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Post by sw532121 on May 27, 2007 8:23:24 GMT -7
I am about to replace the pickups in my Strat, and I value the opinions and experience of this forum. I currently have the Fender CS69’s, and I’ve never been very happy with them. The two sets that I’m looking at are the Fralin Blues Specials w/ base plate or the Suhr V60LP’s.
What I’m looking for is this: I want to retain somewhat of the classic Strat tones. Meaning I want good “quack” in 2 & 4, and a really strong neck pickup tone. I also want a stout bridge pickup (which I find to be the usual weak spot of the Strat). As for overall tone, I don’t like the scooped mids and the lower output of the CS69’s (which I realize is a hallmark of many vintage Strats.) Instead, I’m looking for stronger mids and a hotter pickup. I will be installing a blender pot with whichever set I choose, to add more tonal options.
I’m asking you for two things I suppose. 1) Would you please help me by sharing your personal experiences with either of these sets? 2) Based on my criteria, which set do you think would better meet my needs? Thanks for all you’re help!
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Post by kledbet on May 27, 2007 9:06:41 GMT -7
I can't speak about the Suhr so I focus on the Fralins. The Blues Specials have a good deal of mids, I think you will like the thickness of these pickups. I have recently put Fralins steel pole 43 pickup in my bridge. Its as hot as a P90 and gives a very fat sound. Combined with the blues specials in the neck, and middle, its a winner.
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Post by dei305 on May 27, 2007 21:39:01 GMT -7
sw532121, kledbet is right on about the Fralins! You may want to call Lindy @ 804-358-2699. He will give great ideas and product info. I love the Strat Blues set on my 74 strat. Rick
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Post by tele1962 on May 27, 2007 22:24:29 GMT -7
That neck PU on the CS 69's is actually a better sounding Fender tone than the Fralin and I own the Fralins. The added mids do fatten it up a bit ( on the Fralin's) but the scooped mids on the 69's is exactly where they're supposed to be. What you want to do is hot rodding. That's good too. Throw it on the scale. Do I like the 69 Mustang with the 428CJ from the factory with original equipment package, or do I add a blower and sidepipes and increase HP by 20%? What's worth more to me? It's not up to us. It's up to you. The Fralins that I have are NOT in my 1958 or 1962 Stratocaster guitars. They're in lesser models that I can monkey with. That's another consideration. What type of machinery are you putting them into? And lastly, whatever you do, don't just go for mids and heat. Go for tone. It's never regretable to do that!
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Post by sw532121 on May 28, 2007 9:30:11 GMT -7
Thanks for the replies so far. I am indeed looking for a "muscled up" Strat sound. Like I mentioned earlier, I do want it to retain the Strat voicing, but I want more meat from the pickups, and yes, I understand that ultimately the decision is mine. However, I am asking for your personal experiences with either of these 2 sets of pickups. Has no one tried the Suhr's?
Evan
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Post by dei305 on May 28, 2007 10:17:57 GMT -7
sw532121, I have a friend who has three Suhr strats. They sound wonderful. They also have the Suhr Backplate Silent Single Coil (BPSSC) System installed (eliminates the 60 cycle hum). I agree with Tele1962 1000% as to chossing a pup that appeals to your ears and fingers. I have found that the vast majority of Z forumites are very tuned in killer guitar tone. I certainly would check out the Fender CS 69's, Suhrs, Fralins, and hey, what about Lollars? IMHO, any of these choices will make a positive difference to what you have now. good luck! Rick
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Post by jb on May 29, 2007 9:44:02 GMT -7
Evan, I have a strat with the Fralin Blues Specials in the neck and middle and a steel pole 43 in the bridge. I also have a Suhr with V60lp's in the neck and middle and a humbucker in the bridge position. You can't go wrong with the Fralin pickups, but if you are looking for the sweet vintage strat sound, the V60lp is incredible. My favorite single coil by far.
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Post by benttop (Steve) on May 30, 2007 5:51:50 GMT -7
I've had the Blues Specials for about ten years in my Grosh Strat and they just rock!
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Post by Hohn on May 31, 2007 0:38:20 GMT -7
I had the Blues Specials in my Zion as oem pups. Great pickups, but not what I wanted for me. I prefer the Kinmans I installed, though the Fralins are probably a more authentic take on the Fender tone.
JMO
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Post by sw532121 on May 31, 2007 10:50:49 GMT -7
Well I went with the Suhr's after consulting with Brian from Acme Guitar. What I've heard of the Fralin's I really liked, but per our discussion Brian felt I would dig the Suhr's even more. They should be here tomorrow, then off to Greg @ Classic Ax in Nashville to pop them in and add a blender pot. I will report back after a few gigs with them.
Evan
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