My top choice for almost 30 years, Fralin Strat Pickups

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  • Опубликовано: 11 янв 2025

Комментарии • 141

  • @Gern5838
    @Gern5838 Год назад +16

    I bought this pickup combination because of this video and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. They’re amazing! Thanks.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +2

      That’s just great. They are unbeatable. You can do different, but would be hard pressed to do “better”. Thanks for watching.

    • @bobbyglass7214
      @bobbyglass7214 3 месяца назад

      What set up did you buy. I have just purchased the hot set but just saw this video. So what setup did u get?

    • @tjk3380
      @tjk3380 Месяц назад

      Vintage Hots with a Blues Special in the bridge. Just like the set in this video.

  • @andybown68
    @andybown68 Год назад +10

    I must have watched this six times over the last few months. Great playing!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +2

      Well, given the wealth of fine players on RUclips, I appreciate that. Thanks so much for watching.

    • @RyanFixesCars
      @RyanFixesCars Год назад +2

      Same here 😂 his style is just like mine but 30+ years better than mine too haha I keep coming back to hear his playing. Goosebumps everytime. Just excellent!

  • @tp5776
    @tp5776 2 года назад +11

    Sounds so good. I still have my fathers 69 strat he bought new. One pickup didn't work, one was weak and I was in a delima of getting rewinds on the originals. I wasn't going to let just anybody do it. I'd read Fralin was going to stop doing rewinds and referred rewinds elsewhere, I didn't Get a reply......so took a shot and told my needs about my fathers 69 strat on a Fralin you tube video. Surprisingly Jenny Fralin replied and told me to send them but the wait would be 6 to 8 weeks (I didn't mind). So I sent them with a check for probably double what rewinds cost, with a note saying keep the change and if owed more send me a bill. I got the pickups back in less than three weeks. Results are amazing! I put the Fralin paperwork in the guitar case. I'm grateful they did the rewinds. Great Top Notch People!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  2 года назад +2

      That’s a great story. Funny my very first Strat was a 69 or a 70 (I’ll never know, I bought it new in early 1970 and we didn’t much pay attention to that sort of thing back then). It was white with the maple board exactly like the one I saw Jimi play at the Forum in LA.
      You can pay a lot more but I don’t believe anyone winds better single coils than Lindy Fralin.
      Thanks for watching.

    • @jefffree3053
      @jefffree3053 Год назад +1

      Is that guitar for sale by chance ?

    • @tp5776
      @tp5776 Год назад

      @@jefffree3053 Not at this time, but my children have no real interest. And what interest they do have are other guitars I bought new decades ago. No family are great lead players. So eventually I'll probably sale it, but just not there yet. But thanks for asking.

    • @jefffree3053
      @jefffree3053 Год назад

      @@tp5776 Your welcome, I could only imagine the wonderful collection your family is blessed with. Please keep me mind if you ever decide to part ways with it! Best wishes to you and your family. Take care friend ✌️

  • @fredmoss9451
    @fredmoss9451 Год назад +7

    Excellent demo of pickups and might I say quite exquisite playing. Kudos man !
    Thanks for keeping the blues alive.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      Thank you so much for watching. Folks like you are why the effort is worth it.

  • @bluesman815
    @bluesman815 11 месяцев назад +3

    The Ronnie Earl tone! I recently put Fralin pickups in my strat. I got the blues special in the bridge, real 54s in the middle and vintage hot in the neck. I dig them very much. Great playing man. Great tone.

  • @fralininfo5588
    @fralininfo5588 Год назад +4

    Nice playing, and thanks for making this video!

  • @RyanFixesCars
    @RyanFixesCars Год назад +3

    I searched long and hard for the perfect pickups for a sweet exotic wood strat I'm building. This video locked it in. Lindy Fralin for the win!

  • @druwk
    @druwk Год назад +5

    Great tone! Agreed…Lindy Fralin Strat pickups are amazing! Vintage Hot neck, middle with Blues special is magic.
    I have a parts-caster that I was thinking of converting to a PAF loaded machine, but this post is doing a lot to keeping my Strat right where it is!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад

      They are wonderful pickups. All you’d ever need unless you want something non-traditional.
      Thanks so much for watching.

    • @jimkostan9932
      @jimkostan9932 Год назад

      ​@@leonardgriffieblues5845you said the word traditional. I own a 1962 and a 1963 original Fender Stratocaster. Is the guitarist of 55 years plus playing, I put vintage hot in my 63 STRAT. To me they're to crisp they're too harsh they're not warm or soulful. But I'm glad you like em. These are not for every GUITAR player.

  • @stringtheoryx
    @stringtheoryx 7 месяцев назад +4

    I agree about Fralins. Lindy has superlative ears. Evidently, so do you. 🙂
    That's very fluent and relaxed playing, really spot-on lines for demoing each pickup combo.

  • @mortonwilson795
    @mortonwilson795 Год назад +1

    OK - just found this after watching your Vintera II vid . . . I can see why you went for these, noted! Articulation and distinct personality on each position is just impeccable! Thanks.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      Well thanks. Yep, Lindy’s pickups are really unbeatable if you’re after the classic sounds. I’m glad you’ve found my channel.

  • @portsideguitar1981
    @portsideguitar1981 2 года назад +8

    Wow, that’s THE sound! Awesome playing man. Can’t believe that’s out of the Tonemaster…great!

  • @jonathanhandsmusic
    @jonathanhandsmusic Год назад +4

    The Fralins sound great. You’re getting me thinking about putting three of those in my old Strat. I’ve never even seen the backs of mine after almost 30 years of playing it! Great playing man!

  • @lazvt8469
    @lazvt8469 7 месяцев назад +2

    Ordered a lefty loaded pickguard with that exact combo a few days ago...can't wait to get them ...and hear them here.

  • @italoop7850
    @italoop7850 2 года назад +6

    Love THE tone and soul in your blues playing, Leonard! Pickups are fantastic, always well balanced, never harsh or muddy, always true to a great Strat! Getting my Vintage Hots deliverd while writing here... can't wait! Fralins rule!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  2 года назад +1

      Thank you my friend. Those vintage hots will satisfy. 😎

    • @jimkostan9932
      @jimkostan9932 Год назад

      I'm just the opposite of your opinion I'm not a fan of Lindy Fralin vintage hots pickups. As a guitarist who's been playing guitar since 1966. I own several vintage pre-cbs Fender stratocasters which tone wise blows Lindy fralin pickups out of the water. Depending on what kind of music you're into, I just know the crisp sound w/ harsh treble sounding pickups isnt for me.

  • @thomasd9237
    @thomasd9237 9 месяцев назад +2

    Yep. Known of Lindy since the mid '80s (late?)
    Extremely cool guy. He also makes The Best
    pickups for a Tele and the added bonus that he'll help
    you if you want a custom wind is amazing. 👍👍

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  9 месяцев назад

      Yeah, one of the good ones for sure. And as you say, always willing to help.
      Thanks so much for watching.

  • @shawnmartin4701
    @shawnmartin4701 Год назад +3

    That is some fantastic playing my friend. Keep on keeping on.

  • @bilparker6830
    @bilparker6830 2 года назад +4

    Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I have a new Squire CV 60’s strat and I could not decide which set I like. But this, this is the answer. Blues on the bridge and Vintage on the neck ad middle. To my ears, this is a great setup. I also have a Squier thinline semi hollow cv 60’s which I put Fralin Blues Special pups. Wow! Amazing tone. Love Fralin p/u’s!
    Thank also for sharing your wonderful blues. Rock on!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  2 года назад

      Many thanks for the kind comments.
      And yes, as I say, Fralins are unbeatable as far as I’m concerned. Not that there aren’t many, many impressive pickups. But they’re a little different, not superior.

  • @TheMadStrater
    @TheMadStrater 11 месяцев назад +3

    Man, simply put, your tone is enviable! I agree - Fralins are great, but you're fingers are layin it down friend!

  • @MiguelBraz
    @MiguelBraz Год назад +3

    Great tone out of those Fralins and blues your playing excels. Well done !

  • @CBguitarfun
    @CBguitarfun 8 месяцев назад +1

    Love the vibe and tone. Had been searching different Fralin pickups and found your video. Chose this setup for a Schecter strat copy and are amazing in it. The combo did not disappoint. Thanks for sharing this!

  • @RedBaron33131
    @RedBaron33131 6 месяцев назад +1

    Awesome playing Leonard! You are such a good guy. That sounds so good just plugged straight in! Definitely Ronnie Earl sounding, which I just love. Thank you my friend…….

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  6 месяцев назад

      Thank you so much. I’m sure Ronnie and I listened to all the same people.

  • @waynemitchell-jv1cf
    @waynemitchell-jv1cf Год назад +3

    Awesome playing. Amazing tone!

  • @cantstartafire
    @cantstartafire 7 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks man! I was on the website but I couldn't decide on what pick up combo would be best. Totally trying the vintage hots and the blues. Sounds great man!

  • @guitarzan0515
    @guitarzan0515 2 года назад +3

    Those do sound AWSOME! Great playing as usual!

  • @blazeofglory1982
    @blazeofglory1982 2 месяца назад +1

    Longtime fralin user. Their noiseless P90’s are incredible.

  • @rosslunato8111
    @rosslunato8111 Год назад +2

    Beautiful playing and tone! I hear a little Coco Montoya in your playing and I mean that in the highest of praise.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      Well thank you my friend. Yes, I’ve seen Coco, though he is one I’ve never shared a bill with. He is a terrific player and while I’d never thought of any similarity, of course, at the end of the day, we all listened to the same guys. Thanks for watching.

  • @bobbyglass7214
    @bobbyglass7214 3 месяца назад +1

    The sound is awesome

  • @joergsander2022
    @joergsander2022 10 месяцев назад +1

    Danke!

  • @Gilyslas
    @Gilyslas Год назад

    Great blues chops, coming from the soul. Love the pups, going to order some for my old American 1988 Strar. She needs a wake up call and these pups might be the answer. Thanks for post. :)

  • @simoneric8183
    @simoneric8183 Год назад +2

    There's something you said that gave me the feeling that it would be interesting to get to know you more : it's when you said in the intro "now it's time to recalibrate my ears". And that's also what I feel I have to answer to : what do I want finally ? I want those pickups give clarity, depth, balance, character and beauty (musicality)
    The more I listen to the blues, the more I love it. That's because of players like you. So I owe you an immense thank you !
    I'm fond of blues because I love music, I play guitar mainly because of the tones. I bought a cheap chinese Strat copy and saw a used set of Fullertone vintage pickups that I tried to put in the Strat but I'll have to find some replacement for the bridge which is not working any longer...
    Would you say that I can replace it with some Fralin pickup (leaving the neck and middle as is) and would you have any advice on which model (64 or Special) to choose to come as close as possible to this 50s' Fullertone sound ? (Special or 64).
    Thank you for your infos. I subscribe !

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      Thanks so much. That I can be helpful is very gratifying.
      There’s no reason you couldn’t use a Fralin in the bridge. While DC resistance doesn’t tell the whole story, if you’re able to measure the output of your current pickups that would help you decide which model. But if not, it really doesn’t hurt to err on the hot side for the bridge. Something like a vintage hot or blues should work fine. There is a possibility, when mixing brands, of encountering phase issues. But with these simple two conductor pickups all you’d have to do is swap leads if it’s out of phase with the existing set (ie: hot becomes ground). Email or call Lindy if you have questions or concerns. He’s incredibly helpful.

  • @MrRobistro
    @MrRobistro 2 года назад +2

    stopped by to give a thumbs up on your great blues playing ! regardless of which guitar/pickups you play :)

  • @djcurtis9547
    @djcurtis9547 2 года назад +1

    Leonard Great tone and Vibrato and Awesome Playing Those Pickups sound so Beautiful Yes Now I see why you have them on that Gorgeous Stratocaster Thanks for this Awesome INFORMATIVE video If I decide to change out the Fender Mexican Stratocaster I will put these in but I just purchased a Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster my favorite Ultimate Supreme Stratocaster Thanks Leonard Always learning something new

  • @TheNemorosa
    @TheNemorosa 2 года назад +2

    I just looked those Fralin pickups up - not cheap! I have an 86 Japanese Stratocaster, but no idea what pickups are in as I bought second hand back in the mid 90's, but it always sounded good to me. Oh and great playing as usual!

  • @dukeravenshadow5532
    @dukeravenshadow5532 6 месяцев назад +1

    Snap that was a heck of a bend, almost to the top! Whew!

  • @say_when5988
    @say_when5988 Год назад +1

    🤯🤯🤯 Love that tone!

  • @rowanmurphy5239
    @rowanmurphy5239 Год назад +2

    Please do an A/B comparison to Ron Ellis 50/60s in the same guitar! They're both excellent!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +4

      I’m aware of Ron Ellis and I’m sure they’re great. I’d love to compare them but at $750 a set, someone would have to send me a set to review. My channel’s still young and I’m not making any money at this, so I don’t have that kind of budget.
      Thanks for watching.

  • @davidb0064
    @davidb0064 Год назад +1

    Nice playing!

  • @visonstj
    @visonstj Год назад +1

    Feel so good ❤

  • @76standard
    @76standard 6 месяцев назад

    I'm curious to know what tone capacitor value is being used in Leonard's Strat. And, is it wired for standard Strat wiring per Fender.
    I have these pickups in my Fender MIJ '54 reissue Strat. It's core tone is a bit on the bright side, which is okay, but I prefer slightly more emphasis on mid or bass. The Blues Specials are 5% overwound which thickens up your tone.
    The wiring is the Premier Guitar Tone Split Mod. This gives the flexibility of using two controls. One tone control (closest to the volume knob) is for the neck and middle pickup using a 0.047 paper in oil capacitor. The second tone control is for the bridge pickup. It can be used in combination with the first tone control, thus blending the two. The second tone control has a 0.033 paper in oil capacitor to tame some of the brightness of this guitar. All pots are CTS 250k.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  5 месяцев назад

      It’s been awhile but I think the cap is probably .022. It could be .047 because I’ve used those too. In any case pots are the standard 250K and the only mod is same as I always do, move the second tone control to the bridge.
      I’ll know soon because the volume pot is cutting out so I need to take it apart.

    • @76standard
      @76standard 5 месяцев назад

      @@leonardgriffieblues5845 Thanks for responding. OBTW, love your playing on the video.
      I too have wired my Strat to use the second tone control for the bridge pickup. Very nice mod that tames the highs on the bridge pickup. I went to Lindy Fralin's website and he recommends using a 0.022 cap in the wiring. That seems to make sense because he is seeking tonal clarity especially with the neck pickup. I think it will also help with the in between position when combining the neck and middle pickup.
      Sorry to hear that your volume pot is cutting out. When I have been "under the hood" doing wiring changes (blender pot, caps, etc.) I spray a bit of Deoxit in the pots to keep them in good working order. Mind you, that is not always a solution to a worn or malfunctioning pot, but its kind of like preventive maintenance for a vehicle.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks. Yeah, I thought of trying the spray first but honestly, that pot’s been in there since the 80s and I have a few in the parts cupboard so I’ll just replace it. No big deal.

  • @pawekorzeniewski4510
    @pawekorzeniewski4510 5 месяцев назад +1

    Great playing. What’s your opinion about Franlin’s Blues Special on neck and middle?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  5 месяцев назад

      Fralin pickups are all good. Which ones work best depends a lot on the guitar, and of course, what you’re going for. They’re great in a naturally bright guitar. Also very good for pushing the front end of a blackface style amp. But maybe not the very best choice if you’re going for a sparkly or chimey sound. Thanks so much for watching.

  • @Nightryder7
    @Nightryder7 7 месяцев назад +2

    Is this best combination of fralin pick up? Or all blues special or vintage .

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  7 месяцев назад

      It’s going to depend on how you play and the guitar itself. There’s really no best. In general I like a little hotter bridge pickup so that position doesn’t sound too thin, otherwise it’s just personal taste. You can phone or email Fralin and tell ‘em what you’re after. They’re very helpful.
      Thanks for watching.

  • @ToniViasetti
    @ToniViasetti Год назад +2

    have you tried the split blade ones? i want to reduce hum but still want clarity

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      I’ve not tried the split blades yet. Hopefully I will before too long. Thanks so much for watching.

  • @Phantomphlyer1
    @Phantomphlyer1 2 года назад +2

    I have a Tonemaster DR too, just curious what your settings are for this (attenuator, volume, bass, treble, reverb). Thanks!

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  2 года назад +3

      Let’s see. The volume’s between 6 and 7, treble on 7, bass on 5 reverb on 4, and I record with the power on the lowest setting.
      Keep in mind I’ve brought my black one up to blond specs by doing the firmware update and installing a Celestion Neo-Creamback.

  • @MikeBlackMKB
    @MikeBlackMKB 7 месяцев назад +1

    Got 54s in my strat smoking pups

  • @digipeet2866
    @digipeet2866 Год назад +1

    wowww..the best strat sound ever..are these hum cancelling with overdrive?.. noisless?

  • @angusorvid8840
    @angusorvid8840 Год назад +1

    Nice tone and playing. Do you use anything like the Ilich silent strat system to negate 60 cycle hum?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +2

      Thank you. No, I don’t use any sort of noise cancelling system. Good shielding is enough for most real world situations. I achieve very little hum when recording just by positioning myself for the least amount and live it’s rarely heard above the band and the crowd. If the room is particularly problematic I may have to stick with hum cancelling positions, but that doesn’t happen often. Proper shielding really does cut it way down.
      Thanks for watching.

  • @finoroverato7640
    @finoroverato7640 4 месяца назад +1

    Hi
    When you say vintage hot neck and middle is it the standard 6kohm ones?

  • @LivioC
    @LivioC 6 месяцев назад +1

    Wow, excellent

  • @bluerfoot
    @bluerfoot 2 месяца назад +1

    Hot playing

  • @philnewton2011
    @philnewton2011 2 года назад +1

    Holy modal, Strat Man!

  • @michaelogden5093
    @michaelogden5093 2 года назад +1

    Very nice and I'm in the market for replacements. What strings you use's?

  • @Ingeborg323
    @Ingeborg323 6 месяцев назад

    Kloppmann-pickups are the best!!!!!!!!! Kloppmann-Germany! Also the MiMarzio Blue Velvet ist very good, to!

  • @rjo8500
    @rjo8500 Год назад +1

    Nice playing. Bridge sounds overwound?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      Thanks. Yes, the Fralin Blues model is hotter and darker than the Vintage Hots, which makes it a nice choice for the bridge. Of course Vintage Hots in all positions is nice as well, if you want a slightly more traditionally bright bridge, or you could maintain a similar relationship with lower overall output by using, say, the regular vintage wind neck and middle, and a Vintage Hot in the bridge. Also a great sounding set. Hard to go wrong. Thanks for watching.

  • @yachinyphotography
    @yachinyphotography 2 года назад +1

    Great frasing, 👍. Avg cost for those pickups?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  2 года назад +1

      Thanks. New, they run about $297. But a little patience and you can always find them used for less than $200.

  • @Lordofmrak
    @Lordofmrak Год назад +1

    Hm, is it possible to put those pickups on PRS Silver Sky SE?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  Год назад +1

      I nearly did that when I had a SE Silver Sky and did some research. Apparently you have to slightly open up the pickup openings in the guard. It’s not hard. Just wrap sandpaper around something cylindrical like a pencil and go around each pickup opening until the standard Strat pickups fit. I decided not to modify the guitar because I can’t afford to keep them all and keep the channel going. Thanks for watching and I hope this helps.

    • @Lordofmrak
      @Lordofmrak Год назад +1

      Thanks for your detailed answer and for sharing the knowledge, appreciate it!@@leonardgriffieblues5845

  • @Lordofmrak
    @Lordofmrak 6 месяцев назад

    Do you have some hum-cancelling system on guitar? Fralin used to sell those. If not, how do you deal with hum?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  6 месяцев назад +1

      Nothing other than copper foil shielding, which helps, but doesn’t eliminate hum. I don’t have a lot of hum issues here in my studio though. Pretty electrically quiet environment. But to answer your question, I deal with him the same way everyone always has. Just quick with the volume knob. If the venue is so electrically noisy that the hum comes through even in a full band mix, then I may have to resort to the hum cancelling positions for everything. Not ideal, but the quality of the show is the first priority.

    • @Lordofmrak
      @Lordofmrak 6 месяцев назад

      @@leonardgriffieblues5845 Fralin Split Blades would not be a good enough solution?

  • @dukeravenshadow5532
    @dukeravenshadow5532 5 месяцев назад

    Just curious, what’s your wiring diagram look like?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  5 месяцев назад +1

      Standard vintage style wiring except I’ve moved the wire for the second tone control to the bridge pickup rather than the middle. I believe the tone cap is the standard .022uf.

    • @dukeravenshadow5532
      @dukeravenshadow5532 5 месяцев назад +1

      @@leonardgriffieblues5845 Awesome, thank you.

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  5 месяцев назад +1

      Any time.

  • @jeffborges7575
    @jeffborges7575 11 месяцев назад

    Which capacitor did you use?

    • @leonardgriffieblues5845
      @leonardgriffieblues5845  11 месяцев назад

      Probably a .022, but it’s been awhile and that pickguard has been wired a long time. Doesn’t much matter for what you’re hearing in the demo, since the tone is mostly wide open to demo the pickups.

  • @lindamcguigan5989
    @lindamcguigan5989 2 года назад +1

    Mr Wonderful superb

  • @jimkostan9932
    @jimkostan9932 Год назад

    As a guitarist of 55+ years I put Lindy Fralin, VINTAGE Hots in my 62 ORIGINAL FENDER STRATOCASTER,& FRANKLY I AM NOT A FAN OF THESE.MY ORIGINAL 62 PUPS ARE WARMER & SMOOTHER SOUNDING tone wise,& HANDS DOWN I prefer Fender original pickups that came with the 1962 Fender.BUT FoR MEXICAN STRATS WELL, probably a huge upgrade ,,, I'm guessing because I NEVER OWNED Anything MIM, but I know there a step down from real vintage USA PICKUPS.Sorry but I am not a fan of these,Lindy Fralin pups, too crisp sounding pickups & no warmth. Lindy fralin pickups are louder than my original 62 strat but the tone isn't anywhere close.

  • @christophervincent8420
    @christophervincent8420 2 года назад +1

    That is definitely hard to beat

  • @MrTele57
    @MrTele57 2 года назад +1

    Your playing is So tasty.