Thanks dude. I just really started to play the guitar more at lower volumes and it's making me nuts. I will try some adjustment.I used to have an AmDlx strat that was a very good guitar. The SCNs can be tricky to dial in. Their height has a lot to do with how they end up sounding. Try to find a sweet spot.
To me, the sweet spot sounded great and they were at their best to my ears but they are what they are. They are stratty, but they are not "vintage" sounding. They form a piece of the overall "modern" strat motif.
I sold the guitar, but it wasn't because of the pups.
I think my problem is i want both in one guitar.I like the SCN's on my American Deluxe strat...
I had no expectations of a truly "vintage" tone from stacked humbuckers... but the tones are useful for my needs, and actually sound great with a bit of drive... and of course, the "noiseless" part has been great for recording and play in noisy electrical situations, (small clubs) that I often play.
I suppose I could experiment with DiMarzio Area's or Kinman's or something... but the SCN's aren't crying out for that change.
I do LIKE vintage strat tones, and I picked up a Classic Vibe 60's strat just to give me those tones.
M