Routing strat for a humbucker?

callen3615 · #1 08-08-2009, 10:17 PM

So I want a humbucker in the bridge of my strat, maybe a super distortion or a paf. Its got 3 texas specials in it. Can I route out the bridge slot for a humbucker? Heres a pic.

humpy · #2 08-08-2009, 10:53 PM

EVH did it, can't see why you can't :-)

My last 3 strats (MIM) have all been routed for a humbucker but have singlecoils in them, If you haven't checked it might be worth a look. Or you can always get the single coil sized humbuckers.

Homebake · #3 08-08-2009, 10:57 PM

the bridge is most likely routed for a humbucker. my squier strat is.

callen3615 · #4 08-08-2009, 11:36 PM

I looked and it is routed hsh. But I would still have to cut out the pickguard right?

CosmicDebris · #5 08-08-2009, 11:40 PM

You could just get a single coil sized hb.

callen3615 · #6 08-09-2009, 12:08 AM

I was thinking of a hot rail.

CosmicDebris · #7 08-09-2009, 12:23 AM

Never played one but I hear they are pretty cool.

**Ayrton** · #8 08-09-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callen3615

I would still have to cut out the pickguard right?

Why bother when you can order a new one any way you want it for under $30?

Save the original if you can.

callen3615 · #9 08-09-2009, 09:27 AM

I might just do a stacked single coil. Maybe a hot rail. Any other good stacked single coils?

jb4674 · #10 08-09-2009, 03:17 PM

You can order new pickguards from fender directly in HSH, SSH, SSS, etc.

Jimmy

toneboy · #11 08-09-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callen3615

I might just do a stacked single coil. Maybe a hot rail. Any other good stacked single coils?

A stacked single coil won't sound like a "real" humbucker because it still has vertical/pole piece magnets like a single coil. You can can get a higher output pickup but it will still have single coil characteristics.

A side-by-side/rail single coil will sound much, closer to a "real" humbucker because it has a bar magnet. It won't sound exactly the same as an equivalent because the coils are narrower. It doesn't have the same "magnetic window" that a humbucker does.

If you want a humbucker in the bridge, get a real humbucker in the bridge. By that I mean at least get a rail single coil but I would still advise getting a regular humbucker because you will have many more to choose from.

callen3615 · #12 08-09-2009, 07:19 PM

Thanks for the help guys.

EvoGiant · #13 08-09-2009, 08:30 PM

i've been using Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for years. I dont think a person could hear the difference side by side with a full size humbucker. ymmv

toneboy · #14 08-09-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvoGiant

i've been using Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for years. I dont think a person could hear the difference side by side with a full size humbucker. ymmv

Question - Which full size humbucker is its equivalent?
Answer - There isn't one.

Hence that's not a good example to go by. If one were to use a JB Jr. or Tone Zone S one might here the difference. I know I have. It's subtle but it's there.