Seymour Duncan pickups

I have a MIM Fender Deluxe Strat and have been thinking about changing the pickups. Local guitar tech suggested SSL-5 set for all three positions. I would like a beefier tone while still having that Strat tone and sound in the neck and middle positions. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Originally Posted by: Terry45

I have a MIM Fender Deluxe Strat and have been thinking about changing the pickups. Local guitar tech suggested SSL-5 set for all three positions. I would like a beefier tone while still having that Strat tone and sound in the neck and middle positions. Any thoughts or suggestions?

You might ask the GT guitar tech Steve White for more specific technical advice.

https://www.guitartricks.com/forum/threads.php?f=30

It's really difficult to pick or suggest pickups without direct audio evidence or samples. The entire issue depends on how the pickup sounds & whether or not any given individual likes that sound. And then there's the issue of how any pickup responds to your playing technique & touch.

With that in mind, YouTube demos & pickup sites with audio clips & specs are going to be a great place to research.

https://www.seymourduncan.com/products/pickups/electric/strat

All the pickup pages have demo clips!

I've tried the Hot Rails & they are a little hotter (more output) than a standard Strat pickup. I prefer the Dimarzio version, the Fast Track.

https://www.seymourduncan.com/single-product/hot-rails-strat

https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/rail-hum-canceling-strat/fast-track-1

In general I prefer Dimarzio pickups. But that's only a personal preference thing. I like how they respond to my playing more than the Semour Duncans (& other brands).

https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/strat

And of course the best evidence is if you can play a guitar with different pickups to hear what actually works for you! Hope that helps!

Thanks Christopher for your detailed reply. It actually does help. And yes my tone is negatively affected by my playing ability!!! But I'm trying!

Terry45, this is only the beginning of the "rabbit hole" it gets deep pretty quick! There are a ton of options and exploring them is half the fun. I rebuilt a MIM strat years ago but decided to go the Little 59 & JB Jr. route. . .that's what worked for me. . . pretty sweet set up too, loved it! PUPs will make a difference but it can be more subtle than say playing through a different amp. Remember it has to sound good to you, that's the most important part. Finding that tone that makes you want to play. . . .priceless!!

Originally Posted by: Terry45

Thanks Christopher for your detailed reply. It actually does help. And yes my tone is negatively affected by my playing ability!!! But I'm trying!

You're welcome! Have fun tone chasing!

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