The HS-4 is the vintage
magnet-stagger version of the HS-3. While there is obviously a strong
resemblance to the HS-3, the vintage stagger recreates the
string-balance of single-coils from the 50s, producing a unique sound
in the neck and middle positions with both chords and single-note
soloing. And there’s no 60-cycle hum.
The HS-4 works very well
with high-gain amps, but the classic setup is with an overdrive pedal
and a Marshall amp. The pedal boosts sustain and distortion, and the
sound cleans up dramatically when the pedal is switched off. Works well
in all 3 positions for slightly warmer than usual Strat sound. The
vintage 50s magnet stagger is a subtle change from the standard HS-3.
It alters the overall balance between the individual strings, resulting
in a little more clarity and string definition. This is most obvious
on the unwound strings, particularly higher up the neck.
Recommended For: Neck and middle positions
Quick Connect: No
Wiring: 4 Conductor
Magnet: Alnico 5
Resistance: 23.5 Kohm
Year of Introduction: 1995
Color: Aged white
Pole Pieces: Nickel
