Opinions on SD pickups

[Corralus]

Thinking of upgrading the pups on my HSS Ibz SA160. Initially wanted Lace Sensors but after hearing them I had second thoughts.

Does anyone use SD hot rails (SHR-1n) and cool rails (SCR-1n) pickups? If I was going for maximum versatility, which one should go on the neck and which should go to the mid? Or does it not matter? For the bridge humbucker I intend to get a Custom 5 or Invader.

Opinions anyone?

 

[subversion]

i'm a Duncan fan, have them in majority of my guitars 8)

the Hot Rails has added bass, in the neck, it'd sound rather undefined especially with lots of distortion. a good single coil sized humbucker in the neck would be a Lil' 59 or the Cool Rails.

unless you prefer a 3X humbucker config, it'd suggest you keep the middle pickup a true single coil for a more convincing twang in times of need.

in the bridge, if you are looking for something distortion receptive, i'd recommend the Distortion. for added bass, the Custom is recommended. the Custom5 has this spongy midrange which you'd love/ hate. i have it in my SG Special & it serves me well because i tend to dial up more bass over at the amp should the need arises.

 

[Corralus]

Ah I see. Thanks for your input. I'm not completely sure what 'spongy' means, though, only have a rough idea. How do you even describe tone with words :lol:

What single coil would you recommend for the mid? I'm aiming for max versatility, by the way.

Anyone has opinions on the Cool Rails that they'd like to share? Say.. if used in the neck position?

 

[subversion]

the Cool Rails, according to the manufacturer, has parallel performance to the Lil 59. in use, i hear more midrange coming from the latter. both sound wonderful clean.

i simply love how the Classic Stack sounds in all positions of a strat, this would be recommended for your SA160's middle position.

 

[Corralus]

Will keep this in mind when deciding between my upgrade options.

Thanks a lot sub.