As a musician, you know that the sound of your guitar is essential to your performance. And if you are a fan of the Fender Stratocaster, then you know that the pickups you choose can make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best single coil pickups for your Strat.
To help you navigate the world of pickups, we've put together a short guide on the key points to consider when looking for the best single coil pickups for your Strat.
First, you'll want to consider the tone you're looking for. Single coil pickups can range from bright and twangy to warm and mellow, so it's important to know what sound you're after.
Second, you'll want to think about the type of music you play. Different genres may require different pickups, so it's important to choose pickups that will complement your playing style.
Third, you’ll want to consider the output of the pickups. Higher output pickups will give you more distortion and sustain, while lower output pickups will give you a cleaner sound.
Fourth, you'll want to consider the construction of the pickups. Hand-wound pickups can offer a unique sound, while machine-wound pickups may offer more consistency.
Finally, you'll want to think about the price. Single coil pickups can range from affordable to high-end, so it's important to choose pickups that fit your budget.
By considering these key points, you'll be able to find the best single coil pickups for your Strat and take your playing to the next level.
10 Best Single Coil Pickups For Strat
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
|
|
|
2
|
 |
|
|
|
3
|
 |
|
|
|
4
|
 |
|
|
|
5
|
 |
|
|
|
6
|
 |
|
|
|
7
|
 |
|
|
|
8
|
 |
|
|
|
9
|
 |
|
|
|
10
|
 |
|
1. Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups – Set Of 3
The Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups are a set of three pickups designed to provide a noise-free vintage-style tone. These pickups are perfect for guitarists who want to achieve the classic Stratocaster sound without the unwanted hum and noise that often accompanies single-coil pickups.
The Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups feature shielded wire that helps to reduce noise even further. This shielding ensures that the pickups are not affected by external interference, allowing for a clean and clear sound. The pickups also have a DC resistance of 10.3k, providing plenty of output and sustain.
The set includes three pickups, each designed to fit in the standard single-coil pickup cavities found on most Stratocaster guitars. The installation hardware is also included, making it easy for guitarists to install the pickups themselves.
One of the key features of the Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups is their noise-free operation. This is achieved through a combination of design and technology, including the use of special wire and a unique winding process. This ensures that the pickups are able to produce a vintage-style tone without the unwanted noise that often accompanies single-coil pickups.
The Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups are also designed to be versatile. They are suitable for a wide range of playing styles and genres, from rock and blues to country and jazz. The pickups produce a bright and clear sound that is perfect for lead playing, as well as a warm and full-bodied tone that is ideal for rhythm playing.
Overall, the Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups are a great choice for guitarists looking to upgrade their Stratocaster's pickups. They offer a noise-free vintage-style tone that is both versatile and easy to install. With their shielded wire and unique design, these pickups are sure to provide guitarists with years of reliable performance.
2. Fender Original '57/'62 Strat Pickups
Fender's Original '57/'62 Strat Pickups are designed to provide players with the classic, glassy tone that defined the sound of the original Stratocaster. Featuring Formvar magnet wire, these pickups offer a bright and articulate sound that's perfect for clean playing styles.
One of the key features of these pickups is the use of staggered, hand-beveled pole pieces. This design ensures that each string gets the right amount of output, resulting in a balanced and even tone across all six strings. The use of alnico 5 magnets further enhances the pickups' focus and dynamics, allowing for a more expressive playing experience.
To ensure optimal performance, these pickups are built with high-quality materials. The wire used in the windings is cloth-covered to reduce noise and interference, while the fiber bobbin provides a stable platform for the magnets and wire. The aged white pickup covers give the pickups a vintage look that's in keeping with the classic Stratocaster style.
Fender is known for its commitment to quality, and these pickups are no exception. Each set of Original '57/'62 Strat Pickups comes with a one-year warranty, giving players peace of mind and the assurance that their investment is protected.
Whether you're looking to restore a vintage Stratocaster to its original sound or want to give your modern guitar a classic edge, Fender's Original '57/'62 Strat Pickups are an excellent choice. With their bright, glassy tone, balanced output, and reliable construction, these pickups are sure to satisfy even the most discerning players.
3. Emg Sa Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set, Black
The EMG SA Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set in black is a game-changing solution for guitarists looking to combine the classic Stratocaster sound with modern features. This set is designed to offer increased midrange response and higher output, resulting in a pickup that delivers a "bell-like" harmonic with enhanced sustain.
The SA Active Single Coil set features Alnico V bar magnets that provide a bright and airy tone with a rich bottom end. Unlike traditional single coil pickups, this set is active, which means it has a low impedance preamp that helps eliminate noise and interference. This allows guitarists to enjoy the true single coil tone without any unwanted hum or buzz.
The internal shielding of this pickup set ensures that it is well-protected and won't be affected by external interference. This feature guarantees that the pickup will always operate at its optimal level and deliver a consistent sound, no matter where or how it's being used.
The creamy mid-range warmth of the SA Active Single Coil set creates a sublime blues tone that is clear, strong, and expressive. This set is perfect for guitarists who enjoy playing blues or any other genre that requires a warm and expressive tone. With its unique blend of classic and modern features, the EMG SA Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set delivers an exceptional sound that is sure to stand out from the crowd.
In conclusion, the EMG SA Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set in black is an excellent choice for guitarists looking to upgrade their sound. Its active design ensures that it delivers the true single coil tone with a low noise floor, and its internal shielding keeps it protected from external interference. With its exceptional blend of classic and modern features, the SA Active Single Coil set is a must-have for any serious guitarist looking to take their sound to the next level.
4. Wilkinson Alnico 5 Strat Single Coil Pickups Set, Cream.
The Wilkinson Vintage Tone Alnico 5 Staggered ST Strat Single Coil Pickups SSS Set is a high-quality set of pickups designed to fit most styles of electric guitars. The set includes three pickups for the neck, middle, and bridge positions.
These pickups are made from genuine Wilkinson parts and feature a pole spacing of 52mm, staggered polepiece, fiber bobbin, and wax potting. The vintage-voiced tone of these single coil pickups is created by Alnico V magnets, which provide incredible focus and dynamics.
The middle pickup in this set is reverse wound/reverse polarity, which delivers a hum-cancelling feature. This is particularly useful in situations where there is a lot of electrical interference, such as when playing near fluorescent lights or other electronic devices.
The magnet used in these pickups is Alnico V, which is known for its strong magnetic field and excellent sound quality. The neck and middle pickups have a resistance of 6K, while the bridge pickup has a resistance of 6.4K. The black wire is ground, while the white/yellow wire is hot.
When you purchase the Wilkinson Vintage Tone Alnico 5 Staggered ST Strat Single Coil Pickups SSS Set, you will receive three pickups for the neck, middle, and bridge positions. However, it is important to note that the screws included with the set may not fit your usage, so it is recommended that you use your own screws if possible.
Overall, the Wilkinson Vintage Tone Alnico 5 Staggered ST Strat Single Coil Pickups SSS Set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their guitar's pickups. These pickups are designed to deliver a vintage-voiced tone with excellent focus and dynamics, making them a great choice for any style of music.
Best Single Coil Pickups For Strat FAQs
Are there any affordable single coil pickups for stratocaster guitars that provide high-quality sound?
Yes, there are many affordable single coil pickups for stratocaster guitars that provide high-quality sound. Some popular options include the Fender Tex-Mex Stratocaster pickups, the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat pickups, and the DiMarzio Area 61 Strat pickups. These pickups offer a range of tones, from bright and twangy to warm and smooth, and are designed to capture the classic sound of a stratocaster. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive pickups, they are a great option for players on a budget who want to upgrade the sound of their strat. It's important to note that the quality of sound will also depend on the player's style, amp, and other factors, so it's always a good idea to try out different pickups before making a final decision.
How do I choose the best single coil pickups for my specific style of playing on a stratocaster guitar?
When choosing single coil pickups for your Stratocaster, consider your playing style and the tone you want to achieve. If you play blues or rock, go for pickups with a warm tone and moderate output, such as the Fender Custom Shop '69 pickups. If you want a brighter sound with more clarity and definition, the Seymour Duncan SSL-5 or the DiMarzio Area 58 pickups could be a good choice. If you play metal or heavy rock, look for pickups with high output and a tight low end, like the EMG SA or the Seymour Duncan Hot Rails. Keep in mind that the position of the pickup also affects the tone, with the neck position being warmer and the bridge position being brighter. Ultimately, the best way to choose pickups is to try them out yourself and see which ones sound best to you.
What are the differences between vintage-style and modern single coil pickups for stratocaster guitars?
Vintage-style single coil pickups for Stratocaster guitars are designed to replicate the sound and feel of the original pickups used in the 1950s and 1960s. They typically have lower output, a brighter and clearer tone, and more midrange presence. They also have staggered pole pieces, which help to balance the volume of each string. However, vintage-style pickups are more prone to noise and interference from other electrical sources.
Modern single coil pickups for Stratocaster guitars have higher output, a thicker and more compressed tone, and less midrange presence. They also have flat pole pieces, which provide a more even response across all strings. Modern pickups are designed to reduce noise and interference, often through the use of shielding and other technologies. Overall, the choice between vintage-style and modern single coil pickups for Stratocaster guitars will depend on personal preference and the desired sound and performance characteristics.
What are the top-rated single coil pickups for a stratocaster guitar?
There are several top-rated single coil pickups available for a Stratocaster guitar. One of the most popular choices is the Fender Custom Shop '69 Strat Pickup Set, which offers a classic vintage sound with a bit of a modern touch. Another great option is the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat Pickup Set, which provides a warm and balanced tone, perfect for blues and rock music. The DiMarzio Area '58 pickup is also a highly regarded option, offering a clear and bright sound that is ideal for clean tones. Other highly rated pickups include the Lindy Fralin Vintage Hot, the EMG SA Active Single Coil Set, and the Kinman AVn Blues Strat Pickup Set. Ultimately, the best pickup for a Stratocaster guitar will depend on personal preference and playing style.
Which single coil pickups provide the best tone for blues or rock music on a stratocaster?
There are a variety of single coil pickups that can provide great tone for blues and rock music on a stratocaster, and the best option depends on personal preference. Some popular choices include the Fender Custom Shop '69 pickups, which have a beautiful vintage tone with a warm midrange and plenty of clarity. The Seymour Duncan SSL-1 pickups are another great choice, with a bright, punchy tone that's perfect for classic rock riffs. The DiMarzio Area 61 pickups offer a modern, high-output sound with plenty of sustain and a balanced EQ. Ultimately, the best pickups for blues and rock on a stratocaster are those that sound great to your ears and fit your playing style. It's always a good idea to try out different pickups before making a final decision.