Fralin Strat Pickups

[phoenix]

Just bought a used Don Grosh Retro Classic with Fralin pickups. Sounds fantastic except for the bridge p/up in high fret positions. Hard to tell which model Fralins it has, but by the sound I'm guessing "Hot Vintage" (will have to open up the guitar to be sure though). I'd like a fatter treble p/up sound while retaining some of the nice vintage Strat sound and detail. Anybody have experience comparing or using the Fralin Blues or high output pickups. Would one of these be close to what I'm looking for? Any other pickup recommendations? Thanks

[Big Mike]

Just bought a used Don Grosh Retro Classic with Fralin pickups. Sounds fantastic except for the bridge p/up in high fret positions. Hard to tell which model Fralins it has, but by the sound I'm guessing "Hot Vintage" (will have to open up the guitar to be sure though). I'd like a fatter treble p/up sound while retaining some of the nice vintage Strat sound and detail. Anybody have experience comparing or using the Fralin Blues or high output pickups. Would one of these be close to what I'm looking for? Any other pickup recommendations? Thanks

Fralin Blues with his base plate would probably fix you right up. Very cool set up. The base plate makes it mimick a tele just a lil bit.

[phoenix]

Thanks, Mike. Checked out the pickups last night -- the bridge pickup has the base plate on it. No markings as to which model p/up it is, but I still think it's probably hot vintage. If that's the case (will check with Grosh to be sure), I'll seriously consider the Blues model. thanks again.

[Big Mike]

Thanks, Mike. Checked out the pickups last night -- the bridge pickup has the base plate on it. No markings as to which model p/up it is, but I still think it's probably hot vintage. If that's the case (will check with Grosh to be sure), I'll seriously consider the Blues model. thanks again.

He's got a new one i forget what it's called. Stainless Steel pole peices, adjustable, magnet o bottom. Basically a p90 in strat clothing. Might be an option as well.

Cheers,
Mike

[phoenix]

Mike,

Yeah, I'm thinking seriously about the hotter Fralin pickups, including that P-90. Thanks! :dude:

[Stratmeister]

I have the Fralin Vintage Hots in a '57 RI and really like them a lot. It does require the baseplate. My other favorites if you haven't tried them are the Suhr V100's, Bill Lawrance L-280's, and the Fender 57/62 reissues. All are great pickups in a Strat, vintagey meaning mid heavy, clear, and the old "bell like" description, quack in the neck.

The Lawrence's are only like $120 a set or something. The Fender's are all over ebay, get a deal and try them if you haven't.

[tmihm]

I've had both the Vintage Hots and the Blues Specials (and about 15 other sets!!!...) ...both with the baseplates in my #1 Strat. I prefer the sound of the Blues Specials...I can't really describe the difference, but the wild thing I discovered is how a pickup will sound COMPLETELY different from one Strat to the next.

So where am I now?

The V.H.'s got sold, the B.S.'s got moved to my #2 Strat, and I put Kinmans in my #1.

I'm in heaven. No rip on the Fralins - they are awesome pickups...but the Kinmans sound better to my ear...and NO hum.;)

[Lyle Long]

Just a quick heads up. Most Grosh guitars that have Fralin's are loaded with Blues Specials. The Blues Specials were originally made for Grosh and were later sold to end users. Don does offer Vintage Hots but they are used far less overall. I would suggest you send Don an EMail about the guitar including Serial Number. Don keeps detailed records of every guitar he has built. He will be able to tell you what is in the guitar.

I've been involved with Grosh since serial numbers were in two digits and personally own three instruments by him. ( Note my Avatar - It's my Grosh Bent Top Custom) Congrats on the Grosh! They are killer!

[phoenix]

Very interesting stuff. Will definitely check into the Kinmans, Bill Lawrence, Suhr and Fender pickups. Will email Don, too, to doublecheck on what I've got in the guitar now. Thanks, everyone, for the great info. :D