SUB 1 pickup question

[mischultz]

Long story, but I recently sold my Strat back to its original owner: more of a karmic decision than a logical one necessarily, but it felt - and feels - absolutely right. Anyway, I found a smoking deal on a 2 PU SUB 1 on Craigslist this week. Perfect shape and there's just something very Leo (F) about these, which is right up my alley. Now to the point: the seller told me that this had a Seymour Duncan Jazz in the neck, which I assumed to be an aftermarket thing. But after popping it open, the dressing and work appears identical to the bridge pickup, so either it came this way originally (textured black and diamond plate probably aren't going to coincide with a creme zebra, so I'm doubting it) or both PUs were replaced by the same tech and the bridge is something else entirely.

I suppose this is a long way of saying, what was the original spec? Just curious as I assess my options moving forward. The bridge PU that was in there was a little to middy for my taste. The neck, whatever it is, is much closer to the more open, more dynamic thing I'm after. Pondering a Harmonic Design Z90, which I've loved previously in another context/instrument, but I'd certainly appreciate knowing what those who know these best intended them to have.

Thanks, and best -

Michael

 

[jamminjim]

Your description of the pups sounds to me like they are stock pups. The stock pups were not made by DiMarzio, so everyone says, but they were made to be like Paf's. Lots of folks here love the stock pups, and many really like the neck pickup, myself included. The stock Sub 1 pickups look alot like DiMarzios but they only have the words "neck" and "bridge" stamped in the brass.

Here's what a stock Sub 1 twin hummer looks like under the guard.......

 

[Slingy]

Nice score. Musicman scale lengths are 25.5 just like Fenders, the area behind the bridge is smaller and the headtock is shorter so they feel similar but balance better.

Full specs are here.

Ernie Ball Forums - SUBOC (SUB Guitar Owner Club)

 

[mischultz]

Your description of the pups sounds to me like they are stock pups. The stock pups were not made by DiMarzio, so everyone says, but they were made to be like Paf's. Lots of folks here love the stock pups, and many really like the neck pickup, myself included. The stock Sub 1 pickups look alot like DiMarzios but they only have the words "neck" and "bridge" stamped in the brass.

Here's what a stock Sub 1 twin hummer looks like under the guard.......

Pretty close to what I'm seeing as well, especially the prep at the pot/switch end. And I did notice a few photos on the SUBOC with a zebra in the neck, so whatever else may be true, this does look like the original setup. Today I pulled the bridge PU, moved the neck down and ran through my favorite (though it's a little ill at the moment) amp. I think that's going to be the winning arrangement for the time being. I may even order up a 1 PU pickguard and run with it: rock and roll minimalism at its best.

Michael

 

[jamminjim]

Michael, Sub1's didn't ever come stock with "zebra" pups. Only black.

 

[mischultz]

Michael, Sub1's didn't ever come stock with "zebra" pups. Only black.

Turns out, I think this may have been Q-4000's. That, or my seller borrowed the photos (and supplied an MM hardcase), but it seems mostly likely that they're one and the same.

In any case, it sustains for just about ever, which is a pleasant surprise; just a fine instrument acoustically, and as soon as I can get the config to where I'm happy with it, this may be a long-term keeper.

Michael

 

[Sticky1973]

.... it sustains for just about ever, ....just a fine instrument acoustically, and as soon as I can get the config to where I'm happy with it, this may be a long-term keeper.

You know, brother, that right there is one of the things that really grabbed me about my Sub.

It rings with such fullness, unplugged; a keeper indeed.