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I just bought an Alder body American Series Stratocaster and am looking to replace the stock pickups (Humbuckers).

At first glance, my bridge pickup choice was going to be the Duncan Distortion. However, I was reading reviews about the Distortion on Harmony-Central, and everyone posted that it doesn't match well with anything but a Mahogany body. I want that low-mid crunchy quality of the Distortion (along with the clarity, versitility, and resonance), but I need a pickup to go with my Alder body.

Do you think my strat body will make that much difference in overall tone of the Distortion? What should I do?

--Watroba

Watroba,

The first thing you need to realize is that there are no hard and fast rules about body woods and pickups. There are some generalities out there but your ear's need to be the final judge.

Seconly, realize that opinions posted on forums are a great starting point but they are just opnions. They are based on individual taste and many factors are involved. I'm not saying you should ignore them but realize what they are based on.

Based on what I have written above the good folks at have something called 21 day excahnge policy. They realize sometimes you don't find the right combination the first time. If you think the Distortion is what you need, give it a try. If it doesn't work for you you can always exchange.

I would give you a recomendation but Idon't have much experience with Humbuckers in Strat's but I'm sure there is somebody here that can guide you.

Good Luck ..

John @ Black Rose

My Distortion is in a poplar Strat-style body, and its great. Crisp and articulate cleans, down and dirty crunch. If that helps.

I prefer a JB to a Distortion in alder, and a Distortion to a JB in mohogany .