Strat*
Ah, the joy of the shimmer and chime, quack and cluck, of Strat pickups. Then there’s the noise, but we learn to live with it in various ways, from cavity shielding to dummy coils to learning the right angle to stand with your guitar so the stage lighting doesn’t buzz through your amp quite so bad. Probably a good time, then, to confess that unfortunately, stack/noiseless pickups and actives are beyond my capabilities for now. But other than that, as with all my pickups, let your imagination run wild because I custom wind everything to customer specs.
This means you’re not limited to the models listed below; consider them suggestions to jump-start your imagination. Feel free to mix and match specs and features. (Within reason, of course: Don’t ask for a 38.5k triple-coil bridge humbuckers with unobtainium magnets that sounds just like a vintage Strat neck when you switch to single coil mode.) Beyond that, the only limitation is I reserve the right to veto your idea if I don’t think it will work for the sound you want.
Notes: You’ll notice that in all the sets listed below, the middle pickup is wound with significantly weaker than the neck. This unusual configuration reflects my conviction that a weaker middle pickup makes for better quack and cluck in the #2 and #4 positions for us Notch-Only players (those who rarely if ever use the middle by itself). But if you’re a 24/7 Middle Alone player and need it beefier for solos, the middle spec can be easily altered to your taste. It can even be tapped so you can have the best of both worlds.
I typically use slightly wider than vintage rod magnets (.205” dia vs. vintage .187” to .197”) most of the time to get a bit wider tone out of the neck and bridge. It also helps a little to make up for string spacing problems on some Strats. The middle pu is typically made with vintage-diameter rods to keep it thin for maximum quack but an all-.205 set is yours for the asking. The reverse –all-vintage-diameter sets – are also available.
Pricing:
Standard..................... $70
Paul Bunyan................ $85
Tire Iron..................... $85
Options:
Tap............................................... $15 per tap.
Custom Spacing............................ $20 per pickup.
Need a tighter spaced neck because the E strings are too far inside the poles? Need slightly wider bridge for the opposite reason? I can do custom spacings in 49.2mm, 50mm and 53mm. (Standard is 52mm.) It’s a little pricey because custom spaced covers have to be made too.
RWRP Middle Pickup.................... NO CHARGE.
Standard for all Strat sets unless otherwise requested. You can also order a neck or bridge RWRP at no extra charge.)
5/2 or 5/3 Magnet Mix.................. NO CHARGE
Custom Radius............................. NO CHARGE.
Flatpole, softer vintage stagger, radius or a custom stagger of some sort? No problem.
No-Flange Bobbin......................... $10 per pickup.
This is for guitars where the pickups are mounted to the body and the cavities are routed like a lipstick tube, ie: without the triangular space facing the bridge for the side-flange where the leads are installed. The flange is cut off and the leads are instead installed at each end of the bobbin.
Strelecaster Styling....................... $15
What is “Strelecaster Styling”? It is wrapping a coverless Strat pickup twine like a Tele bridge pickup (SEE PHOTO BELOW). Can be made with just about any color twine, red/white/black shown here:
This means you’re not limited to the models listed below; consider them suggestions to jump-start your imagination. Feel free to mix and match specs and features. (Within reason, of course: Don’t ask for a 38.5k triple-coil bridge humbuckers with unobtainium magnets that sounds just like a vintage Strat neck when you switch to single coil mode.) Beyond that, the only limitation is I reserve the right to veto your idea if I don’t think it will work for the sound you want.
Notes: You’ll notice that in all the sets listed below, the middle pickup is wound with significantly weaker than the neck. This unusual configuration reflects my conviction that a weaker middle pickup makes for better quack and cluck in the #2 and #4 positions for us Notch-Only players (those who rarely if ever use the middle by itself). But if you’re a 24/7 Middle Alone player and need it beefier for solos, the middle spec can be easily altered to your taste. It can even be tapped so you can have the best of both worlds.
I typically use slightly wider than vintage rod magnets (.205” dia vs. vintage .187” to .197”) most of the time to get a bit wider tone out of the neck and bridge. It also helps a little to make up for string spacing problems on some Strats. The middle pu is typically made with vintage-diameter rods to keep it thin for maximum quack but an all-.205 set is yours for the asking. The reverse –all-vintage-diameter sets – are also available.
Pricing:
Standard..................... $70
Paul Bunyan................ $85
Tire Iron..................... $85
Options:
Tap............................................... $15 per tap.
Custom Spacing............................ $20 per pickup.
Need a tighter spaced neck because the E strings are too far inside the poles? Need slightly wider bridge for the opposite reason? I can do custom spacings in 49.2mm, 50mm and 53mm. (Standard is 52mm.) It’s a little pricey because custom spaced covers have to be made too.
RWRP Middle Pickup.................... NO CHARGE.
Standard for all Strat sets unless otherwise requested. You can also order a neck or bridge RWRP at no extra charge.)
5/2 or 5/3 Magnet Mix.................. NO CHARGE
Custom Radius............................. NO CHARGE.
Flatpole, softer vintage stagger, radius or a custom stagger of some sort? No problem.
No-Flange Bobbin......................... $10 per pickup.
This is for guitars where the pickups are mounted to the body and the cavities are routed like a lipstick tube, ie: without the triangular space facing the bridge for the side-flange where the leads are installed. The flange is cut off and the leads are instead installed at each end of the bobbin.
Strelecaster Styling....................... $15
What is “Strelecaster Styling”? It is wrapping a coverless Strat pickup twine like a Tele bridge pickup (SEE PHOTO BELOW). Can be made with just about any color twine, red/white/black shown here:
Strele styled pickups
This is not JUST an aesthetic option: Flatpole with no cover means the coil itself is much closer to the strings compared to a standard Strat* design pickup with Alnico rods that protrude several millimeters above the surface of the flatwork. The result is livelier pickups with more sustain without losing the vintage tone and clarity. This means you can also set them lower to avoid the dread "Stratitis" and still get a strong signal.
Models:
Hardcore
Bridge 6.3k/A3, Middle 5.5k/A3, Neck 5.8k/A3
This is an all-Alnico 3 set for the player who isn’t looking to push the amp real hard, just wants that hardcore sweet vintage chime and jangle in all 5 positions at all costs. You won’t be disappointed. Vintage diameter rods are used on all 3 pickups.
This is an all-Alnico 3 set for the player who isn’t looking to push the amp real hard, just wants that hardcore sweet vintage chime and jangle in all 5 positions at all costs. You won’t be disappointed. Vintage diameter rods are used on all 3 pickups.
The Refin Set
Bridge 6.6k/A5 & A3 mix, 5.5k/A5, 6.0k/A5
My friend Steve, better known as “Refin” at various gear forums, wanted a serious vintage set and got one -- but with a couple of twists to accommodate his needs. No doubt you’ve noticed from the specs above that the middle pu is the weakest of the bunch, and that the bridge has mixed magnets, both A5 and A3 rods (A3 on the plain strings to soften the dreaded ice-pick). But if you need a little more meat in the middle for middle-alone solos or you want an all-A5 bridge or other tweaks, can do.
My friend Steve, better known as “Refin” at various gear forums, wanted a serious vintage set and got one -- but with a couple of twists to accommodate his needs. No doubt you’ve noticed from the specs above that the middle pu is the weakest of the bunch, and that the bridge has mixed magnets, both A5 and A3 rods (A3 on the plain strings to soften the dreaded ice-pick). But if you need a little more meat in the middle for middle-alone solos or you want an all-A5 bridge or other tweaks, can do.
Hot Vintage
Bridge 7.5k/A2, Middle 6.3k/A5, Neck 6.8k/A5
For a vintage tone with some extra width, especially in the bridge. Alnico 2 in the bridge to keep the top sweet. Pretty much like a fatter Refin Set.
For a vintage tone with some extra width, especially in the bridge. Alnico 2 in the bridge to keep the top sweet. Pretty much like a fatter Refin Set.
Paul Bunyan
Bridge 10.2k/A2, Middle 6.5k/A5, Neck 8.0k/A5
This set is for the Strat equivalent of the big tone of the popular Paul Bunyan Tele set. A2 on the bridge helps smooth the icepick, plus 42 gauge wire – say again, 42 AWG, not the thinner 43 that gives you a misleadingly high DCR spec.
Don’t get me wrong -- 10.2k with 43 is still a hotter pickup than your typical 6.5k bridge pu and will push your amp a bit, but it’s not as hot as you would think at first glance. 10.2k worth of 42 AWG on the other hand really IS what you think -- a big, bad, bruisin’ tone with some P90 growl – all while retaining amazing clarity. An Alnico 5 version is available if you want a little extra snap and twang, as are 5/2 or 5/3 versions.
As with all my Strat sets, the middle is biased low for the best quack for us notch-only guys, but can be wound hotter if you’re in the middle-alone camp. The neck is fat and creamy for some SRV muscle without losing the classic Strat neck sparkle.
This set is for the Strat equivalent of the big tone of the popular Paul Bunyan Tele set. A2 on the bridge helps smooth the icepick, plus 42 gauge wire – say again, 42 AWG, not the thinner 43 that gives you a misleadingly high DCR spec.
Don’t get me wrong -- 10.2k with 43 is still a hotter pickup than your typical 6.5k bridge pu and will push your amp a bit, but it’s not as hot as you would think at first glance. 10.2k worth of 42 AWG on the other hand really IS what you think -- a big, bad, bruisin’ tone with some P90 growl – all while retaining amazing clarity. An Alnico 5 version is available if you want a little extra snap and twang, as are 5/2 or 5/3 versions.
As with all my Strat sets, the middle is biased low for the best quack for us notch-only guys, but can be wound hotter if you’re in the middle-alone camp. The neck is fat and creamy for some SRV muscle without losing the classic Strat neck sparkle.
Tire Iron
Bridge Only 11.0k/A5
This is an even hotter version of the Paul Bunyan bridge, with a tone that will crack you across the bridge of the nose like a...well, tire iron. It’s one of my two approaches to a meaty P90 tone in a Strat pu. Like the Paul Bunyan bridge, it’s made with Strelecaster styling only, which is to say that it is coverless and wrapped with black or white twine, like a Tele bridge pu. It is also flatpole only – no radius, no stagger. (See Above to Options for explanation of Strelecaster Styling.)
This is an even hotter version of the Paul Bunyan bridge, with a tone that will crack you across the bridge of the nose like a...well, tire iron. It’s one of my two approaches to a meaty P90 tone in a Strat pu. Like the Paul Bunyan bridge, it’s made with Strelecaster styling only, which is to say that it is coverless and wrapped with black or white twine, like a Tele bridge pu. It is also flatpole only – no radius, no stagger. (See Above to Options for explanation of Strelecaster Styling.)
