What do you think of this combo?

[CityofBlindingLights]

Here's what I was thinking:

Neck: DiMarzio Breed Neck
Middle: Fender Hot Noiseless Stratocaster Pickup
Bridge: DiMarzio Breed Bridge

as far as this combo goes, I LOVE the breed pickups, and for the middle I wanted something that does clean amazingly well (especially with the neck) but can still do crunch and slightly overdriven tones, I won't be doing any metal. Suggestions? I DON'T want a DiMarzio middle because I see no need to spend the extra $$$ and I have no need to do overdriven tones, and the Hot Noiseless has the classic strat clean tones. I don't like Seymour Duncans, I think they're over-priced and don't have enough output. Oh, and I don't want a humbucker in the middle because that's too much output, and I don't like the look.

What do you think? Any suggestions/changes?

[_FR0D0]

go for it!!!!

[Salamander In The Sun]

Sounds great, except if you want a good single for, raw overdrive, I'd recommend a Texas Special. A lot of people don't like them, but I've got a set installed in my Standard Strat, and it's very SRV like. They're a bit harsh sounding, but I love 'em.

[CityofBlindingLights]

Yeah, the Texas Specials aren't bad, I've played a Jimmie Vaughan signiature (as I have a thing for white strats, maybe it's the Hendrix influence). They're good pickups, but a little TOO harsh for me. I want something that can do crunch or overdrive, but also do that classic strat clean tone. Think clean Eric Clapton, lots of midrange and treble, with quite a decent bit of thump in the bassey range.

[Mike239]

Try a HS-2 sounds great with the breeds.

[CityofBlindingLights]

Thought about an HS-2 and an HS-3 in that middle slot, and I think they'd do great for overdrive but just won't be able to do what Fender pickups can do clean. Those pickups are amazing, and I'm looking for a Clapton-style tone, so those work out perfectly. Plus, I already have a set, so it's more economical.

[newbieguitarmaker]

blue velvet?

[CityofBlindingLights]

Blue velvet's okay, a little harsher for what I want. Too much treble for a middle pickup imo. I want a middle pickup with... well... treble AND middle, plus a bit of bass, but that can be done with a capacitator.

[satchboogeyman]

The Jimmie Vaughan strat has tex mex pickups. I would lean towards a Dimarzio Area 58, or a Fender Vintage noiseless.

[CityofBlindingLights]

Vintage Noiseless doesn't do distortion as well as hot noiseless.

If it weren't so expensive I would say Hot Noiseless in a heartbeat, but actually the blue velvet's starting to look pretty good.

Actually, looking at DiMarzio's site, the YJM may not be a bad idea, I'm looking for wonderful shimmering clean tones that can do overdrive well too. Or maybe the Area '58 seems good. Any feedback on either of these two? (to clarify, when I say feedback I mean supporting info and/or experiences, not literally cycle hum)

[newbieguitarmaker]

Originally Posted by CityofBlindingLights

If it weren't so expensive I would say Hot Noiseless in a heartbeat, but actually the blue velvet's starting to look pretty good.

hehe

[CityofBlindingLights]

Originally Posted by newbieguitarmaker

hehe

Yes, +1 to you newbieguitarmaker for suggesting it in the first place, great suggestion.

I guess my only true option would be to go in-store (or somewhere) and try out all the different pickups