When it comes to finding the right neck pickup for your Stratocaster, there are a few key points to keep in mind. First and foremost, you'll want to consider the type of music you play and the tone you're looking to achieve. Different pickups offer different levels of warmth, clarity, and sustain, so it's important to choose one that suits your playing style and musical preferences.
Another important factor to consider is the pickup's output and resistance. Higher output pickups can deliver more volume and sustain, while lower output pickups offer a more nuanced and dynamic response. Similarly, pickups with higher resistance can produce a brighter and more cutting tone, while lower resistance pickups are often warmer and more rounded.
You'll also want to think about the pickup's construction and materials. Some pickups feature alnico magnets, which are known for their warm and vintage-inspired tone, while others use ceramic magnets for a more modern and aggressive sound. Additionally, the way the pickup is wound and wired can impact its overall tone and character.
Other factors to consider include the pickup's size and shape, as well as any additional features such as coil tapping or humbucking capabilities. Ultimately, finding the right neck pickup for your Stratocaster will depend on your individual preferences and playing style, so be sure to do your research and listen to plenty of demos before making a final decision.
10 Best Neck Pickup For Strat
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1. Seymour Duncan As-1n Blackouts Singles, Set Of 3 Pickups (Neck/mid/bridge) For Strat, Black Covers
The Seymour Duncan AS-1n Blackouts Singles is a set of three pickups designed for Strat-style guitars. This set includes two AS-1n pickups for the neck and middle positions, and one AS-1b pickup for the bridge position. All three pickups come with black covers to match the aesthetics of your guitar.
These pickups are perfect for guitarists looking for a versatile set of pickups that can handle a wide range of styles, from the smoothest clean tones to the heaviest of metal. The AS-1n Blackouts Singles feature selectable output, allowing you to switch between moderate and high gain settings.
The AS-1n pickups are specifically designed for the neck and middle positions and use Seymour Duncan's active humbucker technology to deliver a powerful and dynamic tone. The AS-1b pickup is designed for the bridge position and delivers a high-output sound with plenty of bite and sustain.
One of the standout features of the AS-1n Blackouts Singles is their ability to maintain clarity and definition even at high gain levels. This means you can crank up the distortion without sacrificing the nuances of your playing.
Installation of the AS-1n Blackouts Singles is a breeze, thanks to their simple and straightforward design. The pickups are easy to install and come with all the necessary hardware to get you up and running in no time.
In summary, the Seymour Duncan AS-1n Blackouts Singles is a set of three high-quality pickups that deliver a versatile and dynamic sound. Whether you're playing clean or distorted, these pickups will help you achieve the sound you're after. With their selectable output and easy installation, the AS-1n Blackouts Singles are a great choice for guitarists looking to upgrade their Strat-style guitar.
2. Fender Gen 4 Noiseless/shawbucker Prewired Hss Stratocaster Pickguard – 3-Ply White
The Fender Gen 4 Noiseless/Shawbucker Prewired HSS Stratocaster Pickguard is the perfect solution for guitarists who want to upgrade their Stratocaster with high-quality pickups that deliver exceptional tone and performance. This pickguard features a Shawbucker 1 Bridge and Gen 4 noiseless middle/neck pickups, which offer a combination of vintage-style and modern tone.
The Shawbucker 1 Bridge pickup is designed with Alnico 2 magnets, which produce a sweet and musical sound. This low-output pickup is perfect for those who want to achieve vintage-style tone with a modern edge. The enamel-coated magnet wire used in the Shawbucker 1 Bridge pickup further enhances its vintage-style tone.
The Gen 4 noiseless middle/neck pickups are designed to deliver noise-free, vintage-style single coil tone. The pickups feature staggered Alnico 5 magnets, which provide excellent balance and clarity across all frequencies. The Gen 4 noiseless middle/neck pickups are perfect for players who want to achieve classic Stratocaster tone without the hum and noise associated with traditional single coil pickups.
The pickguard itself is made from 3-ply white material, which not only looks great but also ensures durability and reliability. The pickguard is prewired, so it’s easy to install and use right out of the box. The wiring is designed to provide optimal performance and tone, so you can be sure that your guitar will sound its best with this pickguard installed.
Overall, the Fender Gen 4 Noiseless/Shawbucker Prewired HSS Stratocaster Pickguard is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to upgrade their Stratocaster with high-quality pickups that deliver exceptional tone and performance. Whether you’re playing live or recording in the studio, these pickups will provide the clarity, balance, and musicality that you need to sound your best. So if you’re looking for an easy and effective way to improve your Stratocaster, look no further than this pickguard from Fender.
3. Fender Single Tex-Mex Strat Neck Pickup
The Fender Single Tex-Mex Strat Neck Pickup is a must-have addition for guitar players looking to achieve a warm and vintage tone. Designed to deliver an increased output with sparkling highs, this pickup is equipped with Alnico 5 magnets and polysol magnet wire, which together produce a sound that is not only attention-grabbing but also retains the classic Stratocaster characteristics that players have come to love.
This pickup is specifically designed for the Jimmy Vaughan Signature Strat, which is known for its exceptional tone and playability. The Fender Single Tex-Mex Strat Neck Pickup is standard equipment on this guitar, and has been chosen for its exceptional sound quality and reliability.
The Alnico 5 magnets used in this pickup are known for their superior magnetic properties, which make them ideal for use in guitar pickups. They provide a strong magnetic field that captures the strings' vibrations and translates them into a clear and crisp sound. The polysol magnet wire used in the construction of this pickup is also of the highest quality, ensuring that the sound produced is free from any interference or unwanted noise.
The Fender Single Tex-Mex Strat Neck Pickup is specifically designed for use in the neck position of the guitar. This position is known for producing a warm and mellow tone, which is perfect for playing blues, jazz or any other genre that requires a smooth and rich sound.
In summary, the Fender Single Tex-Mex Strat Neck Pickup is a top-of-the-line guitar accessory that is designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and reliability. Its construction with high-quality materials and superior design ensures that players can achieve the warm and vintage tone they desire while retaining the classic Stratocaster characteristics. This pickup is a must-have for guitar players of all skill levels who are looking to enhance their sound and take their playing to the next level.
4. Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Pickup Set With True Tune Tuner And Accessories.
The Seymour Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot Strat Pickup Set Middle, Neck, Bridge with True Tune Tuner, Picks, Tool and Keychain 11028-01 is a high-quality pickup set that delivers authentic vintage tone and feel. This set includes three calibrated pickups for the neck, middle, and bridge positions, all custom-aged cosmetically and magnetically.
The Antiquity Texas Hot for Strat Set is designed to deliver the classic chime, sparkle, and feel that only vintage single coil pickups can provide. These pickups are made with Alnico 2 magnets and feature a DCR of 9.8, ensuring that they deliver a warm and full-bodied tone that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
In addition to the pickups themselves, this set also comes with a number of useful accessories. The True Tune Tuner is a highly accurate and easy-to-use tuner that will help you keep your guitar in tune, while the included picks, tool, and keychain are all great extras that will come in handy when you're on the go.
Overall, the Seymour Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot Strat Pickup Set Middle, Neck, Bridge with True Tune Tuner, Picks, Tool and Keychain 11028-01 is a fantastic choice for guitarists who are looking for a high-quality pickup set that delivers vintage tone and feel. Whether you're playing rock, blues, country, or any other style of music, these pickups will help you achieve the sound you're looking for.
5. Seymour Duncan Sscr-1n Blk Strat Cool Rails Neck Black
The Seymour Duncan SSCR-1N BLK Strat Cool Rails Neck Black is a top-of-the-line guitar pickup designed to deliver a smooth and bluesy sound that is perfect for a range of musical genres, including blues, classic rock, jazz-rock fusion, heavy rock, and aggressive instrumental rock. This pickup is a single-coil-sized "rails" humbucker that is known for its superior quality and exceptional sound.
One of the standout features of the Seymour Duncan SSCR-1N is its ability to produce a clearer, brighter, and more dynamic sound than many other pickups on the market. This is thanks to the way it is wound, which is carefully designed to bring out the full potential of your guitar and create a sound that is truly unique.
Another key benefit of this pickup is its ability to deliver a louder, punchier, and fatter single-coil sound that is perfect for a range of playing styles. Whether you are looking to play classic rock riffs, jazz solos, or heavy metal power chords, the Seymour Duncan SSCR-1N has you covered.
One of the things that sets this pickup apart from the competition is its high-quality construction. Made in the USA, it is built to last and withstand the rigors of even the most demanding live performances. It is also designed to be easy to install, making it a great choice for guitar players of all skill levels.
Overall, the Seymour Duncan SSCR-1N BLK Strat Cool Rails Neck Black is a top-quality guitar pickup that delivers exceptional sound quality and versatility. Whether you are a professional musician or just starting out, this pickup is sure to impress and help you take your playing to the next level.
Best Neck Pickup For Strat FAQs
How do I install a new neck pickup in my stratocaster guitar?
To install a new neck pickup in your Stratocaster guitar, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Gather your tools: You will need a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, and a screwdriver.
2. Remove the old pickup: Unscrew the old pickup from the pickguard and carefully remove it from the guitar. You may need to desolder the wires connected to it.
3. Install the new pickup: Insert the new pickup into the pickguard and screw it into place. Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the pickup.
4. Solder the connections: Heat up your soldering iron and apply a small amount of solder to each connection. Be careful not to overheat the pickup or wires.
5. Test the pickup: Once you have soldered the connections, test the pickup to ensure it is working properly.
With these steps, you can successfully install a new neck pickup in your Stratocaster guitar. It is important to take your time and be careful when working with electronics to avoid damaging your guitar.
How does a neck pickup for a strat differ from other types of pickups?
A neck pickup for a strat is different from other types of pickups in several ways. Firstly, it is positioned closer to the neck of the guitar, which gives it a warmer and more mellow tone. This is because the strings vibrate more widely near the neck, and the pickup can capture more low-end frequencies. Secondly, the construction of the pickup itself is different. Neck pickups usually have more windings of wire around the magnets, which increases their output and makes them more sensitive to string vibrations. Finally, the materials used in the construction of a neck pickup can also affect its tone. For example, some pickups use alnico magnets, which are known for their warm and sweet sound, while others use ceramic magnets, which are more powerful and aggressive. Overall, a neck pickup for a strat is designed to provide a rich and full-bodied tone that is ideal for playing rhythm guitar and lead lines.
What are some popular aftermarket neck pickups for a stratocaster guitar?
As a guitar player or enthusiast, you may want to upgrade the pickups on your Stratocaster guitar to enhance its tone and performance. There are several popular aftermarket neck pickups available for Stratocaster guitars, including:
1. Seymour Duncan SSL-1: It is a vintage-style single-coil pickup with a warm and bright sound that works well for blues, rock, and country music.
2. DiMarzio DP419 Area 67: It is a noiseless single-coil pickup that delivers a clear, dynamic, and articulate tone ideal for various genres.
3. Fender Custom Shop '69: It is a replica of the original pickups used on late 60s Stratocasters, providing a classic, warm, and expressive sound.
4. Lindy Fralin Blues Special: It is designed to produce a vintage-style sound with more output and midrange than a traditional single-coil pickup.
5. EMG SA: It is an active pickup that delivers a high-output, noiseless, and versatile sound suitable for various playing styles.
Overall, the choice of a neck pickup for a Stratocaster guitar depends on individual preferences and playing styles.
What are the best neck pickups for a stratocaster guitar?
There are several options for neck pickups that can enhance the sound of a Stratocaster. Some popular choices include the Fender Custom Shop '69 or '54 Strat pickups, the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 or Antiquity, and the DiMarzio Area 58 or Virtual Vintage '54 Pro.
The Fender Custom Shop '69 pickups offer a warm and rich sound with a slightly scooped mid-range, while the '54 pickups provide a more vintage-inspired tone with a clear and articulate sound. The Seymour Duncan SSL-1 and Antiquity pickups are designed to replicate the classic single-coil sound of the '50s and '60s, respectively. Finally, the DiMarzio Area 58 and Virtual Vintage '54 Pro pickups offer a noiseless solution with vintage-inspired tones.
Ultimately, the choice of neck pickup will depend on personal preference and the desired sound. It is recommended to try out different pickups and consult with a professional guitar technician for the best results.
What are the tonal characteristics of a neck pickup for a stratocaster?
I can provide a professional answer to the question you have presented.
The neck pickup on a Stratocaster is known for its warm and mellow tone, which is characterized by a full-bodied sound with a pronounced bass response. The pickup produces a smooth, creamy tone that is ideal for lead playing, blues, and jazz. The neck pickup is also known for its ability to produce a "bell-like" tone when played with a clean sound. It is particularly effective in producing a clean and articulate sound, which is perfect for fingerpicking and arpeggios.
Overall, the neck pickup on a Stratocaster is an essential component of the guitar's tonal arsenal, and it offers a wide variety of tonal possibilities that can be used to create a unique and expressive musical voice.