Ask the Expert – Recommendations on humbuckers for a modified Strat

Daniel Newman asks:

Hello I am modding an Squier Strat and would like to use humbucker pickups in the bridge and neck position . I have heard good things about SD Hotrails and Lil59 pickups but they are a little expensive for me at this time. What start shape humbuckers would you recommend? I play a lot of blues solos so need decent sustain.

Andy replies:

To be honest if you want humbucker type pickups in a Strat I’d go for the Lil 59. I have one and it works well. If you can’t afford them try searching through eBay until used ones come up, or just wait and save. Cheaper pickups probably won’t give you much more than you have already and you’ll want to upgrade again after a while anyway. Plus, if you have to route out for full sized humbuckers it’ll probably cost you more in the long run.