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Best Humbucker For Hss Strat (2025 Updated)

If you’re looking for a humbucker for your HSS Strat guitar, there are a few factors you should consider before making a purchase. First and foremost, think about what kind of sound you’re looking for. Do you want a warmer, fuller tone, or a brighter, more aggressive one? Different humbuckers have different characteristics, so it’s important to choose one that fits your personal preferences.

Another key factor to consider is compatibility. Not all humbuckers will fit perfectly in an HSS Strat, so it’s important to do your research and make sure the one you choose will work with your guitar’s setup. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the construction and materials of the humbucker, as these can impact the overall sound quality and durability of the product.

Are you tired of lackluster sound from your HSS Strat? Do you want to take your playing to the next level with a more advanced, versatile humbucker? Perhaps you’re a seasoned professional looking for a new way to express yourself, or maybe you’re a beginner who wants to experiment with different sounds. Whatever your level of experience or musical goals may be, the right humbucker can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when selecting a humbucker for your HSS Strat and provide some guidance along the way.

10 Best Humbucker For Hss Strat

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
It is an ideal set of pickups for upgrading a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar.
2
Ideal for upgrading guitar sound with prewired pickups, including humbucker and single cut set, using push-pull wiring harness.
3
Ideal for upgrading Fender Stratocaster guitars with noiseless pickups, prewired scratch plate set, and modern style design.
4
Ideal for upgrading the pickguard and humbucking setup on USA/Mexican Stratocaster guitars for a vintage tortoise look.
5
This product is ideal for protecting the guitar body and enhancing its overall style.
6
The product is ideal for musicians who want a versatile guitar with a unique appearance and high-quality sound.
7
It is ideal for upgrading the pickguard and pickups of a USA/Mexican Stratocaster guitar for better sound quality.
8
Ideal for musicians who want a versatile electric guitar with a classic look and high-quality features.
9
Ideal for guitar enthusiasts looking for a vintage-inspired sound and feel with a modern build quality.
10
This product is ideal for replacing the pickguard and back plate on a standard or modern style Strat guitar.
It is an ideal set of pickups for upgrading a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar.
Ideal for upgrading guitar sound with prewired pickups, including humbucker and single cut set, using push-pull wiring harness.
Ideal for upgrading Fender Stratocaster guitars with noiseless pickups, prewired scratch plate set, and modern style design.
Ideal for upgrading the pickguard and humbucking setup on USA/Mexican Stratocaster guitars for a vintage tortoise look.
This product is ideal for protecting the guitar body and enhancing its overall style.
The product is ideal for musicians who want a versatile guitar with a unique appearance and high-quality sound.
It is ideal for upgrading the pickguard and pickups of a USA/Mexican Stratocaster guitar for better sound quality.
Ideal for musicians who want a versatile electric guitar with a classic look and high-quality features.
Ideal for guitar enthusiasts looking for a vintage-inspired sound and feel with a modern build quality.
This product is ideal for replacing the pickguard and back plate on a standard or modern style Strat guitar.

1. Stratocaster Guitar Humbucker Set By Musiclily

Upgrade your guitar's aesthetic and sound with this 3-ply PVC material made HSS strat style pickguard. It features 11 mounting screw holes for easy installation and durability. The pickguard comes loaded with 2 single-coil pickups and 1 humbucker pickup, all equipped with ceramic magnets for a powerful and dynamic sound. The pre-wired circuit includes 1 volume and 2 tone control knobs, along with a 5-way switch, giving you complete control over your tone. This pickguard set also comes with a full set of knobs, switch, pickups, and pre-wired circuit, making it a convenient and cost-effective upgrade for your guitar.

Crafted from high-quality PVC material, this HSS strat style pickguard is built to last. The 3-ply construction ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, while the 11 mounting screw holes provide a secure and stable attachment to your guitar. The 2 single-coil pickups and 1 humbucker pickup with ceramic magnets deliver a versatile and powerful sound that can handle a wide range of playing styles. The 1 volume and 2 tone control knobs, along with the 5-way switch, allow you to fine-tune your tone to your liking, giving you complete control over your sound. This pickguard set comes with everything you need to upgrade your guitar, making it a hassle-free and cost-effective solution.

If you're looking to upgrade your guitar's sound and style, this 3-ply PVC material made HSS strat style pickguard is a great choice. It features 11 mounting screw holes for easy installation and durability, and comes loaded with 2 single-coil pickups and 1 humbucker pickup with ceramic magnets for a powerful and dynamic sound. The pre-wired circuit includes 1 volume and 2 tone control knobs, along with a 5-way switch, giving you complete control over your tone. With a full set of knobs, switch, pickups and pre-wired circuit included in the package, this pickguard set is a convenient and cost-effective way to upgrade your guitar.

Pros

  • Crafted from high-quality PVC material for durability
  • Equipped with 2 single-coil pickups and 1 humbucker pickup with ceramic magnets for a versatile and powerful sound
  • Pre-wired circuit includes 1 volume and 2 tone control knobs, along with a 5-way switch for complete control over your tone
  • Comes with a full set of knobs, switch, pickups, and pre-wired circuit for a hassle-free and cost-effective upgrade

Cons

  • – May not fit all guitar models

2. Strat Loaded Pickguard With Push-Pull Humbucker

Upgrade the sound of your guitar with the Perfect Guitar Guard Kit, equipped with pre-wired guards for a clear and bright sound. This kit comes with a 5-speed converter that controls the neck and bridge pickups. In the first position, the neck pickup works and pressing the enhanced switch activates both neck and bridge pickups. The second gear enables the neck and mid-range pickups, and pressing the enhanced switch activates all three pickups. The orange 473 or 223 large particle capacitors make the sound more prominent and colorful, making it ideal for professional musicians. The 7-way full load function allows players to combine the single cut function of each pickup and achieve more tones.

Pros

  • Pre-wired guards for easy installation
  • 5-speed converter for control over the pickups
  • Orange capacitors for prominent and colorful sound
  • 7-way full load function for more tonal options
  • Ideal for professional musicians

3. Stratocaster Pro Hss Loaded Pickguard Set

Upgrade your guitar with this high-quality pickguard set that fits USA/Mexico Strat standard HSS routine guitars. Made with 11 holes and 3-ply PVC, this pickguard is durable and built to last. It comes with a set of noiseless Alnico 5 pickups that provide a clear and powerful sound. The three pickup holes are arranged in a single coil-single coil-humbucker configuration, with the neck and middle pickups having a resistance of 5.6K and an inductance of 4.5H, while the bridge humbucker has a resistance of 14.5K and an inductance of 9.6H. The full black pickup covers, switch tips, and knobs parts give your guitar a sleek and professional look.

This loaded pickguard set comes with a full set of pre-wired circuit, switch, knobs, and pickups, making it easy to install and use. It is the perfect upgrade for guitar enthusiasts who want to take their playing to the next level. With its high-quality materials and excellent sound, this pickguard set is sure to impress.

Pros

  • Durable and long-lasting 3-ply PVC pickguard material
  • Powerful and clear sound with noiseless Alnico 5 pickups
  • Sleek and professional look with full black pickup covers, switch tips, and knobs parts
  • Easy to install and use with pre-wired circuit, switch, knobs, and pickups
  • Perfect upgrade for guitar enthusiasts who want to improve their playing

4. Vintage Tortoise Stratocaster Humbucker Pickguard

Introducing a pickguard that is designed to fit American or Mexico Stratocaster Lonestar, Deluxe, Squier affinity series, and other Strat guitar models that have three mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup. In case you want to fit this pickguard to other guitar models, you may need to modify it. The pickguard comes with 2 single coils and 1 bridge humbucker routine, and the humbucker slot is a radius corner shape. Thus, you do not need a pickup ring for this pickguard, and it will fit most open pickups.

This pickguard comes with 11 mounting-screw holes, including 3 mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup. It is made of plastic and has a thickness of 2.0-2.2mm (0.08-0.09 inches). Additionally, it has double layers of protective films on the top and large back shielding for better performance.

Pros

  • Designed to fit American or Mexico Stratocaster Lonestar, Deluxe, Squier affinity series, and other Strat guitar models
  • Humbucker slot has a radius corner shape, and it will fit most open pickups
  • Double layers of protective films on the top for durability
  • Large back shielding for better performance

Cons

  • – May require modification to fit other guitar models

5. Brown Tortoise Pickguard For Hss Floyd Rose Guitar".

The To Fit Strat Floyd Rose Tremolo HSS Humbucker Guitar Pickguard is a brand new product that is made from high-quality materials. It has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and performance. This pickguard is constructed from celluloid and PVC material, which makes it both durable and lightweight.

One of the standout features of this pickguard is that it comes with layers of protective films on the top, which help to prevent scratches and other types of damage to your guitar. This means that you can use your guitar with confidence, knowing that it is well-protected and will continue to look great for years to come.

Overall, the To Fit Strat Floyd Rose Tremolo HSS Humbucker Guitar Pickguard is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to upgrade their guitar or replace an old, worn-out pickguard. It is a high-quality product that is well-made and designed to last, and it comes with all of the features that you need to keep your guitar safe and looking great.

Pros

  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Thoroughly tested for quality and performance
  • Constructed from durable and lightweight celluloid and PVC material
  • Comes with layers of protective films to prevent scratches and damage to your guitar
  • Designed to last and keep your guitar looking great

6. Fender American Performer Stratocaster Hss – Satin Seafoam Green With Maple Fingerboard

The Solidbody Electric Guitar with Alder Body is a great choice for musicians who want a high-quality instrument that delivers outstanding performance. With its sleek and stylish design, this guitar is perfect for players of all levels and styles.

Crafted from high-quality alder wood, the guitar's body offers excellent tonal balance and resonance. This provides a rich and full sound that is perfect for a wide range of genres, from blues and rock to jazz and country.

The guitar features a 1 Humbucker pickup, which delivers a powerful and punchy sound that is perfect for soloing and lead playing. Additionally, there are 2 Single-coil pickups that provide a classic and versatile tone that is perfect for rhythm playing and clean sounds.

The guitar's neck is crafted from maple, providing a smooth and comfortable feel that is perfect for fast and intricate playing styles. The maple fingerboard adds to the guitar's overall tonal balance and provides a bright and crisp sound that is perfect for soloing and lead playing.

The Satin Seafoam Green finish is both stylish and sophisticated, making this guitar a great choice for musicians who want an instrument that looks as good as it sounds.

Pros

  • High-quality alder body for excellent tonal balance and resonance
  • 1 Humbucker pickup for powerful and punchy sound
  • 2 Single-coil pickups for classic and versatile tone
  • Maple neck and fingerboard for smooth and comfortable playing
  • Stylish and sophisticated Satin Seafoam Green finish

7. Pro Strat Hss Pickguard – Vintage Tortoise.

The pickguard is designed to fit American or Mexico Stratocaster Lonestar, Deluxe, Squier affinity series and other Strat guitar models that have two mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup. However, if you wish to fit it to other guitar models, you may need to modify the pickguard.

This pickguard comes with a 2 single coils and 1 bridge humbucker routine. The humbucker slot is in the radius corner shape, which means you don't need a pickup ring for this pickguard. It will fit most open pickups with ease. It has 11 mounting-screw holes, including 2 mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup. The pickguard is made of plastic and has a thickness of 2.0-2.2mm (0.08-0.09 inch). It also features double layers of protective films on the top and large back shielding for added protection.

Pros

  • Fits various Stratocaster guitar models with two mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup
  • Comes with a 2 single coils and 1 bridge humbucker routine
  • Humbucker slot is radius corner shape, making it easy to fit most open pickups
  • Features 11 mounting-screw holes and 2 mounting-screw holes for humbucking pickup
  • Made of plastic but has a thickness of 2.0-2.2mm (0.08-0.09 inch), which adds durability
  • Double layers of protective films on the top and large back shielding provide added protection

Cons

  • – May require modification to fit other guitar models

8. Fender American Performer Stratocaster Hss – Black With Maple Fingerboard

This electric guitar is perfect for those who want to create their own unique sound. With its alder body and maple neck, it produces a warm and full-bodied tone that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. The guitar features two single-coil pickups and one humbucker, which provide a wide range of tonal options. The maple fingerboard provides a smooth and comfortable playing surface, while the black finish gives the guitar a sleek and modern look.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guitar is sure to impress. It's easy to play, versatile, and produces a high-quality sound that will make you the envy of all your friends. So why wait? Order yours today and start making beautiful music!

Pros

  • Produces a warm and full-bodied tone
  • Provides a wide range of tonal options
  • Maple fingerboard provides a smooth and comfortable playing surface
  • Sleek and modern black finish

Cons

  • – No information provided about additional features or accessories

9. Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Walnut, Laurel Fingerboard

The Fender 70s Stratocaster is a high-quality electric guitar that has been designed entirely by Fender. The guitar is inspired by the classic Stratocaster models of the 1970s and features a range of modern improvements.

One of the standout features of the Fender 70s Stratocaster is its Fender-designed alnico pickups. These pickups offer a rich, dynamic sound that is perfect for a range of musical styles. The guitar also features a vintage-tinted gloss neck finish, which gives it a classic look and feel.

In addition to its high-quality pickups and neck finish, the Fender 70s Stratocaster also boasts nickel-plated hardware. This hardware is durable and built to last, ensuring that the guitar will stand up to years of use. And with its right-handed orientation, the guitar is easy to play for right-handed guitarists of all skill levels.

Pros

  • Designed completely by Fender for superior quality and craftsmanship
  • Vintage-inspired design for a classic look and feel
  • Fender-designed alnico pickups provide rich, dynamic sound
  • Nickel-plated hardware is durable and built to last
  • Right-handed orientation makes it easy to play for right-handed guitarists

10. Red Tortoise Hss Pickguard & Back Plate Set

Upgrade the look of your American/Mexican Standard Fender Stratocaster with this high-quality pickguard and backplate set. The pickguard features 11 screw holes on the side and 3 pickup holes, perfectly cut for single coil-single coil-humbucker pickups. The 4-ply construction made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material ensures durability and longevity. The pickguard comes in a stylish red tortoise shell, white, black, and white color combination, adding a touch of elegance to your guitar.

The pickguard also features two layers of thin protective film on the front surface, which can be easily peeled off after installation. Moreover, the backside of the pickguard is lined with pure aluminum foil, providing better shielding and anti-interference properties. The package includes one strat pickguard, one guitar backplate, and 25 pickguard screws, making it a complete set for your convenience.

Pros

  • High-quality pickguard and backplate set
  • Perfectly cut for American/Mexican Standard Fender Stratocaster
  • Durable 4-ply construction made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material
  • Stylish red tortoise shell, white, black, and white color combination
  • Two layers of thin protective film on the front surface
  • Pure aluminum foil shield on the backside for better shielding and anti-interference
  • Complete set including pickguard, backplate, and screws

Best Humbucker For Hss Strat FAQs

Are there any specific considerations to keep in mind when installing a humbucker on an HSS Strat?

Yes, there are specific considerations to keep in mind when installing a humbucker on an HSS Strat. The first thing to consider is the size of the humbucker. HSS Strats usually have single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions, which are smaller than humbuckers. Therefore, you may need to make some modifications to the pickguard or body to fit the humbucker.

Another important consideration is the wiring. HSS Strats have a five-way switch that allows you to select different pickup combinations. With a humbucker, you will need to wire it differently than the single-coil pickups to get the best sound. You may also need to install a coil split switch to allow you to switch between the humbucker and single-coil modes.

It is also important to consider the sound you want to achieve. Humbuckers have a different sound than single-coil pickups, and you may need to adjust the tone and volume controls to get the best sound from your HSS Strat with a humbucker.

Overall, installing a humbucker on an HSS Strat can be a great way to expand your tonal options, but it requires careful consideration and some modifications to get the best results.

Can a single coil be replaced with a humbucker on an HSS Strat without major modifications?

Yes, it is possible to replace a single coil with a humbucker on an HSS Strat without major modifications. However, there are a few things to consider before making the switch.

Firstly, the size of the humbucker may not fit the single coil slot, so some minor modifications may be necessary to make it fit properly. Secondly, the humbucker will require a different wiring setup than the single coil, so it is important to make sure that the wiring is done correctly to avoid any issues with sound or functionality.

It is also important to consider the sound you are looking for. Humbuckers have a different sound than single coils, so replacing a single coil with a humbucker will change the overall tone of the guitar. If you are looking for a more powerful, heavier sound, then a humbucker may be a good choice.

In conclusion, replacing a single coil with a humbucker on an HSS Strat is possible with some minor modifications and proper wiring. However, it is important to consider the size and sound differences before making the switch.

How does adding a humbucker to an HSS Strat affect the guitar's tone?

Adding a humbucker to an HSS Strat can significantly alter the guitar's tone. Humbuckers are known for their thick and warm sound, which can add depth and complexity to the guitar's sound. In an HSS Strat, the humbucker is typically placed in the bridge position, which can provide a more aggressive and punchy sound compared to the single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions.

The addition of a humbucker can also increase the guitar's sustain and provide a more balanced sound across all strings. This is because humbuckers cancel out the hum and noise that can be present in single-coil pickups, resulting in a cleaner and clearer sound.

However, it's worth noting that adding a humbucker to an HSS Strat can also change the guitar's overall character. It may no longer have the traditional Stratocaster sound that many players are accustomed to, so it's important to consider this before making any modifications.

Overall, adding a humbucker to an HSS Strat can be a great way to expand your guitar's tonal capabilities and provide a more versatile sound.

What are the best humbuckers for an HSS Strat?

When it comes to choosing the best humbuckers for an HSS Strat, there are several options available in the market. The most popular humbuckers for HSS Strats include Seymour Duncan JB, DiMarzio Tone Zone, and EMG 81.

The Seymour Duncan JB humbucker is known for its versatile tone, which makes it an ideal choice for HSS Strats. This pickup delivers a high output with a balanced tone and excellent sustain. The DiMarzio Tone Zone is another popular option, which offers a warm, rich tone with a strong midrange. It is perfect for players who want a pickup that can handle high-gain situations.

The EMG 81 humbucker is also a great choice for HSS Strats. It is a high-output pickup that delivers a tight and aggressive tone. This pickup is perfect for metal and hard rock players who want a pickup that can deliver high-gain distortion.

Ultimately, the best humbuckers for an HSS Strat will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to try out different pickups and see which one works best for you.

What wiring options are available for an HSS Strat with a humbucker?

There are several wiring options available for an HSS (humbucker-single-single) Strat with a humbucker. One popular option is the "auto-split" wiring, which automatically splits the humbucker coil when the switch is in the second or fourth position, giving you a cleaner single-coil sound. Another option is the "coil split" wiring, which allows you to manually split the humbucker coil using a push/pull or mini-toggle switch, giving you more control over your tone. Additionally, you can use a "series/parallel" wiring, which combines the humbucker and the single-coil pickups in either series or parallel configurations, providing you with a wider range of tonal options. Finally, you can also use a "blender" wiring, which allows you to blend the humbucker and single-coil sounds together, creating a unique and versatile tone. Whatever wiring option you choose, it's important to consider your playing style and musical preferences to find the best fit for your needs.

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