Guitar Pickups HSS vs HSH: Which Configuration Reigns Supreme?

Guitarists really care about the setup of their pickups because it changes the sound. Let’s look at HSS (humbucker-single-single) and HSH (humbucker-single-humbucker) setups and how they compare.

A lot of people like the HSS setup. It has a strong-sounding humbucker pickup at the bridge end and two bright-sounding single-coil pickups in the middle and near the neck. This mix is good for many different playing styles.

But the HSH setup has humbuckers in both the bridge and neck spots. These thicker pickups make the sound louder and reduce unwanted noise. Plus, your sound has a sharp-sounding single-coil in the middle for extra variety.

Which pickup setup you go for depends on what kind of music you play and what you like. Trying out both can help you find the unique sounds you can add to your guitar playing.

Understanding Guitar Pickups

Pickup Basics

Guitar pickups are important for creating your music’s sound. They are magnets that catch the movements of your guitar strings. They then change them into electric signals that your amplifier can, well, amplify. 

There are different kinds of pickups, like single coils and humbuckers. Each type produces a different sound. 

Understanding combinations of pickups, such as HSS (humbucker, single coil, single coil) and HSH (humbucker, single coil, humbucker), is key. It helps you choose the best one for your style of playing music.

HSS Configuration

The HSS setup means you have one big humbucker pickup at the end of the strings and two thinner single-coil pickups in the middle and near the head of the guitar.

Understanding combinations of pickups, such as HSS (humbucker, single coil, single coil) and HSH (humbucker, single coil, humbucker), is key

This combination lets you make different sounds. Deep and strong ones from the humbucker and clear, ringing ones from the single coils. It’s a good option for playing rock, blues, and jazz music.

HSH Configuration

The HSH setup means you have two humbuckers (one near the end of the strings and one near the head) and one single coil between them.

This mix lets you get deep and rich sounds from the humbuckers and clear, sharp sounds from the single coil. It’s great if you like the strong sound of humbuckers but also want to make different sounds with their guitar.

HSS vs HSH: Core Differences

Sound Characteristics

Looking at how HSS and HSH pickups sound, each kind gives you a different type of sound. The HSS has a setup with one humbucker and two single coils. The humbucker near the end of the strings makes deep sounds. The single coils in the middle and near the head make clear and bright sounds.

The HSH has a humbucker, a single coil, and another humbucker. This gives you a strong and rich sound. The humbuckers make louder sounds and don’t get noisy when you turn up the distortion. The single coil in the middle lets you create sharp and clear sounds, too.

Versatility and Flexibility

If you want your guitar to make many different sounds, the HSS setup is a good choice. People who like the classic sound of a Stratocaster guitar really like it. The single coils in the middle and neck make bright and clear sounds. The humbucker near the strings’ end makes the guitar sound deeper and fuller.

The HSH setup has two humbuckers and is good for people who play loud and heavy music. Rock and metal guitar players like it because it can make strong sounds. They handle loud, distorted noises well. But it also has a single coil in the middle, so you can still get clear and articulate sounds when needed.

Common Uses in Music

Knowing when to use HSS and HSH pickups is handy for guitar players who play different kinds of music. The HSS is good for many styles because it can produce bright, clear, and heavier, loud sounds. People who play pop, blues, country, and classic rock often use it.

The HSH is great for louder, more powerful music like hard rock, metal, and progressive music. The two humbuckers make the guitar sound strong and full. But the HSH can also do more than just loud music. The single coil in the middle lets you play clearer, sharper notes, too.

Guitar Players and Pickup Preferences

HSS (humbucker-single-single) and HSH (humbucker-single-humbucker) pickup configurations are popular for their unique sounds and flexibility. Guitarists pick these setups for specific reasons. Pros often choose their pickups based on the exact sound they want for their songs. 

Many players like HSS for its mix of humbuckers’ warmth and single coils’ clear tones. It’s great for players who play many types of music. The HSH is good if you like the strong sound of humbuckers but also sometimes want the sharp, detailed sound of a single coil. 

Professional Players and HSS or HSH

Famous guitarists known for using the HSS configuration include big names like:

• Jimi Hendrix
• Stevie Ray Vaughan
• John Mayer

And for the HSH setup, the guitarists often linked to this are shredders like:

• Steve Vai
• Joe Satriani
• Paul Gilbert
• Guthrie Govan

Community Insights

Players’ choice of their pickup setup depends on their playing style, the kind of music they like, and what they prefer. The HSS setup is really popular with players who:

• Want sharp, clear sounds with a punch, which is great for styles like funk or soul;

• Are after the smooth, soulful lead sounds you can get from a neck single-coil for playing blues or jazz;

• Like the rich, distorted sounds from a bridge humbucker for rock music.

On the other hand, the HSH setup appeals to players who:

• Play heavier music like metal or hard rock and need a strong, powerful sound;

• Like the extra warmth and fullness from a neck humbucker, which is good for rhythm and lead playing;

• Enjoy having the option to switch between humbuckers’ thick sound and a single coil’s crisp sound.

Technical Aspects of Pickups

Understanding the technical side of guitar pickups is key to knowing how they change your guitar’s sound. Let’s dive into the technical details of HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) and HSH (Humbucker-Single-Humbucker) setups:

• Coil Configurations: The HSS has a humbucker at the bridge. It has two coils and is good at cutting out buzz and noise. It also has two single coils at the middle and neck, known for their bright and clear sound. The HSH also has a humbucker in the neck, giving a warmer and fuller sound.

• Wiring and Electronics: The wiring of these setups can make the guitar more flexible. Many HSS and HSH guitars let you change the humbucker to a single coil with a switch or a push-pull knob. This gives you even more sounds to play with.

• Magnet Types: Pickups can have different magnets, like Alnico or Ceramic. Alnico magnets give a warmer and smoother tone. Ceramic magnets can make a brighter and sharper sound. The type of magnet in the pickup affects the tone.

Knowing these technical things can help you choose the best pickup setup for the sound you want.

Wiring and Electronics

Wiring and electronics play a big part in how your guitar sounds. HSS and HSH pickups can have different wiring setups, including a main volume control and tone controls and options to split or tap the coils.

You can also change the sound with different active electronics. This gives you more sound choices and increases your sound output.

It’s essential to wire your guitar correctly. Bad wiring can reduce the sound quality or even damage your guitar.

Magnet Types

The magnets in guitar pickups are essential for creating different sounds. Common magnets, such as AlNiCo, ceramic, and neodymium, each add their special sound.

For example, AlNiCo magnets, used in pickup coils, are known for giving a warm, old-school tone.

• AlNiCo: Gives you warm, old-style sounds;

• Ceramic: Makes sounds that are bright, clear, and sharp;

• Neodymium: Provides strong, modern-sounding tones.

Popular Guitar Models with HSS and HSH Setups

Some models stand out when looking at guitars with HSS and HSH setups because of their sound and how you can change it. These setups really affect the range of sounds a guitar can make. 

Here are some famous models from big guitar brands with these configurations:

For HSS:

• Fender Stratocaster: Many Stratocasters come with an HSS option, which means they have that classic look and a sound that can do many different things;

• Yamaha Pacifica: This guitar is easy to play and doesn’t cost too much. It’s a great choice for players at any level and has an HSS setup.

For HSH:

• Ibanez RG Series: This series is a favorite among rock and metal guitarists. The RG guitars have an HSH setup that gives you a big range of sounds;

• Music Man John Petrucci Signature Models: These guitars were made to meet Petrucci’s requirements. They have an HSH setup for the most sound options.

Fender Stratocaster HSS

The Fender Stratocaster HSS is an iconic guitar, and its HSS version is a favorite for players who want lots of different sounds. This model takes the classic Strat setup with two single-coil pickups and adds a humbucker in the bridge position. 

The result is a guitar that can produce the iconic strat sound and has the deeper, stronger sounds of a humbucker. Fender Stratocaster HSS gives you, simply put, more options for your sound.

Ibanez RG Series HSH

The Ibanez RG Series with an HSH pickup configuration is a popular choice for guitarists who play fast and love metal because of its quick necks and striking looks. 

The RG Series provides a wide variety of tones with its HSH setup. It has humbuckers at the neck and bridge that give solid and heavy sounds, and a single coil in the middle adds clarity. 

This versatile mix is perfect for lead guitarists and players who often do solos and want to stand out.

Economic Considerations

Price Points

When deciding between HSS and HSH pickups, you have to think about what sounds you want and how much you’re willing to spend. 

You can find both configurations in affordable guitars and in more expensive ones.

For more affordable options, HSS pickups are often found in entry-level guitars that offer good quality without being too expensive.

• Budget-friendly HSS guitars: Instruments like the Fender Squier Stratocaster and Yamaha Pacifica are known for their good quality at a lower price.

In the mid-range, HSH guitars offer better features and build quality.

• Mid-range HSH guitars: The Ibanez RG series and the Jackson Soloist are well-liked options. They give you a nice mix of price and performance. Especially if you’re looking for more advanced features without spending too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What genres of music are HSS pickup configurations most suited for?

HSS pickup configurations are indeed very versatile. That’s why they’re so popular for a range of musical styles. They’re especially common in rock, pop, and blues. In these genres, the fullness and warmth of the humbucker really work well with the sharp, clear tones of the single coils. This setup lets you have a wide range of sounds, from heavy and distorted to clean and bright. It’s a go-to choice for guitarists who need to play many different kinds of music.

Can HSH pickup configurations provide versatility for both clean and distorted tones?

Yes, HSH pickup configurations offer great versatility for clean and distorted tones. The two humbuckers in this setup give you that rich, full sound. It’s fantastic for overdriven or high-gain settings for heavier music styles. The single-coil pickup in the middle position can give you that crisp, clear tone for clean playing. This kind of setup gives you many different sound options.

What are the benefits of an HSS setup on a Stratocaster compared to an HSH?

The HSS setup on a Stratocaster offers a unique blend of classic tone and versatility. The two single-coil pickups provide the bright, clear, and glassy tones that Stratocasters are known for. This is especially true for the neck and middle positions. This setup ensures that the iconic Strat sound is at the forefront, a big draw for many players.

Adding a humbucker in the bridge position brings in the capability for thicker and more powerful tones. This can be crucial for playing rock or heavier blues where a bit more punch is needed. This humbucker can handle higher gain without the hum that single coils can sometimes produce. It make it suitable for more aggressive playing styles.

Moreover, the HSS configuration retains the classic Strat ‘quack’ in the second position. Here the bridge humbucker is combined with the middle single-coil. This sound is a staple for many Strat players and is often used in funk, country, and certain rock tones.

Players who are after the signature Stratocaster sound but also want higher-gain sounds often prefer the HSS setup. It bridges the traditional Stratocaster tones and the modern demand for a more diverse sonic palette.

How does the middle pickup affect playability and sound in HSS vs HSH guitars?

The middle pickup in HSS and HSH guitars impacts the instrument’s tonal characteristics.

In an HSS configuration, the middle single-coil pickup is key to achieving the Stratocaster ‘quack’. This is particularly true when combined with the bridge or neck pickups. This pickup position is known for delivering a bright, clear tone. 

It’s ideal for clean, rhythmic playing or funky, cutting leads. The contrast between the single coils and the bridge humbucker allows for various sounds.

An HSH configuration also includes a middle single-coil pickup. It can offer a similar bright and articulate tone when used alone. But combined with the humbuckers, it can help create a blend of warmth and clarity. 

This setup is often chosen because it easily transitions from heavy, distorted tones to sharp, well-defined, clean sounds. This makes it a flexible option for players who cover various musical styles.

As for playability, the middle pickup’s presence can affect a guitarist’s picking technique. Some players prefer to pick in the space between the pickups. The middle pickup’s position might interfere with their natural picking motion. 

This is particularly true for fingerstyle guitarists or those who use a lot of string space for their technique. Each guitarist might prefer the tactile feel and the response of the middle pickup about their playing style.

The middle pickup’s influence on playability varies from guitarist to guitarist. It depends on their technique and comfort.