10 Best Single Coil Sized Humbucker (2024 Update)

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As a guitar enthusiast, you may have come across the term "single coil sized humbucker." It refers to a type of pickup that fits into a single coil slot but produces the sound of a humbucker. If you are considering upgrading your guitar's pickups or building a new one, here are five key points you should keep in mind when looking for a single coil sized humbucker:

1. Sound: The primary reason for installing a single coil sized humbucker is to get a more powerful and fuller sound than a single coil pickup. However, not all humbuckers sound the same, so it's essential to choose one that suits your playing style and music genre.

2. Size: Single coil sized humbuckers come in different sizes, so make sure to check the dimensions and ensure that it fits your guitar's cavity.

3. Wiring: Wiring a humbucker requires some modifications to your guitar's wiring, so it's crucial to check if you are comfortable doing it yourself or need professional help.

4. Brand: The brand of the humbucker you choose can affect the sound quality, durability, and price. Some popular brands for single coil sized humbuckers include Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and EMG.

5. Budget: Single coil sized humbuckers can range from affordable to highly-priced, depending on the brand and features. It's essential to set a budget and choose a humbucker that offers the best value for money.

In summary, when looking for a single coil sized humbucker, consider the sound, size, wiring, brand, and budget. By keeping these key points in mind, you can find the right pickup that enhances your guitar's sound and fits your playing style.

10 Best Single Coil Sized Humbucker

1. Alnicov Set Of 3 Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers For Stratocaster Guitar Replacement, With Alnico V Magnets And Different Resistance Levels For Neck, Middle, And Bridge Positions.

The Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers is the perfect replacement for your Stratocaster electric guitar. These pickups are designed to fit into a Strat ST pickup protector and offer great quality and exceptional sound.

Made from high-quality copper and plastic materials, these pickups are built to last and deliver an excellent performance. They come in a beautiful cream color that will complement any guitar finish.

The set includes three pickups – a neck, middle, and bridge pickup – each with a different level of output. The neck pickup has a 12K output, the middle pickup has a 14K output, and the bridge pickup has a 16K output. This allows you to customize your tone and achieve the sound you want.

The Alnico V magnets used in these pickups offer a warm and full-bodied sound with plenty of sustain. They also provide a balanced response across all frequencies, making them suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Installing these pickups is easy and straightforward. They come with all the necessary mounting hardware and wiring instructions, so you can replace your old pickups in no time.

Overall, the Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their Stratocaster's sound. They offer exceptional quality, a beautiful design, and outstanding performance, making them a must-have for any serious guitarist.

2. Lamsam P90 Tone Pickups Set, Gold – Humbucker-Sized Single Coil Pick-Up With Alnico V Magnets For Electric Guitars.

The LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set is a high-quality replacement option for standard-sized humbucker pickups on electric guitars. This set features a humbucker-sized single coil neck pick-up and bridge pick-up, both loaded with Alnico V magnets. These magnets, combined with a manual wound copper coil and metal housing, help to reduce hum and provide a rich, smooth sound.

The pole spacing of the bridge pick-up is 52mm, while the neck pick-up has a spacing of 50mm. The height of the pole pieces is also individually adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit. The double-conductor wire is pre-tinned and has a specification of 2547 26 AWG enamel 80℃ 300V. The lead length of the bridge pick-up is 9.05 inches, while the neck pick-up has a length of 14.17 inches. The DC resistance of the neck pick-up is 6.2kohm, and the bridge pick-up has a resistance of 7.0 Kohm.

The P90 tone pickups are designed to be widely compatible and can replace any standard-sized humbucker pickup. Even though they are single coil pickups, they provide a rich, smooth sound that is highly sought after by guitarists. Installing this set is simple, and it can be used as a replacement set in LP or SG-style electric guitars.

The set comes with a bridge pick-up and a neck pick-up, as well as four springs for adjusting the pole-piece height and four mounting screws. All of these components are packed into a sturdy white box for easy storage and transportation. The dimensions of each pick-up are 2.75 x 1.5 x 0.9 inches (70 x 38 x 23mm), and the net weight of each pick-up is 9.87 ounces (280g).

In summary, the LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set is a high-quality replacement option for standard-sized humbucker pickups on electric guitars. With its Alnico V magnets, manual wound copper coil, and metal housing, this set provides a rich, smooth sound that is highly sought after by guitarists. It is widely compatible and easy to install, making it an excellent choice for any guitar player looking to upgrade their instrument.

3. Seymour Duncan Pickup (Ssjbj-1b Blk)

The Seymour Duncan SSJBJ-1B BLK is a Stratocaster humbucker bridge pickup designed to deliver the classic tone of the iconic Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in a single coil size. The pickup is designed to fit in the bridge position of a Stratocaster guitar and provide a high output and a hot-rodded tone suitable for rock, blues, and metal styles.

The SSJBJ-1B BLK pickup features four conductors for versatile wiring options and easy installation. It is a great choice for guitar players who want the tone of a humbucker without altering the look of their Stratocaster guitar. The pickup comes in a sleek black finish that matches perfectly with most Stratocaster models.

The pickup is constructed with a ceramic bar magnet that provides a high output and a high treble response. The pole pieces are staggered to provide even string balance and a consistent tone across all strings. The pickup is also wax potted to reduce unwanted feedback and microphonics.

The Seymour Duncan JB Jr pickup is known for its hot-rodded tone, which is characterized by a tight and aggressive midrange, a strong low end, and a sparkling high end. The SSJBJ-1B BLK pickup delivers this tone in a single coil size, making it a great option for guitar players who want the classic sound of a humbucker without sacrificing the unique sound of their Stratocaster guitar.

In terms of installation, the SSJBJ-1B BLK pickup is easy to install and can be wired in a variety of configurations, including series, parallel, and split coil. The four conductor wiring also allows for coil tapping and other customization options.

Overall, the Seymour Duncan SSJBJ-1B BLK pickup is a great option for guitar players who want a humbucker tone in a single coil size. It delivers the classic tone of the Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in a sleek and versatile package that is perfect for rock, blues, and metal styles. With its easy installation and versatile wiring options, the SSJBJ-1B BLK pickup is a great choice for guitar players looking to upgrade their Stratocaster guitar with a hot-rodded tone.

4. Black Rail Strat Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup By Wilkinson.

The Wilkinson Low Gauss Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Strat Electric Guitar is a high-quality product that is suitable for many different styles of electric guitar. Specifically designed to fit in the bridge position of a Fender/Squier Strat, this pickup is a genuine Wilkinson part that can be easily installed in a normal Strat pickguard.

One of the key benefits of this pickup is that it is wax potted, meaning that it has been coated in a layer of wax that helps to reduce unwanted noise and interference. This makes it a great choice for players who are looking for a pickup that delivers a clean and clear sound without any unwanted hum or buzz.

Despite its low gauss rating, this pickup is capable of producing a narrow focused sound that is similar to that of a powerful single coil pickup. This makes it perfect for use in a hot rod style guitar, where it can be mixed and matched with other true single coils to create a wide range of tonalities.

The pickup features a ceramic magnet and has a D.C. resistance of 15K. It also has four conductor wires, with the black wire being ground, the yellow wire being hot, and the red and white wires being used for splitting the coil. Additionally, the pickup comes in a stylish black rail design that is sure to complement any guitar.

Please note that the package includes one pickup only, and that the screws provided may not fit your specific usage. It is recommended that you use your own screws if possible.

In summary, the Wilkinson Low Gauss Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Strat Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for guitar players who are looking for a high-quality pickup that delivers a clean and clear sound without any unwanted noise. Its narrow focused sound and versatile tonalities make it a great addition to any guitar, while its genuine Wilkinson parts ensure that it is built to last.

5. Wilkinson M Series Ceramic P90 Stacked Humbucker Set For Sg/les Paul, Black.

The Wilkinson M Series Ceramic Stacked P90 Soapbar Pickups are a must-have for any electric guitar enthusiast looking to upgrade their SG, Les Paul, Ernie Ball Axis series, Epiphone Casino or even Fender Tele. These pickups are wax potted and come in both neck and bridge positions.

These pickups are genuine Wilkinson parts from the M series, which are made in China and distributed by Musiclily. They are powerful P90 Special pickups that are famous for their hum-cancelling capabilities. The stacked coils have four conductors that can be split for a classic single sound. With a coil split switch, you can access two of the most iconic sounds in guitar style history.

The magnets in these pickups are made of Ceramic, and they have a D.C. Resistance of 10K for the neck and 16K for the bridge. On the back of the pickup, there is an 'N' for neck and a 'B' for bridge. The yellow wire is hot, the black is ground, and the white and red wires are for the split coil.

The package includes two pieces of pickups. However, it is important to note that the screws provided may not fit your usage, so it's best to use your own if needed.

Overall, the Wilkinson M Series Ceramic Stacked P90 Soapbar Pickups are an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality pickups that deliver exceptional sound. They offer a classic single-coil sound that can be split for even more versatility. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, these pickups are a great investment that will enhance your playing experience.

6. Lamsam Preloaded Single-Coil Sized Humbucker Pickguard For Strat Style Guitars With Hot Rail Pickup, 5-Way Blade Switch, Cts Pots, In White.

The LAMSAM Prwired Pickguard is a preloaded pickguard designed to fit stratocaster style electric guitars. It comes with a triple single-coil-sized humbucker pickup configuration, making it a versatile option for guitar players. The pickguard is made of 3-ply material and has 11 holes for easy installation.

The pickups are fully waxed and have a super high output. The hot rails use a blade with strong ceramic magnets. The DC resistance of the neck pickup is 16 KΩ, while the middle pickup is 18 KΩ, and the bridge pickup is 20 KΩ. The pickup sound is modern and full, with a powerful humbucker sound that's great for playing rock and funk.

In addition to the pickups, the LAMSAM Prwired Pickguard comes with excellent electronics. It includes a 5-way blade switch, CTS 500k potentiometer, and 0.022uf and 0.047uf capacitors, which help to make the sound even nicer. The electronics are also prewired, making installation easy.

Installing the LAMSAM Prwired Pickguard is a breeze. It doesn't require enlarging your single coil pickup opening, and you only need to solder three wires with the white to the hot of the jack and a black to the ground of the jack, with another black to the spring claw.

Overall, the LAMSAM Prwired Pickguard is a great option for guitar players who want to upgrade their sound without the hassle of rewiring their guitar. It offers a modern and versatile tone, making it perfect for playing a variety of genres.

7. Oripure Alnico5 Hot Rail Humbucker For Single-Coil-Sized Electric Guitars, Black Finish.

The OriPure Hot Rail Pickups Alnico5 Single-Coil-Sized Humbucker 13.6K Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar, Black is a high-quality product designed for electric guitar players who demand the best in sound and performance. The product is specially designed to enhance distortion and metal power for Strat style bridge position, making it an ideal choice for those who love playing rock and metal music.

One of the standout features of this product is its full, sensitive, solid, and thick sound. The pickup is designed to deliver a more dynamic and better clarity sound, thanks to its fiber plate bobbin, alnico 5, and AWG43 enameled wire. The pickup is vacuum wax potted and sealed to eliminate noise, ensuring that the sound quality is not compromised in any way.

The Alnico 5 single-coil-sized guitar humbucker pickups have a resistance of 13-14K and a peak frequency of 10.5H. These specifications make the pickup ideal for use in the bridge position of the electric guitar, where it can deliver the best possible sound quality.

The pickup comes in a sleek black color that complements the look of most electric guitars. It is easy to install, and it comes with screws and springs that make the installation process a breeze. The product is compatible with Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitars, making it a versatile option for guitar players who own these models.

In conclusion, the OriPure Hot Rail Pickups Alnico5 Single-Coil-Sized Humbucker 13.6K Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar, Black is a top-of-the-line product that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance. Its full, sensitive, solid, and thick sound makes it an ideal choice for guitar players who love playing rock and metal music. The product is easy to install, and it comes with everything you need to get started. If you're looking for a high-quality pickup that delivers exceptional sound quality, you can't go wrong with the OriPure Hot Rail Pickups Alnico5 Single-Coil-Sized Humbucker 13.6K Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar, Black.

8. Single Coil-Sized Humbucker Middle Pickup For Strat With Hot Rail Ceramic Technology By Wilkinson. Black Rail Design.

The Wilkinson Low Gauss Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Middle Pickup for Strat Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for guitarists who need a single coil sized humbucker pickup for the middle position of their electric guitar. It is suitable for a wide range of electric guitar styles, including Fender/Squier Strat models.

This pickup is a genuine Wilkinson part and can fit a normal Strat pickguard directly. It is also wax potted to minimize noise and ensure a clear sound. The pickup's narrow focused sound is similar to that of a very powerful single coil pickup. This makes it perfect for Hot Rod style guitars and allows for mixing and matching with true single coils for a wide variety of tonalities.

The pickup's magnet is made of ceramic, and it has a D.C. resistance of 7.2K. It comes with four conductor wires, with the black wire serving as the ground, the yellow wire as the hot wire, and the red and white wires for splitting the coil.

Included in the package is one piece of pickup. However, note that the screws provided may not fit your usage. In such cases, it is recommended to use your own screws.

Overall, the Wilkinson Low Gauss Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Middle Pickup for Strat Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for guitarists who need a powerful yet clear sound from their middle pickup. It is a genuine Wilkinson part that is easy to install and offers a range of tonalities.

9. Alnico V P90 Pickup Set For Lp Style Humbucker Size Guitar (Black/silver)

The P90 Pickup Set is a high-quality set of single coil pickups designed for Les Paul P90 style humbucker size electric guitars. These pickups deliver a rich and smooth sound that is sure to impress any guitar player.

The DC resistance of the double-conductor wire is 2547 26 AWG enamel 80℃ 300V. The lead length of the bridge is 9.05" and the neck is 14.17". The DC resistance of the neck pickup is 7.0kohm and the bridge pickup is 7.8 Kohm. These pickups are designed to deliver a powerful and clear sound with excellent tonal balance.

Both the bridge pickup and neck pickup are loaded with AlNiCo 5 magnets that deliver a strong and clear signal. The pickups are manual wound with copper coil and come in a metal housing that helps reduce hum. The 42 gauge magnetic enamel wrapped wire is wax potted and shielded wiring ensures that the signal remains clean and clear.

The height of the pole pieces is adjustable, and the pole spacing of the bridge PU is 52mm while the neck is 50mm. This allows for easy customization of the sound and tone of the pickups.

These pickups are standard humbucker-sized single coil P90 tone pickups and are widely compatible. They are designed to replace any standard-sized humbucker PUP and can be installed easily as a replacement set in a LP or SG style electric guitar.

The package includes 1 x bridge PUP and 1 x neck PUP, 4 x springs for adjusting pole-piece height, and 4 x mounting screws. All of the above is packed into a sturdy white box. The pickup dimension is 2.75×1.5×0.9inch (70*38*23mm), and the net weight of the pickup is 10.5ounces (300g).

Overall, the P90 Pickup Set is an excellent choice for guitar players who want to upgrade their sound and tone. These pickups are designed to deliver a powerful and clear sound that is sure to impress. They are easy to install and come with everything you need to get started. If you are looking for a high-quality set of pickups for your electric guitar, the P90 Pickup Set is definitely worth considering.

Best Single Coil Sized Humbucker FAQs

Can a single coil sized humbucker be used to replace a traditional single coil pickup without any modifications to the guitar?

Yes, a single coil sized humbucker can be used to replace a traditional single coil pickup without any modifications to the guitar. Single coil sized humbuckers are designed to fit into the same space as a traditional single coil pickup, making them a popular choice for guitarists who want a humbucking sound without having to modify their guitar.

However, it's important to note that while single coil sized humbuckers can be a great way to upgrade your guitar's sound, they won't necessarily sound exactly like a traditional humbucker. Single coil sized humbuckers are designed to capture some of the warmth and depth of a humbucker, but they may not provide the same level of sustain or clarity.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to a single coil sized humbucker is a personal one, and will depend on your individual playing style and preferences. However, if you're looking for a way to get a humbucking sound without modifying your guitar, a single coil sized humbucker may be a great option to consider.

How does the tone of a single coil sized humbucker compare to that of a traditional single coil or humbucker pickup?

As compared to traditional single coil pickups, single coil sized humbuckers have a warmer and more rounded tone due to the dual-coil design that reduces hum and increases sustain. They offer a thicker sound with more low-end response and less treble, making them ideal for players looking for a fuller sound.

When compared to humbuckers, single coil sized humbuckers have a more focused and defined tone, with less mid-range and more high-end response. They offer a brighter sound with more clarity and a tighter bottom end, making them ideal for players who want a more aggressive and cutting tone.

Overall, the tone of a single coil sized humbucker lies somewhere in between that of a traditional single coil and a humbucker, offering the best of both worlds. However, the exact tonal characteristics will vary depending on the specific pickup model and the guitar it is installed in.

What are the benefits of using a single coil sized humbucker in a guitar or bass?

Using a single coil sized humbucker in a guitar or bass provides several benefits. Firstly, it allows players to achieve a thicker and fuller sound without having to modify their instrument's body size or shape. This is because the humbucker's dual-coil configuration cancels out hum and noise while producing a stronger magnetic field that captures more string vibrations than a single-coil pickup. Additionally, single coil sized humbuckers offer greater versatility in terms of tonal options. They can deliver a range of sounds from the classic single-coil twang to the warm and rich tones of a humbucker. This makes them ideal for players who require a broad range of sounds for their music styles. Lastly, single coil sized humbuckers are easy to install and can be a cost-effective way to upgrade an instrument's sound quality.

What is a single coil sized humbucker and how does it differ from a traditional humbucker pickup?

A single coil sized humbucker is a type of pickup that is designed to fit into a guitar's single coil pickup slot but sound like a traditional humbucker pickup. Unlike traditional humbuckers, which use two coils to eliminate hum and provide a thicker, higher output sound, single coil sized humbuckers use one coil and a special design to achieve a similar sound.

The main difference between the two types of pickups is the size and shape. Traditional humbuckers are larger and require a specific size slot in the guitar's body, whereas single coil sized humbuckers can be installed in a guitar that has a single coil pickup slot. Additionally, single coil sized humbuckers are known for their brighter and clearer sound, while traditional humbuckers are known for their thicker and darker sound.

Overall, single coil sized humbuckers are a great option for guitarists who want the sound of a humbucker pickup in a guitar that is only designed for single coil pickups.

Which brands offer the best single coil sized humbuckers and what are their unique features?

Several brands offer single coil sized humbuckers that provide great sound quality and unique features. Some of the best brands include Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and EMG.

Seymour Duncan offers a wide range of options, including the P-Rails, which combines a P90 and humbucker into one single coil sized pickup. The Lil' Screamin' Demon is another option, which provides a high-output and bright sound.

DiMarzio has the Injector pickup, which uses patented technology to provide a clear and articulate sound while reducing noise. The Area 67 is another option, which offers a vintage sound with modern technology.

EMG offers the H4A, which uses active electronics to provide a high-output sound while reducing noise. The H4 is another option, which provides a classic humbucker sound in a single coil size.

Overall, each brand offers unique features and sounds, so it is important to research and test each pickup before making a decision.

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