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2. EMG DG20 David Gilmour Signature Loaded Pickguard
4 Seymour Duncan Everything Axe
5. Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Old Guard
6. Fender Eric Johnson Signature Series
9.Seymour Duncan California '50s
10.Fender Tex Mex Loaded Strat Pickguard
Best Strat Pickups
Our review will delve into the distinctive features of each pickup, including their construction, magnet types, output levels, and tonal profiles. We will explore how each pickup affects the overall sound of the Stratocaster and what playing styles they best complement. Whether you're a blues enthusiast, a jazz aficionado, or a rock virtuoso, our list will cater to diverse musical preferences and help you find the perfect set of pickups to suit your needs.
1. Fender Gen IV Noiseless
The Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups offer a significant upgrade for players seeking a noise-free and versatile tone while retaining the essence of a classic Stratocaster. Their noiseless operation, authentic Stratocaster tone, and solderless installation system are definite advantages. Overall, these pickups are an excellent choice for players seeking enhanced clarity, reduced noise, and a modern upgrade to their Stratocaster's sound, making them a worthy investment for serious guitarists in various musical genres.
Pros:
Noiseless Operation: As the name suggests, the Fender Generation 4 Noiseless Stratocaster pickups effectively eliminate the unwanted hum and noise commonly associated with traditional single-coil pickups. This ensures a cleaner and quieter signal, especially when using high-gain settings or in environments with electrical interference.
Authentic Stratocaster Tone: These pickups retain the classic and iconic Stratocaster tone while providing a modern upgrade. They deliver the crisp, bright, and articulate sound that Stratocasters are known for, making them ideal for various musical genres.
Versatility: The Generation 4 Noiseless pickups offer a versatile tonal range, suitable for a wide range of playing styles. They excel in clean and exaggerated tones, providing clarity and responsiveness, whether playing blues, rock, country, or jazz.
Solderless Installation: The pickups come with a solderless installation system, making the upgrade process easier for guitarists without much technical experience. The straightforward installation ensures a secure and reliable connection.
Consistent Output: Each pickup in the set delivers a balanced and consistent output, ensuring even volume levels across all positions on the Stratocaster's pickup selector switch.
Improved String Balance: These pickups exhibit improved string-to-string balance, reducing the volume drop often experienced with traditional single-coil pickups when switching between strings.
Feedback Resistance: The noiseless design not only reduces hum but also minimizes feedback, allowing guitarists to play at higher volumes without unwanted screeching or squealing.
Cons:
Price: The Fender Generation 4 Noiseless pickups are higher priced compared to standard single-coil pickups. While they offer significant benefits, the cost might be a factor for budget-conscious guitarists.
Tonal Preferences: While these pickups are designed to preserve the classic Stratocaster sound, some players might prefer the inherent warmth and character of traditional single-coil pickups.
Less Vintage Vibe: Some vintage purists might feel that the noiseless design slightly alters the character and charm of traditional single-coil pickups, which have a unique tonal signature.
Not for All Genres: Although versatile, some players looking for extremely high-output tones for heavy metal or hard rock might prefer different pickup options.
2. EMG DG20 David Gilmour Signature Loaded Pickguard
The EMG DG20 David Gilmour Active Pickup Guitar Pickguard Set offers a top-tier upgrade for guitarists aiming to achieve David Gilmour's signature tone or seeking the benefits of active pickups. With noiseless operation, versatility, and a solderless installation system, these pickups provide significant advantages. However, the higher price, potential tonal preferences, battery requirement, and possible impact on the vintage Stratocaster vibe should be taken into account. Overall, the DG20 set is a top-notch choice for fans of David Gilmour's iconic sound and players looking for active pickups' responsiveness and clarity, making it a worthy investment for serious guitarists in various genres.
Pros:
Signature David Gilmour Tone: The EMG DG20 is specifically designed to replicate the iconic tone of David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd. The pickups deliver the smooth, expressive, and emotive sound that Gilmour is renowned for.
Active Pickup Technology: The DG20 set features active pickups, which provide higher output and lower noise compared to traditional passive pickups. The active design allows for a more dynamic and responsive tone, making it suitable for various playing styles.
Noiseless Operation: Active pickups are less susceptible to noise and interference, ensuring a clean and clear signal even in high-gain settings or environments with electrical interference.
Solderless Installation: The EMG DG20 set comes with a solderless installation system, making it easy to install for guitarists without much technical experience. The straightforward installation ensures a secure and reliable connection.
Stratocaster Compatibility: The DG20 pickguard set is designed to fit Stratocaster-style guitars, making it a convenient drop-in upgrade for players with compatible instruments.
Versatility:Despite being known for David Gilmour's tone, these pickups are versatile andcan handle various musical genres. They excel in classic rock, blues, and psychedelic styles, but can adapt to other genres as well.
Cons:
Price: The EMG DG20 pickguard set is on the higher end of the price spectrum, making it a significant investment. This might be a concern for budget-conscious guitarists.
Tonal Preference: While the DG20 pickups are designed to replicate Gilmour's tone, some players might prefer the inherent warmth and character of traditional passive pickups, which have a distinct tonal signature.
Battery Requirement: As active pickups, the DG20 set requires a 9V battery to power the preamp. Players need to ensure that the battery is properly maintained to avoid unexpected power loss during performances.
Less Vintage Vibe: Some players might feel that the active design slightly alters the traditional Stratocaster tone and vintage vibe that many players cherish.
3. Wilkinson Vintage Voice
The Wilkinson Lic White ST Strat Vintage Voice Single Coil Pickups offer a budget-friendly and effective upgrade for Stratocaster players looking to capture the timeless tone of vintage Fender pickups. With their authentic vintage voice, versatility, and noise-cancelling design, they are a solid choice for players seeking that classic Stratocaster chime and clarity. However, those desiring higher output or modern features might want to explore other pickup options. Overall, the Vintage Voice pickups are a reliable and affordable choice for enhancing the tone of Stratocaster-style guitars and a great way to infuse a touch of vintage character into one's playing, making them a worthy consideration for players in the blues, rock, country, and similar genres.
Pros:
Vintage Stratocaster Tone: The Wilkinson Lic ST Strat Vintage Voice Single Coil Pickups are designed to replicate the classic and iconic tone of vintage Stratocaster pickups. They deliver that beloved chime, clarity, and warmth associated with vintage Fender single-coil pickups.
Affordable Upgrade: These pickups offer an affordable upgrade option for Stratocaster owners looking to enhance their guitar's tone without breaking the bank.
Versatility: The Vintage Voice pickups are versatile and well-suited for a wide range of musical styles. They excel in clean and slightly exaggerated tones, making them suitable for genres like blues, rock, country, and pop.
Noise Canceling Design: The Vintage Voice pickups feature a noise-cancelling design that minimizes unwanted hum and interference, providing a quieter and cleaner signal.
Easy Installation: These pickups come in a standard Stratocaster single-coil size, making them a drop-in replacement for most Stratocaster-style guitars. The straightforward installation process ensures an easy and hassle-free upgrade.
Solid Construction: The Vintage Voice pickups are well-constructed and built to withstand regular use, offering reliability and longevity.
Cons:
Limited Output: While these pickups offer authentic vintage Stratocaster tone, some players seeking higher output and more aggressive tones might find them lacking in that regard.
Less Suitable for Heavy Styles: Due to their vintage voice, these pickups might not be the best choice for players seeking extremely high-gain or heavily distorted tones.
Lack of Modern Features: Unlike some modern pickups, the Vintage Voice pickups lack advanced features such as coil-splitting or noiseless operation.
Tonal Preference: The vintage tonal character might not be everyone's preference, and some players might prefer the clarity and precision of more modern pickups.
4 Seymour Duncan Everything Axe
The Seymour Duncan Everything Ax Strat Set is a premium pickup upgrade that offers a wealth of tonal options and noiseless operation. With its HSS configuration, high-quality construction, and easy installation, it provides guitarists with a versatile and reliable set of pickups suitable for various playing styles. However, the higher price and potential need for modifications might be considerations for some players. Overall, the Everything Ax Set is an excellent choice for those seeking a noiseless and versatile pickup upgrade for their Stratocaster-style guitars, particularly for those who appreciate the flexibility of switching between single-coil, humbucker, and P-90-like tones. It's a worthy investment for serious players looking to expand their sonic possibilities and elevate their playing experience.
Pros:
Versatility: The Seymour Duncan Everything Ax Strat Set is designed to provide a versatile range of tones, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical styles. It offers the flexibility to switch between single-coil, humbucker, and P-90-like tones, giving guitarists a broad sonic palette to work with.
Noiseless Operation: These pickups feature noise-cancelling technology, reducing unwanted hum and interference while maintaining the classic single-coil sound. This noiseless operation is especially beneficial for high-gain settings or playing in noisy environments.
HSS Configuration: The set includes a bridge humbucker and two single-coil pickups, allowing players to achieve a traditional HSS (humbucker, single-coil, single-coil) pickup arrangement for added tonal versatility.
High-Quality Construction: Seymour Duncan is known for producing high-quality pickups, and the Everything Ax Set is no exception. The pickups are well-built and durable, ensuring reliable performance over time.
Easy Installation: The Everything Ax Set is designed to fit standard Stratocaster-style guitars, making installation straightforward for most players. The package includes all the necessary components and wiring diagrams for easy setup.
Balanced Output: The pickups in the Everything Ax Set are carefully matched to provide a balanced output across all positions, ensuring consistent volume levels when switching between pickups.
Cons:
Price: The Seymour Duncan Everything Ax Strat Set is a premium pickup upgrade, and the price might be a consideration for budget-conscious players.
Tonal Preference: While the Everything Ax Set offers a wide range of tones, some players may have specific tonal preferences that are better suited to other pickup configurations.
Modification Required for Some Guitars: Depending on the guitar's existing electronics and routing, some modifications may be necessary to accommodate the Everything Ax Set.
Professional installation might be required for certain guitars.
Not Ideal for Traditionalists: Players seeking to retain the traditional single-coil Stratocaster sound without additional humbuckers or noiseless technology might find this set to be a departure from the classic Strat tone.
5. Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Old Guard
The Bare Knuckle Bootcamp Strat Old Guard Pickup Set offers authentic vintage tones and handwound craftsmanship, making them an excellent choice for players seeking a classic Stratocaster sound. Their versatility and noiseless operation add to their appeal, while the aged white finish enhances the vintage aesthetics of the guitar. However, the higher price, tonal preferences, and focus on vintage tones might be considerations for some players. Overall, the Bootcamp Strat Old Guard pickups are a premium option for guitarists who value the warmth, articulation, and vintage-inspired character of classic Stratocaster pickups. They are a worthy investment for serious players looking to capture that iconic vintage Strat sound and elevate their playing experience with high-quality, handcrafted pickups.
Pros:
Authentic Vintage Tone: The Bare Knuckle Bootcamp Strat Old Guard pickups are designed to replicate the warm, articulate, and vintage-inspired tones of classic Stratocaster pickups. They capture the essence of vintage single-coil pickups, making them perfect for players seeking that iconic vintage Strat sound.
Handwound Craftsmanship: Bare Knuckle pickups are handwound in the UK with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and consistent performance.
Versatility: While primarily focused on vintage tones, the Old Guard pickups offer a balanced and dynamic response, making them suitable for various musical styles, including blues, rock, country, and jazz.
Noiseless Operation: These pickups feature a noise-cancelling design, reducing unwanted hum and interference without compromising the vintage single-coil character.
Aged Look: The white finish of the Bootcamp Strat Old Guard pickups gives them a vintage-inspired, aged appearance, adding a touch of classic aesthetics to the guitar.
Easy Installation: The set is designed to fit standard Stratocaster-style guitars, making installation straightforward for most players. The package includes all the necessary components and wiring diagrams for easy setup.
Cons:
Price: The Bare Knuckle Bootcamp Strat Old Guard pickups are on the higher end of the price spectrum, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious players.
Not for High Output Seekers: Players looking for extremely high-output tones or aggressive heavy metal sounds might find these pickups to be less suitable for their preferences.
Tonal Preference: While the Old Guard pickups are intended to provide authentic vintage tones, some players may have specific tonal preferences that are better suited to different pickup designs.
Not Ideal for Modern Styles: Due to their vintage-inspired design, these pickups might not be the best choice for players seeking a modern, high-gain, or more contemporary sound.
6. Fender Eric Johnson Signature Series
The Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster Pickups are an authentic and high-quality set designed to replicate the signature tone of Eric Johnson. They offer versatility, balance, and noiseless operation, making them a solid choice for players seeking a smooth and expressive tone suitable for various musical styles. However, the higher price, tonal preferences, and focus on vintage-inspired tones might be considerations for some players. Overall, these pickups are a premium option for guitarists who admire Eric Johnson's iconic sound and seek to capture that distinct tone in their playing. They are a worthy investment for serious players looking to emulate Johnson's playing style and elevate their Stratocaster's sonic capabilities with genuine Fender craftsmanship and the Eric Johnson touch.
Pros:
Authentic Eric Johnson Tone: The Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster pickups are designed to replicate the signature tone of renowned guitarist Eric Johnson. They capture his classic, smooth, and expressive sound, making them an ideal choice for players seeking to emulate his playing style.
Versatility: While tailored to Eric Johnson's tone, these pickups offer a versatile range of sounds suitable for various musical genres. They excel in clean and slightly exaggerated tones, making them versatile for blues, rock, jazz, and more.
High-Quality Construction: As genuine Fender pickups, the Eric Johnson set is made with high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship, ensuring reliable performance and long-term durability.
Noiseless Operation: The Eric Johnson pickups feature noiseless technology, reducing hum and interference, especially beneficial for high-gain settings or playing in noisy environments.
Solderless Installation: Fender provides all the necessary components and wiring diagrams for easy and solderless installation, making the upgrade process straightforward for most players.
Cons:
Price: The Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster pickups are on the higher end of the price range for aftermarket pickups, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious players.
Not Ideal for Heavy Styles: Due to their vintage-inspired design, these pickups might not be the best choice for players seeking extremely high-gain or aggressive heavy metal tones.
Less Modern Features: Unlike some modern pickups, the Eric Johnson set lacks advanced features such as coil-splitting or active electronics.
7. EMG SA Series
The EMG SA Active Single Coil Guitar Pickup Set is an excellent option for guitarists seeking noiseless operation, high output, and versatile tones. The active electronics deliver a powerful and consistent signal, making these pickups suitable for a broad range of musical styles. The easy installation and high-quality construction ensure a reliable and hassle-free upgrade for most players. However, the battery requirement and tonal preference might be considerations for some players, especially those seeking vintage or more traditional single-coil tones.Overall, the EMG SA Active Pickup Set in black is a top-notch choice for guitarists looking to enhance their guitar's performance with powerful and noise-free single-coil tones, making it a worthy investment for serious players in various genres,
Pros:
Quiet and Noise-Free: The EMG SA Active Single Coil Pickup Set features active electronics, which significantly reduces noise and hum compared to traditional single-coil pickups. This noiseless operation is particularly beneficial in high-gain settings or when playing in venues with electrical interference.
High Output: These pickups offer a higher output compared to passive single-coil pickups, providing a strong and punchy signal that drives the amp with ease. The increased output is suitable for players who prefer a more aggressive and dynamic tone.
Versatility: They can cover a wide range of genres, from clean and smooth tones for jazz and blues to heavier overdriven sounds for rock and alternative styles.
Active Electronics: The active design ensures a consistent and powerful tone across all playing styles and settings.
Easy Installation: The EMG SA Active Pickup Set comes with straightforward installation instructions, making it accessible for players with minimal technical experience. The solderless installation system ensures a secure and reliable connection.
Cons:
Battery Requirement: Since these are active pickups, they require a 9V battery for operation.
Tonal Preference: While the EMG SA pickups offer versatility, some players might have a specific tonal preference that leans toward the more traditional characteristics of passive single-coil pickups.
Not for Vintage Tones: Players seeking authentic vintage Stratocaster tones might find the active nature of these pickups to be a departure from the classic single-coil sound.
8.ToneRider TRS2 City Limits
The Tonerider TRS2 City Limits Strat Pickup Set is an excellent choice for players seeking vintage Stratocaster tones at an affordable price. These pickups capture the classic Stratocaster sound, delivering chime, warmth, and clarity reminiscent of vintage Fender pickups. Their versatility makes them suitable for various genres, from clean jazz to blues and classic rock. The noiseless operation is a significant advantage, ensuring a noise-free signal even in high-gain settings or noisy environments. The handwound craftsmanship adds to the appeal, guaranteeing quality and consistency.
However, players seeking higher output or more aggressive tones might find these pickups to be less suitable for their preferences. Additionally, those looking for a modern, high-gain sound might prefer alternative pickup options. Overall, the Tonerider TRS2 City Limits Strat Pickup Set is a solid choice for players wanting to capture the vintage Stratocaster sound without breaking the bank. It offers an affordable and reliable upgrade for those seeking classic Stratocaster tones in their playing, making it a worthy consideration for serious guitarists in various genres, particularly those who appreciate the warmth and character of vintage-inspired pickups.
Pros:
Vintage Stratocaster Tone: They capture the classic chime, warmth, and bell-like clarity that Stratocaster players love.
Versatility: While focused on vintage tones, these pickups offer versatility and can handle a wide range of musical styles. They excel in clean, blues, and classic rock tones, making them suitable for various genres.
Noiseless Operation: The TRS2 City Limits pickups feature a noise-cancelling design, significantly reducing unwanted hum and interference while preserving the single-coil character.
Handwound Craftsmanship: Tonerider pickups are handwound with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and consistent performance.
Affordable Upgrade: The TRS2 City Limits set offers an affordable upgrade option for players looking to enhance their guitar's tone without breaking the bank.
Cons:
Not for High Output Seekers: Players seeking extremely high-gain or aggressive tones might find these pickups to be lacking in output and bite compared to higher output pickups.
Less Suitable for Heavy Styles: Due to their vintage-inspired design, these pickups might not be the best choice for players seeking modern, high-gain, or heavy metal sounds.
9.Seymour Duncan California '50s
The Seymour Duncan California '50s Strat Pickup Set is an excellent choice for players seeking authentic vintage Stratocaster tones. With their chime, clarity, and versatility, these pickups capture the essence of the classic '50s Strat sound, making them ideal for a wide range of musical styles. While not designed for extreme high-gain tones, they offer a balanced output and noiseless operation, providing players with reliable and consistent performance. If you're a fan of vintage Stratocaster tones and looking to enhance your guitar's sound, the Seymour Duncan California '50s Strat Pickup Set is a top-notch option that will bring that classic Fender vibe to your playing.
Pros:
Authentic Vintage Tone: Whether you're playing clean arpeggios or overdriven blues licks, these pickups deliver that timeless Strat sound.
Versatility: From clean and glassy tones for jazz and blues to smooth overdriven sounds for classic rock, these pickups excel in delivering a wide range of classic Stratocaster tones.
Noise Canceling Design: The California '50s pickups feature a noise-cancelling design, reducing unwanted hum and interference without compromising the single-coil character. This ensures a clean and quiet signal even in high-gain settings.
Cons:
Not for High Output Seekers: Players seeking extremely high-gain or aggressive tones might find these pickups to be lacking in output and bite compared to higher output pickups. They are more suited for players who prefer classic Stratocaster tones.
Lack of Modern Features: Unlike some modern pickups, the California '50s set lacks advanced features such as coil-splitting or active electronics.
10.Fender Tex Mex Loaded Strat Pickguard
The Fender Tex Mex Prewired Stratocaster Pickguard - 3-ply White is an excellent option for players seeking an easy and effective way to upgrade their Stratocaster's tone. With its improved tonal character, high-quality components, and vintage aesthetics, this prewired pickguard offers a significant enhancement to your guitar's sound and appearance. However, players seeking extensive customization or extreme high-gain tones might need to explore other pickup options. Overall, the Tex Mex Prewired Stratocaster Pickguard provides great value for those seeking an accessible and reliable upgrade to their Stratocaster's tone and looks.
Pros:
Improved Tone: The Tex Mex pickups offer a classic and punchy sound with a slightly overwound design, providing a hotter output compared to standard Stratocaster pickups. This upgrade can add more depth and bite to your guitar's tone.
Ease of Installation: The pickguard comes prewired, making installation easy and convenient. It's a straightforward drop-in replacement for standard Stratocaster pickguards, requiring minimal technical knowledge.
Quality Components: The pickguard assembly includes high-quality Tex Mex pickups, pots, and a 5-way switch, ensuring reliable performance and long-lasting durability.
Vintage Aesthetics: The 3-ply white pickguard adds a classic and vintage look to your Stratocaster, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
Versatility: The Tex Mex pickups offer a versatile tonal range, suitable for various musical styles, including blues, rock, country, and more. They perform well in both clean and overdriven settings.
Value for Money: Considering the quality of components and the prewired convenience, the Tex Mex Prewired Stratocaster Pickguard offers good value for upgrading your guitar's sound without the need to purchase individual components.
Cons:
Limited Customization: While the Tex Mex pickups provide a significant tonal improvement, some players might prefer the ability to mix and match different pickups to tailor their guitar's sound to their specific preferences.
Not Suitable for All Styles: While versatile, the Tex Mex pickups are not the best choice for players seeking extremely high-gain or heavy metal tones. They excel more in classic and vintage-inspired genres.
No Tone Control Options: The pickguard assembly does not include separate tone controls for individual pickups. This might limit tonal shaping options for players who prefer more precise control over their guitar's sound.
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