Single coil sized humbucker for Squier CV 60s Strat

[briluster]

I have a Squier Classic Vibe 60s Stratocaster and a Korean Epiphone Les Paul with JB/Jazz pickups. I want to downgrade to a single guitar, and ideally, I'd like to be able to attain both Strat and LP tones out of it. My LP has coil tapping, but the single coil sound is nothing like a Strat. I prefer LP tones over Strat tones, and I love what the JB/Jazz combo attains tonewise--but as I said, I'm looking for both in a single guitar. Since I like the feel and playability of the CV Strat better, I plan on keeping only it, and upgrading the bridge pup to a single coil sized humbucker.

I've been researching the Little 59, JB Jr and Hot Rails. The 59 doesn't seem to get true LP tones, although it's marketed as a PAF type pup. The JB Jr seems to get mixed reviews, and the Hot Rails seems to get love just for metal sounds.

I love classic rock tones like ZZ Top, but I like to be able to get heavier tones for riff-based music (such as 311) with my current humbuckers in my LP.

Which would be the best single coil sized bridge humbucker for my Strat, that would get something close to a good, classic rock crunch, but that would also work for heavier sounds? Ay recommendations or comments are greatly appreciated.

[briluster]

Another option, but that I don't hear as much about, is the Cool Rails. Not sure how this would compare to the others, though.

[Inkstained]

I love classic rock tones like ZZ Top, but I like to be able to get heavier tones for riff-based music (such as 311) with my current humbuckers in my LP.

There is no pickup -- single-coil-sized or full-on humbucker -- that will turn your Strat into a Les Paul. If you get rid of the Paul, you might miss it.

Based on this brief description, though, you might want to revisit the little 59. Good luck.

[briluster]

Thanks, Ink. I guess maybe there's no 100% perfect option, so it's a question of settling on the best of the bunch.

Anybody else have experience with any of these single coil humbuckers in the bridge position of a Strat? Right now, I'm leaning toward the Hot Rails.

[Chocklit_Thunda]

I wouldn't get rid of the LP.... They're two different animals.... One can't replace the other.....

Now the question is, how is your strat routed? Why not just stick a full size HB in the bridge?

[briluster]

I wouldn't get rid of the LP.... They're two different animals.... One can't replace the other.....

Now the question is, how is your strat routed? Why not just stick a full size HB in the bridge?

The Strat has 3 single coils, and since any upgrades would be more money out of pocket, I'm trying to minimize my costs.

[Chocklit_Thunda]

Understandable hey... Upgrades can be costly.
But I was wondering what the routing looked like under the pick guard. Because if you have a swimming pool route you can get a HB and cut your pick guard yourself

[briluster]

Understandable hey... Upgrades can be costly.
But I was wondering what the routing looked like under the pick guard. Because if you have a swimming pool route you can get a HB and cut your pick guard yourself

Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm not the most able with guitar repairs and maintenance. And since I don't have a "junker" to use as a guinea pig, I rely on a luthier for all such work.

[dotsdad]

Your Strat is probably already routed for humbuckers. Before you spend $ on a strat-siized humbucker for the bridge, take off the pickguard screws and peek underneath. You may have room to keep the JB you already have. You don't need to pay a luthier to look - it really is just a couple of screws.

[briluster]

Ah, ok. I had misunderstood what Chocklit was saying. It sounded more complicated, but I guess that's because I'm a newbie and haven't ever removed the pickguard. I'll give this a try when I get back from running some errands. Thanks, dotsdad.

[Robbiedbee]

Cool Rails is a wonderful pickup, it really is, I have it in the neck and bridge of one of my Strats, but I wouldn't recommend it for this application. It is really just a fuller, punchier single coil in character. I'd say essentially all of the SC-sized humbuckers Seymour Duncan fit the bill better.

I'd second the vote for the Lil 59. The Hot Rails are overkill, and will overpower the vintage voiced singles of the CV Strat. The JB Jr is a bit trebly for me, but I've never really given it much experimentation with pots etc.

A coil tappable JB or 59 in the bridge is the best option if you are trying to downsize your rig but cover as many bases as you can sonically.

[briluster]

Attached is a pic of what's under the pickguard. (As you can see, I didn't remove the strings and the pickguard all the way, but I think this is sufficient.) The bridge pup is on the right. Not sure how well you can see, but it definitely looks big enough for a full sized humbucker. Is that the "swimming pool"?

If that's the case, I think I'd opt for a full sized 59 or JB instead of a single coil sized humbucker.

[925SS]

That's not the swimming pool rout, but it will work. You can buy an HSS pickguard, & install the jb with minimal expense & effort.

[briluster]

Thanks, 925SS and all others. Knowing that's possible, I think I'll go with a full sized HB.

[925SS]

A little solder & an iron & a pickguard(if you don't want to modify the one you have) is all you'll need, & some patients.
Take your time, this is the key to success. If you have any questions, post em.
As far as wiring the jb goes, just mark down, or remember where you disconnect the bridge SC from. there's wiring diagrams on the forum here.
Good luck