the red guitar with the abalone dots and the fat 50´s sound best for me the black star is also good and clean so thank you for the video and all the best to ya
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 You are right there! I have a 61 Strat that I've played for several decades. I retired it from playing gigs fear of someone stealing it. I went through several pickups before finding the fat 50's. They are the closest to my 61.
@@45acpauto I retired my '63 a couple of years ago. It's hard to recapture the 'magic' but I guess at least there are plenty of options to choose from now. I'm making a couple of vids soon with my '63, so please subscribe to see more if not already! Cheers!
It all depends what your playing. I love the "Fat 50's" for the chime and use them when appropriate, & I love the "Texas Specials" for SRV type stuff/Blues. Both sets are phenomenal pick ups.
I agree - it really does depend on the application. It is hard to find a 'perfect' set - although I pretty much live with 1 guitar for most of my live stuff these days, but in the studio it is a little different I suppose. Thanks for watching 🎸
Thank you for the comparisons. I've had Fat 50s in one Strat before and I still prefer the '69 pickups to anything else. With the Fat 50s, I could not get used to how they sounded above the 12th fret on the bigger strings. In one particular Strat I have (Hendrix Mexican Strat) I replaced the Pure Vintage 65s with custom shop '69s and the bridge and middle combination is just about the cleanest tone I've ever heard. I'm wondering if perhaps the amp volume should be increased for the '69s since they have a weaker output in order to make a fair comparison with the Fat 50s and Texas Specials.
Thanks for watching, Kenneth. I think it really does depend on the pickup position and kind of gain level, playing attack style, and so many factors. That's what gives us the 'feel' I suppose. I think my favourite can vary between switch positions, the song and my mood! With regards to the volume, while it's a good point, the fairest way to 'back to back' is to not touch anything. Sort of like rolling of the treble a bit because one set has a glassy bridge pickup for example. It's more about showing a baseline than showing each at their optimal settings. That being said, I have just made a follow up with a gain pedal added to see how the c1.5k resistance drives the circuitry. Thanks again! th-cam.com/video/gMLmjQMvLaQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi Dylan. Just to let you know, that I’ve put the fat50s on my strat , & I’m more than happy with the sound. They are really great pickups. I took a while to tell you , cos I’ve put all new electronics on it & also , re sprayed it . I just like to say a big thank you, for your advice & the review on the fat 50s . Ones again. Thank you. Joe .
That's great Joe! I'm delighted that it was a help to you. Great that you've really gone through the guitar with new electronics and even made it 'your own' by changing the colour too! Im sure it will bring you many years of happy service. Thanks again for watching and letting me know how you got on. 🎸👍
CS 69 was too creamy sounding for me but had great tone at middle/bridge. They other two are more my speed. Great sparkle. I think the TS will shine with distortion over the others. Would love to hear. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - much appreciated. Yes, I like the combined CS69 more than single pickups too. It's funny how different pickups / combinations work better for different songs, I find. I'd like to revisit the video with distorted tones to see if it changes the outcome. Thanks again 👍🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Hey it helped me as you have two red Strats. But to be fair, they sound almost exactly the same when tracked and played on logic together. Maybe its related to the player, ie the tone really is in the fingers. Theres so little difference imo. In fact its made me change my mind in swapping out my pickups thanks
@@jonanders76 I think the fingers or pick attack definitely influence the sound. Also, the amp can make a difference, and different pickups sound more similar in certain positions but not others. There really is no straightforward option 😁Thanks again for watching 🎸
Fat 50’s for me but I have to say the guitar with the 69s did not seem to be as good as the other two strats, sounded very dead and dull which was definitely not the pups
The only difference was the pickups, as they were recorded in 1 take - just unplugging the guitars changing them around with the camera and microphones rolling.
Very good work. Notable differences between the different sets. The information is greatly appreciated. I prefer the Fat 50's, they are more balanced, not as bright and thin as the CS69's, not as thick and full of mids as the Texas Special. Greetings.
Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! The Fat 50's seem to be a very popular 'all-rounder'for the reasons you described. They are, I think, the most 'Statty' overall - but different pickup combinations on the switch might suit different styles. I gig with the Fat 50's and TS a fair bit, I have to say! Best wishes
The 69 has a certain degree of airiness, or cloudiness, the best I can describe. Some people like that. Personally for me I find the clarity and wider balanced range in the Fat 50s appealing. The Texas has a mid-range presence that sounds cosy on clean tones, best played w a comforting cup of hot chocolate beside. Does reasonably well on clarity too. My vote goes to the Fat50s and Texas. Thanks you for your contribution to the strat community!
Thanks for watching 👍I find that for live work, the TS have more presence and bite. I can't get the '69s to work with vintage Fender amps - but better with modern, more neutral amps like my Artisan 30. The Fat 50s are nice for studio work, as they are more 'Stratty' and easier to get traditional sounds from (well balanced). Thanks again 🎸
Definitely preferred the Fat 50's. They just had a more airy responsiveness across frequencies to sound most natural. 69's sounded decent but more pushed/focused or something. I didn't like the Texas Specials much due to the lack of top frequencies (felt like a blanket over the tone). I imagine those are meant to push an amp driven harder, so focus more on mids like a Tube Screamer would, but I'd rather just get that from a pedal and have the full frequency range. Good comparison
Thanks for watching, and for your observations👍 I prefer different pickups depending on the position. I tend to use the CS69 Strat least of the 3 in the video. However, I'm going to gig with it tomorrow with a fairly cranked up amp - so it'll be nice to stretch her legs a bit! Thanks again 😀👍🎸
Hi Dylan , thats a good Test ! just Guitar ,cable and Amp . No pedals , or overdriven Amp. And the same Riffs and Lines played . I can hear the Sound of the Pick Ups .That what it is all about .Thank You !
Thanks for watching, and taking the time to comment! I wanted to do it all 'clean' to hear the pickups 'as is.' Overdriven would be useful, but there are so many other factors that it would be impossible to stop. Plus most of my music is played without distortion, so it was nice to use some in the video. Thanks again 👍🎸
They sounded almost the same to me, as far as tone is concerned. Third one was a little more plucky, an the second one was just the faintest bit smoother (but not smooth like other 60's type pickups)... I'm still torn here, I have to make a decision between the 50s and the 69s. But I really liked your tunes.
Thanks for watching. To be honest, the differences are subtle. I'd argue that the greatest differences are actually most evident when 2 pickups are used together. From a recording and live performance point of view, I'd say that the higher output of the 50's actually translates into a 'Strattier' sound. The 69s to my ears tend to be a bit thinner, edgier and raw by comparison. But as you say, the differences are minor and once pick attack, amps and any effects come into play, there's really not a lot in it. Not as black & white at people like to make out sometimes!🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Thanks so much! I'm looking for something that's smooth rich sound and not too plucky (sometimes people are referring to that pluckiness when they say "stratty")... think like John Fruschiante type of smooth and rich... I feel like I could get any of these to sound the way I want but it's so hard before hand to feel like you aren't making a mistake... Which do you think is more smooth and rich?
@@williamnichols6253 I think for a RHCP sort of sound, I'd actually be more inclined to go with the 69s. Occasionally, CS will spec a guitar with a mixture (50's neck, 69 mid and a Texas Special bridge for the best overall mix, but as a set, I'd go 69's I think.
Hello Mr. Smith 🙂 I was suprised by this comparison. Normaly i prefer 60s Strat Sound...but in this case the Fat 50s totaly won for me. The 69ers sounded a little bit thin/weak to me and the Fat 50s still have a warmth to the tone i like in Strats. Your pickingstyle is very cool by the way. Great to watch a clip without big amounts of delay and overdrive so the character of each pickup was outstanding. 🙂👍 Greetings from Germany
Hello and thank you for watching! Yes, it's surprising how different the pickups are, and I think my favourite changes depending on the switch position, song, amp, etc. I try to make my videos without effects wherever possible to give an 'honest' sound, but I also made a follow-up video for this one with some gain/overdrive added because I had a lot of people interested in these particular pickups. Thanks again - please check out some more of my videos if you get a moment. Best wishes 👍🎸
Exactly what I was looking for, straight sound to the amp, no effects... perfect review for pickups... new sub! I think I have to lean toward the 50's set, but gets beat in a few positions... 69 bridge sounds silky
Thanks so much for watching and subscribing - much appreciated! Most people seem to lean to the Fat50s. I prefer these for traditional Stratty sounds, and the Texas Specials for live grunt (especially for power trio stuff). I've been gigging the CS69 a bit lately and have to say I just can't seem to get them where I want them. Horses for courses as they say, but that's the fun of it! 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 I just ordered the 57/62 pickups... Almost ordered 50's, endless tone chase! I hope these do it this time haha... Thanks for the reviews, truly help!
@@rambler6916 hopefully you'll get on well with your new ones! It really depends on so many things doesn't it? As we all have different tastes, it is near impossible to get a sound that we're happy with all the time, and in every location! Thanks for watching 👍🎸
I love that you did the comparison through a clean amp with no effects. So many people do comparisons with distortion and effects and you really don’t get to hear the pickups at all. Perfect comparison. Texas Specials for me.
Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment. I agree - with many tests, there are so many different effects that you can't really hear the guitar. I do have another version of this video to show them with overdrive to satisfy that scenario, but for me clean is where it's at! In terms of the Texas Specials, they often get a horrible reputation, mostly through hearsay - yet I receive a lot of comments to say that they change their mind after watching my videos, so I think it's more about the right pickup for the right situation. Check out this video to anyone that says TS 'Don't sound like a Strat.' th-cam.com/video/rUNsfZWxnLs/w-d-xo.html Thanks again!
Hi Dylan . Great videos, great comparison & information. I’m a bit lost but , I’m thinking of updating the pickups on my strat for the FAT 50s. My playing style is all clean stuf mostly Latin & ballads & of course the shadows. Do you think with your experience, the fat 50s would suits that type of music ? I like the sound of the fat 50s the way you presented them in the clean sound . Much appreciate the advice.
Hi Joe, Many thanks for your message, and for taking the time to comment. I reckon the Fat 50's would work well for you if you like clarity and detail, but with warmth and a traditional/authentic Strat sound. I also really like Bareknuckles 'Sultans' pickups - but if you're after Fender, I don't think you'd go far wrong with the 50's - let me know how you get on. Cheers!🎸
Thanks for watching. I'm pleased you enjoy your pickups. I'm not sure of my heights exactly - I just have my pickups as high as I can get without them getting in the way of my strings (my action is probably 'medium') - and I just try to match the volume a bit - I don't really go for measurements - I probably should be more scientific but I just get them so they feel and sound good. Cheers 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 thanks for answering well I'm a beginner in electric guitar and sorry if I bother you but I have a question what gauge of strings do you use??? and which one do you recommend for stratocaster thanks
@@wvillatoro hi, I generally use D'addario 11 guage strings on my Strats - fat and juicy, and easy on the fingers. I have big hands and have been playing for a long time, so my hands are strong - but you may find 10 or even 9 guage will work well for you (it's down to personal preference, feel and sound at the end of the day). Take care and happy playing!
Thanks for watching 👍 It's funny because to me, my favourites depend on the song and/or pickup combination. You can see why certain Custom Shop guitars are made with a combination of these very pickups. Thanks again 😊👍
If these pickup heights aren’t set up exactly the same, this comparison is not accurate. That being said, I liked the fat 50’s very crispy and sweet. The pickups in my Squier CV 50 sound very much like these.
Hi , I am electric guitar enthusiast and a few months ago I bought a 2003 made in USA Fender Stratocaster and I would like to ask you how I can get that bending sound of the Johnny B.Goode song, I read on the internet that you need a guitar with bridge humbucker, what model do you recommend? Thanks for your answer. Carlo Rapaccini
Hi! Excellent performance and presenting the pickups. What would you recommend for blues, slow r&b, and neo soul?. I got a Fender player plus strat as my first electric but I find the pickups to be thin and sterile(they are noiseless btw). Thanks!
Hi, thanks for watching. There are so many great pickups out there, but I fronted a blues trio for a few years running Texas Specials and Tonerider pickups. I also am a massive fan of Sultans pickups by Bareknuckles. I have videos of all of them on my channel if you get a chance to check them out . Thanks again🎸
i know they're not the most popular but cs69 has to be my favorite. they really sing, on the neck pu especially it has a certain clarity and almost vocal quality that i haven't heard anywhere else. really beautiful sound
I've got a strat with Texas Specials and while it does sound good on it's own it's impossible to be heard in a band context. I've recently tried 2 more strats to compare and both of them sounded much better and had presence in the mix when compared to my Texas Special pickups. The 2 other guitars I tried were an American Fender Stratocaster and an Indonesian Squier Stratocaster and those 2 shared more similarities in tone than my Mexican Fender Roadhouse Strat. When a Squier sounds better than a Fender I guess this Texas Special pickups are just not for what I want to do with the guitar. Again, the cleans sound amazing but without anything else in the mix that would get in the way, and anything seems to get in the way. If you want to play in a band and be heard I recomend anything other than Texas Specials
Thanks for watching. I love the TS for live work, and can get a traditional Strat sound from them - but there's definitely a more Stratty sound overall from the Fat 50s. Although I find them harder to dial in a thicker and/or driven sound overall.
Best video comparison I’ve seen… 50s or 69 for me… hmmmm…. Decisions decisions!!! Maybe I need to find a vid with some drive on both those… hint hint… 🤘
Many thanks for watching, and for taking the time to comment - I might take the hint! Lots of viewers comment on how good it is to hear the clean sounds, but in reality, many would use some sort of drive I would imagine. I might do the 50s and 69s head to head with low and high gain first (as these are definitely my most popular pups), and see if we then need to do all 4 pups. Stay tuned - subbed and notifications and all that jazz! 😀👍🎸
Thank you, Dylan, for doing this RIGHT! Not a single sound interrupted the entire test and I’m very appreciative. I’ll be looking for your comparos in the future.
Hi, thanks for watching. That particular music is a song called 'Not With You' from my new album, Cruel To Be Kind. Loads of Strats and other guitars on there! Here's (albeit a low res) audio of it here 👍😁
@@cmmnsenserules4339 thanks very much for listening. It's not all online, but it is available from my website and a music store chain called HMV here in the UK. I'm glad you enjoyed it! The guitars I used will have been featured on the channel too 😃🎸👍
Thanks for your comment. I think I will make a video with some drive - but I didn't want to make the video too overwhelming and long by doing it all in one go. Which pickups do you use?🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Hi Dylan, thanks for the response. I have the 57/62 on the three Fender AVRI I own, I’m thinking about trying something new and I’m pondering between those three pickups. Is it true the TS sound so good only when combined to an ash body and the bridge position is pretty lame compared to the others? Any advice? Cheers 🎵🎶
@@password_xy I like the TS a lot. I gigged for years with an SRV Strat (alder body, TS pickups). Check out my SRV vid. I don't really use the bridge pickup much on its own, but mostly in conjunction with the middle pickup. Check out my Redbud Tree video to see how 'Stratty' that sounds. But I certainly wouldn't say the bridge pickup was lame. Not harsh or glassy anyway. Hope that helps 😊🎸
Hey Dylan nice shoot out. Being a MK nut, I’d personally go for the TS. Now a Question, I have a 1992 wine red Strat Plus with Lace Sensors. Great guitar, although these PU’s never really did it for me. What would you say changing these for TS’s? Thanks, appreciate your work! Michael
Hi Michael, many thanks for watching, and indeed for taking the time to comment. I actually use the MK a lot for my recording with The Atlantic Project, and the Fat 50's for my Stuart Rolfe/Daylight Stealers records. Horses for courses, as they say! With regards to the Lace Sensors, I've had quite a few Strat Plus/Deluxes over the years, and the Golds are my favourite. The only Lace equipped Strat I currently own is the early Clapton Strat (featured on my channel), which has the 3 Golds. I really like the Laces. Especially for live performance. Powerful, quiet and relatively 'Stratty.' No harm at all in switching out. The Strat Pluses are beautifully made guitars (see my ride across the river vid for sound). They're supposedly becoming more collectible now, so you might want to go for a loaded pickguard to preserve all the original electronics for later. One things for sure - a Strat Plus with TS pickups would be a beauty! 😃👍🎸
Serious question...I'm very interested in the fat 50s. Do you have to roll off on the volume to get a nice clean? Also, have you any experience with the fat 60s pickups?
I pretty much always run wide open on my volume. I tend to use my amps to get the sound I want, with the guitar being constant. Have never had the opportunity to try the 60's, so couldn't advise, I'm afraid. Thanks for watching. P.s. I have a few other videos with the Fat 50s on their own - worth a look 🎸
Texas Specials are one of my all-time favourites - I used them for years as my main work guitars. People seem very divided over them, but this is worth a minute for those who think they aren't 'Stratty' - just a guitar straight into the amp. Not trying to change your mind, as we all have our own opinions - but I'd definitely not rule them out (especially for live work), as they are so powerful. Thanks again! th-cam.com/video/rUNsfZWxnLs/w-d-xo.html
I got an FSR (MIM) "tribute" to the Black Strat that came with Fat 50s pickups and it sounds fantastic. The chime that comes from the neck pickup is incredible. They're in GuitarGuitar (UK) for about £750-850, and was the first Fender I bought. It might be the last, or last strat, I get.
Excellent value for money with that one. I can't think of any MIM with CS pickups apart from yours. They are very versatile pickups, and you've got a great guitar there. Are you looking to do the switch mod?
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 sorry mate. I'm fairly new to guitars and I don't know what a switch mod is (is that switching to locking tuners and stuff like that?).
@@raoulduke344 no problem! As your guitar is based on the Black Strat - Gilmour's guitar had a switch mod to allow the use of the neck pickup at any time (e.g. neck and bridge, or all 3 pickups together. I feature my Custom Shop Black Strat in a separate video. I'll paste the link for you. Cheers 👍
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Got you now mate. Yes, I was thinking of having one of those switches fitted. I've heard it let's you play both pickups (in 2 or 4 position) in phase as well, so they sound more like humbuckers.
Thanks for watching. For a classic Strat tone, out of these, I'd say the Fat 50's overall. In my other videos I play with Bareknuckles Sultans, which may be my favourite 'off the shelf' Strat pickups.
I think my favourites have to be Bareknuckles Sultans and CS Fat 50s. I've got loads of Knopfler based videos on my channel, with many different pickups - it really depends on the era/songs. Here are the Bareknuckles, but also check them out on my cover of Tunnel of Love solo. Thanks for watching 👍🎸th-cam.com/video/ljiG22NpgtU/w-d-xo.html
I absolutely love it in every way. Amazing stage sound, fantastic studio/home sound. Reverb, drive, headphones. All on a boutique hand wired and nice looking amp. I've made tons of videos with it and literally have it in the car for tonight's gig!
Interesting…I liked the CS69 for the neck, the Texas Special in the middle, and the Fat 50s on the bridge. Maybe I’ll make myself a custom set! Thanks for the entertaining and informative video.
Thanks for watching. To be honest, my favourite tends to vary by position. I tried a Custom Shop Strat about 6 or 7 years ago that had one of each, and it sounded amazing. Well worth a try 👍🎸
I have a CV 40th Strat and I put the Fat 50's in it. I took them out and put the stock pups back in. Sounds better to me. Didn't sound bad with the Fat 50's but sounds better for what I consider a strat tone with stock. 🤷🏼 Go Squier!
I have a Custom Shop Strat with a set of Fat 50's and I wouldn't think of changing them. They sound like old pickups. Warm, clear and musical. fat 50's don't get enough love.
Thanks Dylan. Excellent comparison. So good to have just pups, and amp without adding pedals.
Great work!
Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment. Glad you found it interesting! 👍🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Which pre wired loaded pickguard do you recommend for RHCP songs?
the red guitar with the abalone dots and the fat 50´s sound best for me the black star is also good and clean so thank you for the video and all the best to ya
Fat 50's are what I used to replace Texas Specials in one of my Stratocaster's. Never regretted it sounds amazing in live settings.
I think the 50's are generally more vintage sounding, whereas I find the TS more punchy, slightly more neutral. Thanks for watching 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 You are right there! I have a 61 Strat that I've played for several decades. I retired it from playing gigs fear of someone stealing it. I went through several pickups before finding the fat 50's. They are the closest to my 61.
@@45acpauto I retired my '63 a couple of years ago. It's hard to recapture the 'magic' but I guess at least there are plenty of options to choose from now. I'm making a couple of vids soon with my '63, so please subscribe to see more if not already! Cheers!
My Fat 50's bridge pickup makes my ears bleed! Wayyyy too bright!
It all depends what your playing. I love the "Fat 50's" for the chime and use them when appropriate, & I love the "Texas Specials" for SRV type stuff/Blues. Both sets are phenomenal pick ups.
I agree - it really does depend on the application. It is hard to find a 'perfect' set - although I pretty much live with 1 guitar for most of my live stuff these days, but in the studio it is a little different I suppose. Thanks for watching 🎸
Thank you for the comparisons. I've had Fat 50s in one Strat before and I still prefer the '69 pickups to anything else. With the Fat 50s, I could not get used to how they sounded above the 12th fret on the bigger strings. In one particular Strat I have (Hendrix Mexican Strat) I replaced the Pure Vintage 65s with custom shop '69s and the bridge and middle combination is just about the cleanest tone I've ever heard. I'm wondering if perhaps the amp volume should be increased for the '69s since they have a weaker output in order to make a fair comparison with the Fat 50s and Texas Specials.
Thanks for watching, Kenneth. I think it really does depend on the pickup position and kind of gain level, playing attack style, and so many factors. That's what gives us the 'feel' I suppose. I think my favourite can vary between switch positions, the song and my mood! With regards to the volume, while it's a good point, the fairest way to 'back to back' is to not touch anything. Sort of like rolling of the treble a bit because one set has a glassy bridge pickup for example. It's more about showing a baseline than showing each at their optimal settings. That being said, I have just made a follow up with a gain pedal added to see how the c1.5k resistance drives the circuitry. Thanks again!
th-cam.com/video/gMLmjQMvLaQ/w-d-xo.html
Changing pickups alone does not significantly improve a guitar's inherent tone. But it sure is fun!😊
Editing in or making another video with 57/62 and Fat 60s pickups would be interesting.
I'd love to if I could get some! Something for the future. Thanks for watching. 🎸
Hi Dylan. Just to let you know, that I’ve put the fat50s on my strat , & I’m more than happy with the sound. They are really great pickups. I took a while to tell you , cos I’ve put all new electronics on it & also , re sprayed it . I just like to say a big thank you, for your advice & the review on the fat 50s . Ones again. Thank you. Joe .
That's great Joe! I'm delighted that it was a help to you. Great that you've really gone through the guitar with new electronics and even made it 'your own' by changing the colour too! Im sure it will bring you many years of happy service. Thanks again for watching and letting me know how you got on. 🎸👍
CS 69 was too creamy sounding for me but had great tone at middle/bridge. They other two are more my speed. Great sparkle. I think the TS will shine with distortion over the others. Would love to hear. Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment - much appreciated. Yes, I like the combined CS69 more than single pickups too. It's funny how different pickups / combinations work better for different songs, I find. I'd like to revisit the video with distorted tones to see if it changes the outcome. Thanks again 👍🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Which pre wired loaded pickguard would you recommend for RHCP songs tone?
FAT 50 3:15
69 3:38
Texas Special 3:58
You prefer the neck pickup then? 😃Thanks for watching👍
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Hey it helped me as you have two red Strats.
But to be fair, they sound almost exactly the same when tracked and played on logic together. Maybe its related to the player, ie the tone really is in the fingers. Theres so little difference imo.
In fact its made me change my mind in swapping out my pickups thanks
@@jonanders76 I think the fingers or pick attack definitely influence the sound. Also, the amp can make a difference, and different pickups sound more similar in certain positions but not others. There really is no straightforward option 😁Thanks again for watching 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 tbf it’s the hardest one to get a specific tone of, currently looking for an srv/hendrix dark tone and it’s really hard
Fat 50’s for me but I have to say the guitar with the 69s did not seem to be as good as the other two strats, sounded very dead and dull which was definitely not the pups
The only difference was the pickups, as they were recorded in 1 take - just unplugging the guitars changing them around with the camera and microphones rolling.
Very good work. Notable differences between the different sets. The information is greatly appreciated. I prefer the Fat 50's, they are more balanced, not as bright and thin as the CS69's, not as thick and full of mids as the Texas Special. Greetings.
Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! The Fat 50's seem to be a very popular 'all-rounder'for the reasons you described. They are, I think, the most 'Statty' overall - but different pickup combinations on the switch might suit different styles. I gig with the Fat 50's and TS a fair bit, I have to say! Best wishes
Fat 50 are the best Fender sound
I tend to agree. The most 'Stratty.' Thanks for watching.
The 69 has a certain degree of airiness, or cloudiness, the best I can describe. Some people like that. Personally for me I find the clarity and wider balanced range in the Fat 50s appealing. The Texas has a mid-range presence that sounds cosy on clean tones, best played w a comforting cup of hot chocolate beside. Does reasonably well on clarity too.
My vote goes to the Fat50s and Texas. Thanks you for your contribution to the strat community!
Thanks for watching 👍I find that for live work, the TS have more presence and bite. I can't get the '69s to work with vintage Fender amps - but better with modern, more neutral amps like my Artisan 30. The Fat 50s are nice for studio work, as they are more 'Stratty' and easier to get traditional sounds from (well balanced). Thanks again 🎸
I prefer 69 to make my strat sound more as it SHOULD sound! Thank for video!
Thanks for watching 👍🎸
Muy bueno hermano! Nice comparison with nice performing, que mas se puede pedir! Gracias master
Definitely preferred the Fat 50's. They just had a more airy responsiveness across frequencies to sound most natural. 69's sounded decent but more pushed/focused or something. I didn't like the Texas Specials much due to the lack of top frequencies (felt like a blanket over the tone). I imagine those are meant to push an amp driven harder, so focus more on mids like a Tube Screamer would, but I'd rather just get that from a pedal and have the full frequency range. Good comparison
Thanks for watching, and for your observations👍 I prefer different pickups depending on the position. I tend to use the CS69 Strat least of the 3 in the video. However, I'm going to gig with it tomorrow with a fairly cranked up amp - so it'll be nice to stretch her legs a bit! Thanks again 😀👍🎸
Hi Dylan , thats a good Test ! just Guitar ,cable and Amp . No pedals , or overdriven Amp. And the same Riffs and Lines played . I can hear the Sound of the Pick Ups .That what it is all about .Thank You !
Thanks for watching, and taking the time to comment! I wanted to do it all 'clean' to hear the pickups 'as is.'
Overdriven would be useful, but there are so many other factors that it would be impossible to stop. Plus most of my music is played without distortion, so it was nice to use some in the video. Thanks again 👍🎸
Man, you’ve got your own vibrato sound. And it’s fantastic!
Thanks very much for watching and for your kind words. Much appreciated! 👍🎸
They sounded almost the same to me, as far as tone is concerned. Third one was a little more plucky, an the second one was just the faintest bit smoother (but not smooth like other 60's type pickups)... I'm still torn here, I have to make a decision between the 50s and the 69s. But I really liked your tunes.
Thanks for watching. To be honest, the differences are subtle. I'd argue that the greatest differences are actually most evident when 2 pickups are used together. From a recording and live performance point of view, I'd say that the higher output of the 50's actually translates into a 'Strattier' sound. The 69s to my ears tend to be a bit thinner, edgier and raw by comparison. But as you say, the differences are minor and once pick attack, amps and any effects come into play, there's really not a lot in it. Not as black & white at people like to make out sometimes!🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Thanks so much! I'm looking for something that's smooth rich sound and not too plucky (sometimes people are referring to that pluckiness when they say "stratty")... think like John Fruschiante type of smooth and rich... I feel like I could get any of these to sound the way I want but it's so hard before hand to feel like you aren't making a mistake... Which do you think is more smooth and rich?
@@williamnichols6253 I think for a RHCP sort of sound, I'd actually be more inclined to go with the 69s. Occasionally, CS will spec a guitar with a mixture (50's neck, 69 mid and a Texas Special bridge for the best overall mix, but as a set, I'd go 69's I think.
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Thanks!
Hello Mr. Smith 🙂 I was suprised by this comparison. Normaly i prefer 60s Strat Sound...but in this case the Fat 50s totaly won for me. The 69ers sounded a little bit thin/weak to me and the Fat 50s still have a warmth to the tone i like in Strats. Your pickingstyle is very cool by the way. Great to watch a clip without big amounts of delay and overdrive so the character of each pickup was outstanding. 🙂👍 Greetings from Germany
Hello and thank you for watching! Yes, it's surprising how different the pickups are, and I think my favourite changes depending on the switch position, song, amp, etc. I try to make my videos without effects wherever possible to give an 'honest' sound, but I also made a follow-up video for this one with some gain/overdrive added because I had a lot of people interested in these particular pickups. Thanks again - please check out some more of my videos if you get a moment. Best wishes 👍🎸
Exactly what I was looking for, straight sound to the amp, no effects... perfect review for pickups... new sub! I think I have to lean toward the 50's set, but gets beat in a few positions... 69 bridge sounds silky
Thanks so much for watching and subscribing - much appreciated! Most people seem to lean to the Fat50s. I prefer these for traditional Stratty sounds, and the Texas Specials for live grunt (especially for power trio stuff). I've been gigging the CS69 a bit lately and have to say I just can't seem to get them where I want them. Horses for courses as they say, but that's the fun of it! 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 I just ordered the 57/62 pickups... Almost ordered 50's, endless tone chase! I hope these do it this time haha... Thanks for the reviews, truly help!
@@rambler6916 hopefully you'll get on well with your new ones! It really depends on so many things doesn't it? As we all have different tastes, it is near impossible to get a sound that we're happy with all the time, and in every location! Thanks for watching 👍🎸
I love that you did the comparison through a clean amp with no effects. So many people do comparisons with distortion and effects and you really don’t get to hear the pickups at all. Perfect comparison. Texas Specials for me.
Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment. I agree - with many tests, there are so many different effects that you can't really hear the guitar. I do have another version of this video to show them with overdrive to satisfy that scenario, but for me clean is where it's at! In terms of the Texas Specials, they often get a horrible reputation, mostly through hearsay - yet I receive a lot of comments to say that they change their mind after watching my videos, so I think it's more about the right pickup for the right situation. Check out this video to anyone that says TS 'Don't sound like a Strat.'
th-cam.com/video/rUNsfZWxnLs/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again!
Fat 50s, then TS and then 69s
Nice vid
Thanks for watching 👍🎸
According to Fender Texas Specials are calibrated to following resistances: Neck Pickup: 5.9K. Middle: 6.5K. Bridge: 6.6K
69s and TSs
Thanks for watching 👍
@@dylansmithguitarist3843Thanks for the video!
Hi Dylan . Great videos, great comparison & information. I’m a bit lost but , I’m thinking of updating the pickups on my strat for the FAT 50s. My playing style is all clean stuf mostly Latin & ballads & of course the shadows. Do you think with your experience, the fat 50s would suits that type of music ? I like the sound of the fat 50s the way you presented them in the clean sound . Much appreciate the advice.
Hi Joe, Many thanks for your message, and for taking the time to comment. I reckon the Fat 50's would work well for you if you like clarity and detail, but with warmth and a traditional/authentic Strat sound. I also really like Bareknuckles 'Sultans' pickups - but if you're after Fender, I don't think you'd go far wrong with the 50's - let me know how you get on. Cheers!🎸
pickup are going to sound different in different guitars. You have to compare them in the same guitar.
To a degree. But these are similar enough guitars to let the obvious magnetic character of the different sets stand out.
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 I have owned and built many strat bodies and there is a difference in each body.
Fat 50s or Texas Special dont care for the 69s. I got Texas Specials I love them.
I'd be inclined to pick the Texas Specials if I could only choose 1 set too I think. Thanks for watching! 👍🎸
I listened to the fat 50 better and bought a set of those... a question at what height of the strings do you have them??
Thanks for watching. I'm pleased you enjoy your pickups. I'm not sure of my heights exactly - I just have my pickups as high as I can get without them getting in the way of my strings (my action is probably 'medium') - and I just try to match the volume a bit - I don't really go for measurements - I probably should be more scientific but I just get them so they feel and sound good. Cheers 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 thanks for answering well I'm a beginner in electric guitar and sorry if I bother you but I have a question what gauge of strings do you use??? and which one do you recommend for stratocaster thanks
@@wvillatoro hi, I generally use D'addario 11 guage strings on my Strats - fat and juicy, and easy on the fingers. I have big hands and have been playing for a long time, so my hands are strong - but you may find 10 or even 9 guage will work well for you (it's down to personal preference, feel and sound at the end of the day). Take care and happy playing!
Thanks. I really needed this review.
Thanks for watching. I hope you found it useful. I also made a version of the video with gain added for those looking for more 'bite'. Cheers
Fat 50s sound best, then TX sp then 69s. 69s sound thin and lackluster.
Thanks for watching. Fat 50's seem to be an extremely popular choice 🎸
I think that I prefer the crispy goodness of the Fat50.
Thanks for watching 👍 It's funny because to me, my favourites depend on the song and/or pickup combination. You can see why certain Custom Shop guitars are made with a combination of these very pickups. Thanks again 😊👍
If these pickup heights aren’t set up exactly the same, this comparison is not accurate.
That being said, I liked the fat 50’s very crispy and sweet.
The pickups in my Squier CV 50 sound very much like these.
This was a GREAT shootout. I liked the Fat 50´s the better.
The Fat 50's are more traditional sounding for the most part. I find the TS come alive in live situations with more punch. Thanks for watching 👍
Hi , I am electric guitar enthusiast and a few months ago I bought a 2003 made in USA Fender Stratocaster and I would like to ask you how I can get that bending sound of the Johnny B.Goode song, I read on the internet that you need a guitar with bridge humbucker, what model do you recommend? Thanks for your answer. Carlo Rapaccini
Fat 50's to me sound the best on all samples
Texas sound well known ,,spanky and shiny,,,But im happy the 69 sound the roundest ,,i bouth them today,,i cant wait... nice revue man👍
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Best of luck with your new pickups! 😁👍🎸
Hi! Excellent performance and presenting the pickups. What would you recommend for blues, slow r&b, and neo soul?. I got a Fender player plus strat as my first electric but I find the pickups to be thin and sterile(they are noiseless btw). Thanks!
Hi, thanks for watching. There are so many great pickups out there, but I fronted a blues trio for a few years running Texas Specials and Tonerider pickups. I also am a massive fan of Sultans pickups by Bareknuckles. I have videos of all of them on my channel if you get a chance to check them out . Thanks again🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 thanks!
i know they're not the most popular but cs69 has to be my favorite. they really sing, on the neck pu especially it has a certain clarity and almost vocal quality that i haven't heard anywhere else. really beautiful sound
I've got a strat with Texas Specials and while it does sound good on it's own it's impossible to be heard in a band context. I've recently tried 2 more strats to compare and both of them sounded much better and had presence in the mix when compared to my Texas Special pickups. The 2 other guitars I tried were an American Fender Stratocaster and an Indonesian Squier Stratocaster and those 2 shared more similarities in tone than my Mexican Fender Roadhouse Strat. When a Squier sounds better than a Fender I guess this Texas Special pickups are just not for what I want to do with the guitar. Again, the cleans sound amazing but without anything else in the mix that would get in the way, and anything seems to get in the way. If you want to play in a band and be heard I recomend anything other than Texas Specials
I use a tx sp set and I lov it but fat 50 is a so gorgeous set I'd like to try it. thanks dylan
Thanks for watching. I love the TS for live work, and can get a traditional Strat sound from them - but there's definitely a more Stratty sound overall from the Fat 50s. Although I find them harder to dial in a thicker and/or driven sound overall.
Best video comparison I’ve seen… 50s or 69 for me… hmmmm…. Decisions decisions!!! Maybe I need to find a vid with some drive on both those… hint hint… 🤘
Many thanks for watching, and for taking the time to comment - I might take the hint! Lots of viewers comment on how good it is to hear the clean sounds, but in reality, many would use some sort of drive I would imagine. I might do the 50s and 69s head to head with low and high gain first (as these are definitely my most popular pups), and see if we then need to do all 4 pups. Stay tuned - subbed and notifications and all that jazz! 😀👍🎸
Hi! I've just made the follow-up video with some gain. Hope you like it 👍🎸
Fat 50s in this comparison were much much better.
Thanks for watching 👍I think the CS Fat 50s are great all-rounders. 🎸
Thank you, Dylan, for doing this RIGHT! Not a single sound interrupted the entire test and I’m very appreciative. I’ll be looking for your comparos in the future.
the progression you played on the bridge/middle was beautiful!!! Felt like Sunday morning. Thanks brother, made my day!
Hi, thanks for watching. That particular music is a song called 'Not With You' from my new album, Cruel To Be Kind. Loads of Strats and other guitars on there! Here's (albeit a low res) audio of it here 👍😁
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Man....I downloaded some of your music. Beautiful stuff.
@@cmmnsenserules4339 thanks very much for listening. It's not all online, but it is available from my website and a music store chain called HMV here in the UK. I'm glad you enjoyed it! The guitars I used will have been featured on the channel too 😃🎸👍
Fat 50’s are the best, then CS 69 and TS.
It would be interesting to hear how they sound with some distortion.
Thanks for your comment. I think I will make a video with some drive - but I didn't want to make the video too overwhelming and long by doing it all in one go. Which pickups do you use?🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Hi Dylan, thanks for the response.
I have the 57/62 on the three Fender AVRI I own, I’m thinking about trying something new and I’m pondering between those three pickups.
Is it true the TS sound so good only when combined to an ash body and the bridge position is pretty lame compared to the others? Any advice?
Cheers 🎵🎶
@@password_xy I like the TS a lot. I gigged for years with an SRV Strat (alder body, TS pickups). Check out my SRV vid. I don't really use the bridge pickup much on its own, but mostly in conjunction with the middle pickup. Check out my Redbud Tree video to see how 'Stratty' that sounds. But I certainly wouldn't say the bridge pickup was lame. Not harsh or glassy anyway. Hope that helps 😊🎸
Agreed, in that order
Hey Dylan nice shoot out. Being a MK nut, I’d personally go for the TS. Now a Question, I have a 1992 wine red Strat Plus with Lace Sensors. Great guitar, although these PU’s never really did it for me. What would you say changing these for TS’s? Thanks, appreciate your work! Michael
Hi Michael, many thanks for watching, and indeed for taking the time to comment. I actually use the MK a lot for my recording with The Atlantic Project, and the Fat 50's for my Stuart Rolfe/Daylight Stealers records. Horses for courses, as they say! With regards to the Lace Sensors, I've had quite a few Strat Plus/Deluxes over the years, and the Golds are my favourite. The only Lace equipped Strat I currently own is the early Clapton Strat (featured on my channel), which has the 3 Golds. I really like the Laces. Especially for live performance. Powerful, quiet and relatively 'Stratty.' No harm at all in switching out. The Strat Pluses are beautifully made guitars (see my ride across the river vid for sound). They're supposedly becoming more collectible now, so you might want to go for a loaded pickguard to preserve all the original electronics for later. One things for sure - a Strat Plus with TS pickups would be a beauty! 😃👍🎸
P.s Michael, I like your channel - just subscribed 👍🎸
Falo aqui do Brasil e me inscrevi em seu canal, parabéns, ganhou mais um fã, sou músico Brasileiro
Hi, thank you so much for subscribing! It's great to have a friend in Brazil! Keep on playing😀
your desktop wallpaper is a selfie lol
It's one of the images from my album. Thanks for watching 👍🎸
Good probe.😎
Serious question...I'm very interested in the fat 50s. Do you have to roll off on the volume to get a nice clean?
Also, have you any experience with the fat 60s pickups?
I pretty much always run wide open on my volume. I tend to use my amps to get the sound I want, with the guitar being constant. Have never had the opportunity to try the 60's, so couldn't advise, I'm afraid.
Thanks for watching.
P.s. I have a few other videos with the Fat 50s on their own - worth a look 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Thank you so much!!!! I'll check them out.
the fat 50s sound amazing!
I think they are the more 'Stratty' sounding pickups. Can't go wrong with them really. Thanks for watching!
50s were rich n warm, 69 were bright but sparkly..... I skipped over the Texas Specials.
Texas Specials are one of my all-time favourites - I used them for years as my main work guitars. People seem very divided over them, but this is worth a minute for those who think they aren't 'Stratty' - just a guitar straight into the amp. Not trying to change your mind, as we all have our own opinions - but I'd definitely not rule them out (especially for live work), as they are so powerful. Thanks again! th-cam.com/video/rUNsfZWxnLs/w-d-xo.html
😮😮👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
Thanks for watching! 🎸👍
I got an FSR (MIM) "tribute" to the Black Strat that came with Fat 50s pickups and it sounds fantastic. The chime that comes from the neck pickup is incredible. They're in GuitarGuitar (UK) for about £750-850, and was the first Fender I bought. It might be the last, or last strat, I get.
Excellent value for money with that one. I can't think of any MIM with CS pickups apart from yours. They are very versatile pickups, and you've got a great guitar there. Are you looking to do the switch mod?
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 sorry mate. I'm fairly new to guitars and I don't know what a switch mod is (is that switching to locking tuners and stuff like that?).
@@raoulduke344 no problem! As your guitar is based on the Black Strat - Gilmour's guitar had a switch mod to allow the use of the neck pickup at any time (e.g. neck and bridge, or all 3 pickups together. I feature my Custom Shop Black Strat in a separate video. I'll paste the link for you. Cheers 👍
@@raoulduke344 th-cam.com/video/guLPNXLRZD8/w-d-xo.html here's the Black Strat 🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Got you now mate. Yes, I was thinking of having one of those switches fitted. I've heard it let's you play both pickups (in 2 or 4 position) in phase as well, so they sound more like humbuckers.
Great comparison!
Thanks for watching 🎸
Can you pretty please tell me about the nut on that beautiful guitar? 2:21 I would so love to have one.
Thanks for watching. That's a Deluxe Strat, and I'm pretty sure that's an LSR Roller Nut. 👍🎸
@@dylansmithguitarist3843 Thank you sir, Ive looked it up and seems to have good reviews.
I appreciate your time..
CS69 resistances are all 5.6 k and are all basically the same. Thank you for video.
Thanks for watching! All resistance figures were taken at the time of recording the video, and are real life values.
What do you prepare for the best strat tone
Thanks for watching. For a classic Strat tone, out of these, I'd say the Fat 50's overall. In my other videos I play with Bareknuckles Sultans, which may be my favourite 'off the shelf' Strat pickups.
The dakota red Strat sounds best to me.
The Fat 50's are a popular favourite. Thanks for watching 👍🎸
What pickup would you say is best for a Knopfler sound?
I think my favourites have to be Bareknuckles Sultans and CS Fat 50s. I've got loads of Knopfler based videos on my channel, with many different pickups - it really depends on the era/songs. Here are the Bareknuckles, but also check them out on my cover of Tunnel of Love solo. Thanks for watching 👍🎸th-cam.com/video/ljiG22NpgtU/w-d-xo.html
Knopfler sound will probably be more determined by switch position, try bridge/middle position.
How do you like the amp?
I absolutely love it in every way. Amazing stage sound, fantastic studio/home sound. Reverb, drive, headphones. All on a boutique hand wired and nice looking amp. I've made tons of videos with it and literally have it in the car for tonight's gig!
Interesting…I liked the CS69 for the neck, the Texas Special in the middle, and the Fat 50s on the bridge.
Maybe I’ll make myself a custom set!
Thanks for the entertaining and informative video.
Thanks for watching. To be honest, my favourite tends to vary by position. I tried a Custom Shop Strat about 6 or 7 years ago that had one of each, and it sounded amazing. Well worth a try 👍🎸
I prefer my stock $229 Squier.
I have a CV 40th Strat and I put the Fat 50's in it. I took them out and put the stock pups back in. Sounds better to me. Didn't sound bad with the Fat 50's but sounds better for what I consider a strat tone with stock. 🤷🏼 Go Squier!
Lol
@@bciecko1he likes it stock
I remember when I preferred my Squire, until I played something much better.
@@realtruenorthit’s all very subjective.
I like my CV 50 Squiers pickups
I have a Custom Shop Strat with a set of Fat 50's and I wouldn't think of changing them. They sound like old pickups. Warm, clear and musical. fat 50's don't get enough love.
Thanks for watching. I think these are superb all-rounders for a 'traditional ' Strat sound. I'd see no reason to change them either 👍🎸
a picture of himself in the backround of yourself dude you really have to love yourself ;DDDD
It's one of the photos from my album artwork for a national music chain store - I quite like it 😁🎸