As a guitar enthusiast, you might be familiar with the HSS Stratocaster, a popular electric guitar model. One possible upgrade for this guitar is replacing the single-coil bridge pickup with a humbucker. This modification can give you a wider range of tones and a beefier sound. However, choosing the right humbucker for HSS Strat requires some knowledge and research. Here are five key points to keep in mind:
1. Pickup type: There are different types of humbuckers, such as vintage, modern, high-output, PAF-style, etc. Each type has its own sonic character and output level. You should consider your playing style, musical genre, and personal taste when selecting a humbucker.
2. Pickup size: Not all humbuckers fit in the same space as a single-coil pickup. You need to measure the cavity of your guitar and check the dimensions of the humbucker you're interested in. Some humbuckers, such as mini-humbuckers or stacked humbuckers, are designed to fit in smaller spaces.
3. Wiring: Installing a humbucker requires some wiring work, such as soldering and grounding. You can choose between four-conductor wiring, which allows for more wiring options and coil splitting, or two-conductor wiring, which is simpler but limits your tonal options.
4. Brand and model: There are many brands and models of humbuckers on the market, ranging from affordable to high-end. Some popular brands include Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Gibson, EMG, and Bare Knuckle. You can read reviews, watch demos, and listen to sound samples to get an idea of each humbucker's sound and quality.
5. Compatibility: A humbucker might not sound good with the other pickups in your HSS Strat. You should consider how the humbucker interacts with the neck and middle pickups, and whether they complement each other or create an unbalanced tone. Some humbuckers are designed to work well with single-coil pickups, while others are meant to replace all three pickups.
In summary, choosing a humbucker for HSS Strat involves considering the pickup type, size, wiring, brand and model, and compatibility with the other pickups. By doing your homework and testing different options, you can find the humbucker that suits your playing needs and enhances your guitar's tone.
10 Best Humbucker For Hss Strat
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1. Musiclily Pro Strat Pickguard Hss With Noiseless Alnico 5 Pickup Humbucker – 11 Holes, Pre-Wired, 3ply Black, For Fender Stratocaster.
The Musiclily Pro 11 Hole Loaded Guitar Strat Pickguard HSS is a prewired scratch plate set designed to fit Fender American and Mexican Stratocaster Standard Modern Style guitars. The pickguard features 11 holes and is made of 3Ply PVC material.
This set comes with a noiseless Alnico 5 pickup set that includes three pickup holes for a single coil – single coil – humbucker configuration. The neck pickup has a resistance of 5.6K and an inductance of 4.5H, while the middle pickup has the same resistance and inductance. The bridge humbucker has a higher resistance of 14.5K and an inductance of 9.6H. The full black pickup covers, switch tips, and knobs enhance the sleek and modern look of the guitar.
The Musiclily Pro 11 Hole Loaded Guitar Strat Pickguard HSS comes with a full set of knobs, switch, pickups, and pre-wired circuit, making it easy for guitar players to install the set onto their instruments. The pre-wired circuit is convenient for those who are not familiar with wiring and want to save time and effort.
This pickguard set is versatile and fits USA/Mexico Strat standard HSS routine guitars. It is an excellent choice for guitar players who want to upgrade their guitar's sound and appearance without spending a lot of money. The noiseless Alnico 5 pickups reduce unwanted hum and noise, producing a clear and crisp sound that is perfect for different music genres.
In summary, the Musiclily Pro 11 Hole Loaded Guitar Strat Pickguard HSS is a high-quality prewired scratch plate set that includes a noiseless Alnico 5 pickup set, full black pickup covers, switch tips, and knobs. It is easy to install and fits Fender American and Mexican Stratocaster Standard Modern Style guitars. This pickguard set is an affordable way to upgrade your guitar's sound and looks, making it an excellent investment for guitar players of all levels.
2. Fender Gen 4 Noiseless/shawbucker Prewired Hss Stratocaster Pickguard – Tortoise
The Fender Gen 4 Noiseless/Shawbucker Prewired HSS Stratocaster Pickguard in Tortoise is a high-quality pickguard designed for Stratocaster guitars. The pickguard features a Shawbucker 1 bridge pickup and Gen 4 noiseless middle and neck pickups, offering a range of tonal options for guitarists.
The Shawbucker 1 bridge pickup is designed with Alnico 2 magnets, which provide a warm, musical sound that is perfect for a variety of playing styles. Additionally, the low-output pickup features enamel-coated magnet wire for a vintage-style tone that is perfect for blues and classic rock.
The Gen 4 noiseless middle and neck pickups provide a noise-free, vintage-style single coil tone. The pickups feature staggered Alnico 5 magnets, which provide a balanced and dynamic tone that is perfect for a wide range of playing styles. The noiseless design of the pickups makes them perfect for live performances and studio recordings, as they eliminate unwanted hum and interference.
The pickguard itself is made from high-quality materials and features a tortoise shell design that is both stylish and functional. The pickguard is prewired, making it easy to install on your guitar and start playing right away. The pickguard is also designed to fit most standard Stratocaster guitars, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's collection.
Overall, the Fender Gen 4 Noiseless/Shawbucker Prewired HSS Stratocaster Pickguard in Tortoise is a high-quality pickguard that offers a range of tonal options for guitarists. Whether you're playing classic rock, blues, or any other style of music, this pickguard is sure to deliver the sound and performance that you need. So why not upgrade your Stratocaster and take your playing to the next level with this top-quality pickguard?
3. Musiclily Pre-Wired Strat Pickguard With Humbucker Set For Fender Strat, 3ply Black.
The Musiclily SSH Loaded Prewired Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker Pickups Set is designed to enhance the sound quality of Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar. The pickguard is made of 3ply PVC material and features 11 mounting screw holes, making it easy to install on any HSS strat-style guitar.
The set includes two single-coil pickups and one humbucker pickup, all of which are equipped with ceramic magnets that produce a warm, rich tone. The pickups are pre-wired and come with a full set of knobs, switch, and circuit, ensuring ease of installation and saving time for guitar enthusiasts.
The pickguard also features one volume and two tone control knobs, allowing users to adjust the sound to their liking. The five-way switch provides further flexibility in sound control, enabling guitarists to switch between different pickup combinations easily.
The Musiclily SSH Loaded Prewired Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker Pickups Set is an excellent upgrade for any guitar enthusiast looking to enhance their Fender Stratocaster's sound quality. The set is designed to fit seamlessly on any HSS strat-style guitar and comes with all the necessary components to make installation a breeze.
In summary, this set is an excellent investment for guitar enthusiasts looking to upgrade their Fender Stratocaster's sound quality. The set's high-quality components, including the ceramic magnets and pre-wired circuit, ensure that users can enjoy a warm, rich tone with minimal effort. Whether you are a seasoned guitarist or a beginner, the Musiclily SSH Loaded Prewired Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker Pickups Set is an excellent choice to take your guitar playing to the next level.
4. Hss Strat Pickguard With Alnico V Humbucker, Pre-Wired Harness And Push-Pull Set.
The Prewired Loaded Pickguard HSS Strat Guitar Pickups Alnico V Humbucker Pickup Prewired Pickguard Pickups Guitar Wiring Harness Push-Pull Single Cut Set is an all-in-one solution for guitar players who are looking to produce clear and bright sound. This kit comes equipped with pre-wired guards that make it easy to install and use.
One of the key features of this product is its versatility. The 5-speed converter allows players to switch between different pickup configurations. For example, when the converter is placed in the first position, the neck pickup will work. By pressing the enhanced switch, players can activate both the neck and bridge pickups simultaneously. When the converter is in the second gear, the neck and mid-range pickups work together. Once again, the enhanced switch can be used to activate all three pickups.
To ensure that the sound produced by this kit is of the highest quality, the manufacturers have used orange 473 or 223 large particle capacitors. These capacitors help to make the sound more prominent and colorful, which is especially beneficial for professional musicians.
Another advantage of this kit is its 7-way full load function. This function allows players to combine the single cut function of each pickup, resulting in a wider range of tones. With this feature, guitar players can experiment with different sounds and create unique compositions.
Overall, the Prewired Loaded Pickguard HSS Strat Guitar Pickups Alnico V Humbucker Pickup Prewired Pickguard Pickups Guitar Wiring Harness Push-Pull Single Cut Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their guitar's sound. Its versatility, high-quality components, and easy installation make it a top pick for both amateur and professional guitar players.
5. Musiclily Pro Hss Strat Pickguard With Humbucker For Stratocaster, Vintage Tortoise, 11-Hole, 3-Screw Mounting.
The Musiclily Pro 11-Hole Round Corner HSS Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker is a versatile pickguard that is designed to fit American or Mexican Stratocaster Lonestar, Deluxe, Squier affinity series and other Strat guitar models that have three mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup.
This pickguard features a 2 single coils and 1 bridge humbucker routine, with a humbucker slot that is radius corner shaped. This means that a pickup ring is not required for this pickguard, and it will fit most open pickups. The pickguard is made of plastic and has a thickness of 2.0-2.2mm (0.08-0.09 inch).
With 11 mounting-screw holes, 3 of which are for the humbucking pickup, this pickguard is easy to install and provides a secure fit for your guitar. Additionally, the pickguard is equipped with double layers of protective films on the top and large back shielding, ensuring that your guitar is well-protected from scratches and other damage.
While the Musiclily Pro 11-Hole Round Corner HSS Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker is designed to fit specific guitar models, it may require modification to fit other guitar models. However, this pickguard is a great option for those looking to upgrade their guitar's pickups or simply add a new look to their instrument.
6. Red Tortoise Strat Hss Pickguard & Back Plate Set For Strat Modern Style Guitar.
The IKN 4Ply Red Tortoise Strat HSS Pickguard Guitar Back Plate Set is a high-quality guitar accessory that is designed to fit standard Strat modern style guitars. This product includes an 11-screw hole pickguard and a back plate that is crafted to the exact specifications of American/Mexican Standard Fender Stratocasters.
The pickguard features three pickup holes that are cut to accommodate single coil – single coil – humbucker pickups. Additionally, the pickguard is constructed from 4Ply materials that are made from high-quality celluloid and PVC plastic. The combination of these materials produces a vibrant red tortoise shell color, which is accented by white and black layers.
To ensure that the pickguard is well-protected during installation, there are two layers of thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard. These layers should be peeled off after installation to reveal the stunning finish underneath.
The backside of the pickguard features a pure aluminum foil shield that provides better shielding properties and anti-interference. This feature ensures that the sound produced by the guitar is free from any unwanted interference.
This product comes with a complete set of accessories, including 1pcs strat pickguard, 1pcs guitar backplate, and 25pcs pickguard screws. The screws are made from durable materials and are designed to securely hold the pickguard and backplate in place.
Overall, the IKN 4Ply Red Tortoise Strat HSS Pickguard Guitar Back Plate Set is an excellent choice for guitar players who are looking to upgrade their standard Strat modern style guitars. With its high-quality materials, stunning finish, and superior shielding properties, this product is sure to enhance the sound and aesthetics of any guitar it is installed on.
7. Musiclily 11-Hole Hss Strat Pickguard For Usa/mexican Stratocaster, Vintage Tortoise, With Humbucker And Open Pickup.
The Musiclily Pro 11-Hole Round Corner HSS Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker is a high-quality guitar accessory that is designed to provide exceptional performance and durability to guitarists. This pickguard is specifically designed to fit American or Mexican Stratocaster Lonestar, Deluxe, Squier affinity series, and other Strat guitar models which have two mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup. However, if you want to fit other guitar models, you may need to modify this pickguard.
The pickguard features a 2 single coils and 1 bridge humbucker routine that delivers a powerful and versatile sound. The humbucker slot is radius corner shape, so you do not need a pickup ring for this pickguard, which makes it easier to install and use. This feature also ensures that it will fit most open pickups, providing greater flexibility to guitarists.
The pickguard also comes with 11 mounting-screw holes, 2 of which are for humbucking pickup. This makes it easier to mount and secure the pickguard to the guitar, providing greater stability and performance. The pickguard is made from high-quality plastic and has a thickness of 2.0-2.2mm (0.08-0.09 inch), providing exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.
To protect the pickguard from scratches and damage, it comes with double layers protective films on the top. The large back shielding feature also provides additional protection to the guitar and ensures that the pickguard stays in place. This makes the Musiclily Pro 11-Hole Round Corner HSS Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker an ideal choice for guitarists who want to protect their guitar and enhance their performance.
Overall, the Musiclily Pro 11-Hole Round Corner HSS Guitar Strat Pickguard Humbucker is a top-quality guitar accessory that is designed to provide exceptional performance, durability, and protection to guitarists. With its versatile sound, easy installation, and protective features, it is an essential accessory for any guitar enthusiast.
8. Strat Hss Pickguard: Floyd Rose Tremolo, Brown Tortoise (4 Ply)
The For Strat Floyd Rose Tremolo HSS Humbucker Style Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate (4 Ply Brown Tortoise) is a high-quality accessory for any guitar enthusiast. This pickguard is designed to fit perfectly with Strat Floyd Rose Tremolo HSS Humbucker guitars and is made using only the best materials.
Constructed using a mix of celluloid and PVC material, this pickguard is built to last. Its high-quality construction ensures that it can withstand regular use and is durable enough to last for years to come. The product is brand new and has undergone extensive testing to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality.
One of the standout features of this pickguard is the layers of protective films on the top of the pickguards. These films are anti-scratch and have been designed to protect the guitar from damage. The presence of these protective films ensures that the guitar remains in excellent condition even after prolonged use.
The For Strat Floyd Rose Tremolo HSS Humbucker Style Guitar Pickguard Scratch Plate (4 Ply Brown Tortoise) is a four-ply design with a brown tortoise finish. The color and design of this pickguard are sure to enhance the overall look of the guitar and make it stand out from the rest.
Overall, this product is a must-have for any guitar enthusiast looking to protect their investment and enhance the overall look of their guitar. Its high-quality construction, anti-scratch protective films, and attractive design make it a top-notch pickguard that is sure to deliver excellent performance for years to come.
9. Fender American Performer Stratocaster Hss – Black With Maple Fingerboard
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is a solidbody electric guitar designed for versatile performance. This instrument features an alder body, known for its balanced tonal characteristics and resonance. The guitar's black finish adds a sleek, modern aesthetic to the classic Stratocaster design.
The American Performer Stratocaster HSS is equipped with two single-coil pickups and one humbucker, providing a wide range of tonal options. The humbucker, positioned in the bridge position, delivers a powerful, high-output sound that is ideal for heavier styles of music. The two single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions offer a cleaner, more traditional Stratocaster sound.
The guitar's maple fingerboard and maple neck provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The maple fingerboard is known for its bright, articulate tone and smooth feel, while the maple neck offers a stable and responsive playing surface. The neck is designed with a modern "C" shape, which offers a comfortable grip for players of all sizes.
The American Performer Stratocaster HSS is a high-quality instrument that is built to last. It is made in Fender's Corona, California factory, using premium materials and expert craftsmanship. The guitar comes equipped with a six-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge, which allows for smooth and accurate whammy bar use.
In conclusion, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is a versatile and reliable electric guitar that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this instrument offers a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience, along with a range of tonal options to suit your needs.
10. Fender American Performer Stratocaster Hss – Satin Seafoam Green With Maple Fingerboard
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is a solidbody electric guitar that boasts a sleek and stunning design in Satin Seafoam Green with a Maple Fingerboard. This guitar is crafted with an Alder Body, which is a popular choice for electric guitars due to its tonal balance and resonance.
The guitar features a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, which provides a powerful and beefy tone that is ideal for rock and metal genres. The two single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions deliver a classic Stratocaster sound that is perfect for blues, jazz, and pop music.
The Maple Fingerboard and Maple Neck provide a smooth and comfortable playing experience, allowing for fast and precise playing. Maple is known for its bright and snappy tone, making it a popular choice for guitar necks and fingerboards.
In terms of hardware, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is equipped with a traditional tremolo bridge that allows for expressive playing and dive-bombing effects. The guitar also features a master volume and tone control, as well as a five-way pickup selector switch.
Overall, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is a versatile and high-quality guitar that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this guitar is sure to impress with its stunning looks, powerful tone, and comfortable playability.
Best Humbucker For Hss Strat FAQs
Can a humbucker be installed in an HSS Stratocaster?
Yes, a humbucker can be installed in an HSS Stratocaster. HSS stands for Humbucker-Singlecoil-Singlecoil, meaning that the guitar already has a humbucker pickup in the bridge position. However, some guitar players may prefer a different type of humbucker pickup or wish to replace the existing one.
The process of installing a humbucker pickup in an HSS Stratocaster involves removing the existing pickup and routing the cavity to accommodate the new pickup's size. It is essential to ensure that the pickup's mounting holes align correctly with the guitar body.
It is recommended to have a professional guitar technician or luthier perform the installation to avoid damage to the guitar or pickup. They can also provide guidance on selecting the appropriate humbucker pickup for the guitar and ensure it functions correctly.
In summary, installing a humbucker pickup in an HSS Stratocaster is possible, but it is advisable to have a professional perform the installation to ensure proper function and avoid damage to the guitar.
How difficult is it to install a humbucker in an HSS Stratocaster?
Installing a humbucker in an HSS Stratocaster can be challenging if you don't have the necessary experience and tools. However, it's not impossible if you follow the correct steps. The first step is to choose the right humbucker size that fits your guitar's body and pickguard. You need to carefully measure the existing single-coil pickup and select a humbucker with the same size or slightly larger.
Next, you need to remove the existing single-coil pickup and install the humbucker in its place. This requires some soldering skills as you need to connect the humbucker's wires to the guitar's electronics. You also need to adjust the pickup height and pole pieces to match the other pickups' output and tone.
If you don't have the necessary skills or tools, it's always best to seek the help of a professional guitar technician. They can install the humbucker correctly and ensure that your guitar sounds and plays as it should. Overall, installing a humbucker in an HSS Stratocaster requires some technical know-how, but it's not impossible with the right guidance.
How does a humbucker change the sound of an HSS Stratocaster?
A humbucker pickup changes the sound of an HSS Stratocaster by reducing hum and noise while providing a thicker and warmer tone. The humbucker cancels out the hum and interference caused by electromagnetic fields, resulting in a clearer sound. It also has a higher output than a single-coil pickup, producing a more powerful and aggressive sound. When used in combination with the single-coil pickups in the HSS configuration, the humbucker can add versatility to the guitar's sound, providing the option for heavier and more distorted tones. However, it can also alter the classic Stratocaster sound, which is known for its bright and twangy tone. Overall, adding a humbucker to an HSS Stratocaster can expand the guitar's tonal range and make it suitable for a wider range of music genres.
Is it possible to use a coil split with a humbucker in an HSS Stratocaster?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to use a coil split with a humbucker in an HSS Stratocaster. In fact, many guitar players prefer this setup as it allows for a wider range of tonal options. A coil split essentially allows you to split one of the two coils in a humbucker pickup, giving you access to a single-coil sound. This can be done with the push-pull potentiometer that is commonly used in HSS Stratocasters. By pulling up on the potentiometer, you can split the humbucker and achieve a brighter, more twangy sound that is similar to a single-coil pickup. When you push the potentiometer back down, you can switch back to the full humbucker sound for a heavier, more powerful tone. Overall, using a coil split with a humbucker in an HSS Stratocaster is a great way to get the best of both worlds and expand your tonal options.
What are the best humbuckers for an HSS Stratocaster?
When it comes to choosing humbuckers for an HSS Stratocaster, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the sound you are looking for. If you want a warm, vintage tone, you might consider the Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 or the DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary. If you want something with more output and a modern edge, the Seymour Duncan JB or the DiMarzio Super Distortion might be a good choice.
Another factor to consider is the size and fit of the humbuckers. Some models may require modification to the guitar's pickguard or body to accommodate the larger size of a humbucker. Make sure to check the dimensions and compatibility before making a purchase.
Ultimately, the best humbuckers for your HSS Stratocaster will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to try out different options and see what works best for you.