Finding the right tone can be tough when your guitar has single-coil pickups, but you crave that thick humbucker sound. Many guitarists face this dilemma, wanting the bite and clarity of single coils, but needing more output and less noise. Single-coil-sized humbuckers offer a great solution. They fit right into your guitar without modifications, giving you the best of both worlds. I've played around with a bunch of these, so I’m sharing my top picks to help you find the perfect fit.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Seymour Duncan Little '59: Classic humbucker tone in a single-coil size. High output, warm and smooth.
- DiMarzio Chopper: Powerful and bright with a tight low end. Great for rock and metal.
- Seymour Duncan JB Jr.: Versatile, hot-rodded humbucker sound. Good for a variety of genres.
- Lace Sensor Emerald: Unique, noiseless design with a vintage-hot output. Clear and articulate.
- Probucker Designed by Epiphone: Budget-friendly option delivering balanced tone and surprising output.
Top 5 Best Single Coil Sized Humbuckers
1. Seymour Duncan Little '59
The Seymour Duncan Little '59 is designed to replicate the tone of a vintage PAF humbucker in a single-coil format. It gives you that warm, smooth, and thick sound that's perfect for blues, rock, and even jazz. If you're looking to fatten up your Strat without losing its character, this is a great choice.
Pros:
- ✅ Classic humbucker tone.
- ✅ High output.
- ✅ Warm and smooth sound.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too warm for some bright guitars.
- ❌ Not ideal for extreme metal.
- ❌ Slightly more expensive than some alternatives.
Verdict: The Little '59 is excellent if you want a classic, warm humbucker sound in a single-coil size. Perfect for players who want to add some beef to their Strat or Tele without drastically changing its character.
2. DiMarzio Chopper
The DiMarzio Chopper is a powerful and bright single-coil-sized humbucker. It's designed for players who want a tight low end and plenty of output for rock and metal. It's a great choice if you need to cut through the mix and deliver some serious crunch.
Pros:
- ✅ High output.
- ✅ Tight low end.
- ✅ Bright and clear tone.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too bright for some guitars.
- ❌ Not ideal for vintage-style tones.
- ❌ May require adjustments to pickup height for optimal sound.
Verdict: The Chopper is ideal for rock and metal players who need a high-output, bright, and articulate sound. It's perfect for adding some serious punch to your guitar.
3. Seymour Duncan JB Jr.
The Seymour Duncan JB Jr. is a hot-rodded humbucker designed to deliver the iconic JB sound in a single-coil size. It's versatile and can handle a wide range of genres, from rock to blues to metal. I put one in the bridge of my old Strat and it instantly became my go-to for heavier gigs.
Pros:
- ✅ Versatile tone.
- ✅ High output.
- ✅ Hot-rodded humbucker sound.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too aggressive for some players.
- ❌ Not the most authentic vintage tone.
- ❌ Can be a bit noisy compared to noiseless options.
Verdict: The JB Jr. is a great choice for players who want a versatile, high-output humbucker sound in a single-coil size. It's perfect for rock, blues, and metal.
4. Lace Sensor Emerald
The Lace Sensor Emerald is a unique, noiseless single-coil-sized humbucker. It delivers a vintage-hot output with a clear and articulate tone. If you're looking for a noiseless option that still sounds great, this is a solid pick. I remember being skeptical of Lace Sensors at first, but the Emerald really won me over with its clarity.
Pros:
- ✅ Noiseless operation.
- ✅ Vintage-hot output.
- ✅ Clear and articulate tone.
Cons:
- ❌ Different tone compared to traditional humbuckers.
- ❌ Can sound sterile to some players.
- ❌ Unique mounting system may require some adjustments.
Verdict: The Lace Sensor Emerald is perfect for players who want a noiseless, vintage-hot sound with plenty of clarity. Great for recording and live performances where noise is an issue.
5. Probucker Designed by Epiphone
The Probucker Designed by Epiphone is a budget-friendly single-coil-sized humbucker that delivers a balanced tone and surprising output. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end options, it's a great choice if you're on a budget and want to upgrade your guitar's sound. I was genuinely surprised by how good these sounded for the price.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable price.
- ✅ Balanced tone.
- ✅ Surprising output for the price.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as refined as higher-end options.
- ❌ Can be a bit muddy in some guitars.
- ❌ Build quality may not be as durable as more expensive pickups.
Verdict: The Probucker Designed by Epiphone is a great budget option for players who want to upgrade their guitar's sound without breaking the bank. Perfect for beginners or those looking for an affordable project pickup.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right single-coil-sized humbucker can be tricky, but here are some things to keep in mind:
- Output: Consider how much output you need. Higher output pickups are great for rock and metal, while lower output pickups are better for blues and jazz.
- Tone: Think about the tone you're after. Do you want a warm, smooth sound or a bright, aggressive sound?
- Noise: If noise is a concern, consider a noiseless option like the Lace Sensor Emerald.
- Budget: Single-coil-sized humbuckers range in price, so set a budget before you start shopping.
- Installation: Some pickups may require professional installation, so factor that into your decision.
- Guitar Type: The type of guitar you have will influence the sound of the pickup. What sounds great in one guitar may not sound as good in another.
- Wiring: Check the wiring configuration of your guitar. Some single-coil-sized humbuckers require specific wiring schemes to function correctly.
I also suggest listening to sound samples online. YouTube is your friend here! Hearing the pickups in action can give you a much better idea of what they'll sound like in your own guitar.
FAQs
Q: Will these pickups fit in my Stratocaster?
A: Most single-coil-sized humbuckers are designed to fit in standard Stratocaster pickup routes, but it's always a good idea to double-check the dimensions before you buy.
Q: Do I need to change my pots and caps when I install these pickups?
A: It's generally recommended to use 500k pots with humbuckers, even single-coil-sized ones. You may also want to experiment with different capacitor values to fine-tune the tone.
Q: Are single-coil-sized humbuckers as good as full-sized humbuckers?
A: While they may not sound exactly the same, single-coil-sized humbuckers can get you very close to the tone of a full-sized humbucker. They offer a great compromise for players who want the humbucker sound in a single-coil format.
Q: Can I use these in the neck position?
A: Yes, many single-coil-sized humbuckers work well in the neck position. Look for models that are specifically designed for the neck for the best results.
Conclusion
Finding the best single-coil-sized humbucker for your guitar can make a huge difference in your sound. Whether you're looking for a classic humbucker tone, a high-output sound for rock and metal, or a noiseless option for recording, there's a pickup out there for you. I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your needs. Happy playing!
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