiseless pickups I've heard, but I wouldn't necessarily get them over the Dimarzios.

 

They will all sound more like a traditional strat than a set of EMG Ss or SAs will.

[islesdon]

Thanks for your reply! I would spend the money on a set of Lollar pickups, or Lindy Fralins, etc. However, I don't know that I really need to.

 

I'm not too picky about the tone. I just want it to sound great, and like a Strat should. That's why I was considering just going with DiMarzios, or something similar in that price range.

[sleewell]

my old band mate had the vintage noiseless in a MIM strat and it sounded amazing.

 

i am looking at swapping out the pickups in my 50th anniversary strat, keeping it SSS. i am thinking kinman or fralins.

[diceman1000]

if don't have to have noisless, check out Rose Pickups or BG Pickups...

[m90guy]

Dimarzio Area 58 in the neck, 67 in the middle and 61 in the bridge.

[islesdon]

Dimarzio Area 58 in the neck, 67 in the middle and 61 in the bridge.

 

Thanks for your suggestion!

 

I'll consider everyone's suggestions, but like I said, I'm kind of leaning in the direction of DiMarzio.

[Alecto]

If you're eyeing the DiMarzio noiseless pickups, spend a little extra and get the Kinman noiseless pickups. Chris Kinman has absolutely *nailed* the Strat tone with no noise, and you can get a set of 3 for $254 USD.

 

I have both DiMarzio and Kinman in my Strats, and the Kinmans are sweeter and chimier. I always get compliments on my tone whenever I play the Kinman-loaded Strat, even from non-musicians.

 

EDIT: added a link to the website.

[islesdon]

 

If you're eyeing the DiMarzio noiseless pickups, spend a little extra and get the Kinman noiseless pickups. Chris Kinman has absolutely *nailed* the Strat tone with no noise, and you can get a set of 3 for $254 USD. I have both DiMarzio and Kinman in my Strats, and the Kinmans are sweeter and chimier. I always get compliments on my tone whenever I play the Kinman-loaded Strat, even from non-musicians.

 

 

Thanks, I'll check the Kinmans out. I actually have not heard of them before!

[tomcatluc]

I use Suhr-pick ups (V60) in my strat 50th anniversary. Not cheap but what a rich sound!