Fender Custom Shop Dual Mag II Stratocaster pickups yield an exceptionally balanced voice with shimmering, clear highs and rich lows. Developed by the Fender Custom Shop, this premium set addresses the classic issue of volume imbalances across strings while tempering unwanted single-coil noise. It is well suited to guitarists seeking studio-grade clarity from their traditional S-style guitar.
By blending two different magnet types across the breakout of the strings, these pickups ensure every note is articulated with uniform dynamics and impressive depth.
Unique Blend of Alnico Magnets
True to its name, this set utilises a proprietary blend of two distinct magnet types. Unbevelled Alnico 5 magnets sit beneath the low E, A, D, and G strings to provide focused dynamics and a punchy bass response. Conversely, the B and high E strings sit over hand-bevelled Alnico 2 magnets. This combination keeps the lower registers crisp and authoritative while softening the treble strings, removing any harshness from high-register lead playing.
Custom Stagger and Enhanced Shielding
To produce a smooth transition between wound and plain strings, these pickups incorporate a custom stagger with a specific "low G" magnet configuration. The Alnico 5 element under the G string ensures it sings with appropriate sustain, while the Alnico 2 pieces for the B and E strings are slightly taller than vintage specification to achieve uniform volume across the fretboard. Background interference is also tightly controlled; each pickup is wrapped in copper shielding tape to combat noise, while the reverse-wound, reverse-polarity (RWRP) middle pickup eliminates single-coil hum entirely in positions two and four.
What Does the Fender Custom Shop Dual Mag II Stratocaster Pickup Set Sound Like?
This set outputs one of the clearest, most well-balanced sounds available for an S-style guitar. The tonal profile is distinctly vintage, providing a moderate output that retains the legendary Stratocaster sparkle without overriding your amplifier. The bass response is rich and tight without becoming muddy, while the top end glides smoothly with a singing, vocal quality. It is ideal for players who appreciate nuanced touch sensitivity in musical genres such as blues, jazz, and classic rock.
Built using premium components, the pickups incorporate Formvar-coated magnet wire to lift overall brightness. Traditional construction methodologies are preserved through the use of a classic fibre bobbin and vintage-style cloth lead wire, balancing modern performance with historical build techniques.
Fender Custom Shop Dual Mag II Stratocaster Pickup Set Specifications
- Pickup Type - single-coil.
- Set - set of 3 matched pickups.
- Designed For - Stratocaster guitars.
- Position - neck, middle, and bridge set.
- Number of Strings - 6-string.
- Configuration - SSS.
- Lead Wire - cloth-covered.
- Magnet Type - Alnico 5 on low E through G, hand-bevelled Alnico 2 on B and high E.
- DC Resistance - Neck: 5.85kΩ, Middle: 5.9kΩ, Bridge: 5.95kΩ.
- Inductance - Neck: 2.65 Henries, Middle: 2.72 Henries, Bridge: 2.84 Henries.
- Magnet Wire - Formvar-coated to improve overall brightness.
- Shielding - wrapped with copper shielding tape to reduce noise.
- Bobbin Material - fibre.
- Style - vintage.
- Output - moderate.
- Tone - vintage.
- Accessories - installation hardware included.
- Orientation - right-handed.
The Fender Custom Shop Dual Mag II Stratocaster Pickup Set earns its place in any premium instrument where string-to-string balance and immaculate note separation are paramount. They supply a high-end, studio-grade upgrade that brings refined vintage character and enhanced noise control.