Pickups Differences ...VAs vs. SFs vs. SCs vs. SAs

[harritone]

Have the SFs in one of my HDTCs...love 'em..for some reason the SAs had more saturation to my ears and cut, I liked that....I like the fatness of the SFs though....Would VAs (VA7s) be the deal for a "truer" strat sound or hwhat?....

[pipedwho]

The VAs are true single coils and sound very authentic - along with that Anderson flavour that makes them just a little bit more special than actual vintage Fender pickups. They do sound more 'single coilish' than the SFs, but the SFs are an extremely good replication of the vintage single coil character (sans the noise).

[ducmike]

Have you tried the SFs split? I love my SFs split, more bite.

[dannopelli]

The VAs are true single coils and sound very authentic - along with that Anderson flavour that makes them just a little bit more special than actual vintage Fender pickups. They do sound more 'single coilish' than the SFs, but the SFs are an extremely good replication of the vintage single coil character (sans the noise).

That is my impression also. Just a TEENY bit less sparkle in the SF's, and I mean, if you did not side by side them you would likely not notice. But you make up for it with the noise cancellation.

[GDane1]

Didn't realize SFs could be split? Aren't they single coil already?

[dannopelli]

Didn't realize SFs could be split? Aren't they single coil already?

No they are stacked singles. But I have never head them split. My understanding is the SA's split better actually. Never did a side by side with SA's vs SF's, but I believe if you PM MARKUS, he has, and he would have some insight.

[pipedwho]

IMO the SAs (and SDs) sound better split - to my ear the hum cancelling mode is a little 'rolled off' on the highs. Whereas the SFs seem to compensate for this and do sound better hum cancelling - this makes them a little too bright (IMO) when split.

Depending on your amp, effects and preferences, the extra bright split SFs may be to your liking. Through a particularly dark amp, the split mode can cut through a little bit more, and of course drive the amp harder (as the level is actually quite a bit higher when the coils are split).

[GDane1]

Thanks for the info. I'm not so smart when it comes to pickups. I know what sounds good to my ears an will definitely 'try before I buy' as the saying goes.

[harritone]

Very interesting....I'm actually thinking of going back to the SAs, my guitar is already on the brighter side....just bought my SFs in the last few months..anyone want to trade?...they're in great shape...
IMO the SAs (and SDs) sound better split - to my ear the hum cancelling mode is a little 'rolled off' on the highs. Whereas the SFs seem to compensate for this and do sound better hum cancelling - this makes them a little too bright (IMO) when split.

Depending on your amp, effects and preferences, the extra bright split SFs may be to your liking. Through a particularly dark amp, the split mode can cut through a little bit more, and of course drive the amp harder (as the level is actually quite a bit higher when the coils are split).

[harritone]

BTW...which VA wud have the output equivalent of an SA1 or SF1?....VA5 or VA7 or 7+?

[dannopelli]

I believe both VA5's and VA7's are the same other than the pole pieces. The poles on the VA7's follow an Anderson radius a bit more closely.

[JAZZGEAR]

I just got my brand new Classic with SC1-/SC1-/HC1+...I have owned countless of TA Classics over the years, this has to be the best sounding of them all (SAs, SFs, SDs, etc), the SC1- are true vintage sounding singles w/o the noise. The only other noiseless that I've heard that sound as vintage as these are the Dimarzio Area pups (which sound more like real SCs)

[danyeo]

I have an SAR2 in the neck of my Drop Top and it's nice when split but the noise is a problem. When it's not split it's a bit dull sounding. What's a good choice for no noise and a tone that's somewhat single coily, but one that takes a boost well and with gain. Sorry but i do love that Yngwie type of lead tone.

[tom]

if you have the boost, then you don't need hot ones. i'd do sf or sc1 unless you really aren't worried about level, then i'd do the 1-'s. the boost works best with weaker pickups.

[markus]

No they are stacked singles. But I have never head them split. My understanding is the SA's split better actually. Never did a side by side with SA's vs SF's, but I believe if you PM MARKUS, he has, and he would have some insight.
I think I like the sf's better actually, compared to the sa's. To me they sound a bit more like single coils, whereas the sa's don't have that single coil sparkle. I haven't tried to split either, but I think I remember Tom saying that the sf's weren't really designed to be split and that they would be realy bright.

[harritone]

The SAs seem like they have more sustain than the SFs, more cut, for some reason

[bud]

I just got my brand new Classic with SC1-/SC1-/HC1+...I have owned countless of TA Classics over the years, this has to be the best sounding of them all (SAs, SFs, SDs, etc), the SC1- are true vintage sounding singles w/o the noise.

I agree, I just got a Classic w/ a slightly hotter version or your setup SC1/SC1/HC2 and could not be happier. SC1 is by far my favorite noiseless single coil for an S shaped guitar. Very pretty top end to them. I'd also gush about the HC2, but nobody asked:D