Single Coil Solo's...

[DetroitBlues]

I have my Stratocaster fitted with Texas Specials... I've noticed there are times where the high strings during a solo just don't seem to have the output when I need it. Is it the string, the pickups, or just the way I'm playing? It seems that I had this problem before but never seems to bother me that much, until every now and then, when its time to solo, the high strings have lower volume... Any advice on what I should do?

[zagatron1]

Have you tried raising that end of the pickup yet?

[DetroitBlues]

Sure have... I've often wondered about the pole pieces on the B and high E being so much lower than the rest being the culprit...

[zagatron1]

Sure have... I've often wondered about the pole pieces on the B and high E being so much lower than the rest being the culprit...

Same here. I have an idea though, but it's usually due to the opposite of what you're experiencing. I've always favored pickups of the non-staggered variety. How do they sound unplugged, do they ring or immediately fade out? I had that problem with the high E on my newer Strat. It was a nut slot issue though. I eventually just went with one from these folks - http://www.earvana.com/  .

[DetroitBlues]

My guitar is fine.  That's not an issue.  I have thought about using an LSR Roller Nut on it so I can swap string gauges with little adjustment...

[zagatron1]

My guitar is fine.  That's not an issue.  I have thought about using an LSR Roller Nut on it so I can swap string gauges with little adjustment...

I forgot about those!  Good call.

[DetroitBlues]

I have discovered this in an interesting problems observed by a lot of people using Texas Specials.  The only suggestion I've found is to replace them! LOL!

[Memory Lane Jr]

You should try a set of DiMarzio twin blades to overcome the string balance problem in your Strat.
I love 'em have a full set, Tone Zone S, Fast Track 1 & a Chopper.   No hum either.
Pick them up off ebay used,worth a try if you don't like resell. 

[DetroitBlues]

Jason Lollar is a known as one of the best boutique pickup makers in the world... He recently published an article about this issue...

http://www.lollarguitars.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=flat-vs-staggered-pole-pickups

[Scratch N Sniff]

These guys do an adjustable pole Strat pick up, might suit your needs.
http://www.at-the-creamery.co.uk/

[DetroitBlues]

I actually did an even swap for a set of Dimarzio Area's for the Texas Specials...

[robert]

I think it's the pickups. They don't do that great for more distorted tones. Great for semi-dirty tones however.

DiMarzio Area pickups are great! I have you installed them yet?

Tell us about how you feel they are different, once you have gotten over the honeymoon.

[DetroitBlues]

It's been about a week since I put them in.  A the moment, I really like them.  They can take dirt really well, yet they can sparkle when needed.  Huge improvement over the Texas Specials.

[Dan]

I know this is an old thread, but isn't this one of the many reasons Jimi flipped a righty over? The pole staggers are reversed as well as the bridge pickup slant is opposite.

[DetroitBlues]

Or that Fender didn't have a lot of lefties available....

But I've had these pickups for awhile now... The best pickups I've ever used in a Strat...