These calibrated pickups inject classic 1950s single-coil character into your instrument, combining vintage-inspired construction with a modified tonal profile. Built for players who demand the sweet, chimey voice of a golden-era Stratocaster but require a bit more attitude in the lower frequencies, this set provides enhanced bass response without any harsh midrange glare. These single-coils upgrade your standard guitar with premium materials, making them an excellent choice for blues, rock, and pop players seeking an authentic performance upgrade.
Premium Vintage Construction
The foundation of these pickups rests on period-correct materials that honour Fender's heritage. Formvar-coated magnet wire and cloth-covered lead wires combine with traditional fibre bobbins to replicate the exact build methods of the early 1950s. Staggered, hand-bevelled Alnico 5 magnets produce balanced output across all six strings, optimising string-to-string balance while providing dynamic responsiveness to your playing touch.
Hum-Cancelling Performance
Fender incorporates a reverse-wound, reverse-polarity (RWRP) middle pickup into this calibrated set. This design serves up hum-cancelling operation when switching to positions two and four on a standard five-way selector switch. You get the classic, hollow position quack completely free from mains hum and interference, ensuring clean performance on stage or in the studio.
What Does the Fender Custom Shop Fat '50s Stratocaster Pickups Sound Like?
These pickups project a modern take on the traditional 1950s single-coil sound, defined by a moderate output that drives your amplifier just a little harder. The bass response is noticeably enhanced, giving your chords a thick, warm foundation without becoming muddy. Crucially, the midrange remains smooth and controlled, avoiding the harshness often found in overwound single-coils. This makes the set well suited to musical styles like blues, classic rock, and clean funk, offering a punchy, dynamic response that cleans up beautifully when you roll back the volume control.
Fender Custom Shop Fat '50s Stratocaster Pickups Specifications
- Pickup Type - single-coil.
- Set - calibrated three-pickup set.
- Designed For - Stratocaster.
- Position - neck, middle, and bridge.
- Number of Strings - 6-string.
- Configuration - SSS.
- Lead Wire - cloth-covered.
- Magnet Type - Alnico 5.
- DC Resistance - neck: 6.26K, middle: 6.34K, bridge: 6.43K.
- Inductance - neck: 2.49 Henries, middle: 2.5 Henries, bridge: 2.63 Henries.
- Bobbin Material - fibre.
- Magnet Wire - Formvar-coated.
- Pole Pieces - staggered hand-bevelled.
- Output - moderate.
- Tone - modern.
- Accessories - installation hardware included.
- Orientation - right-handed.
Fender Custom Shop Fat '50s pickups successfully bridge the gap between vintage warmth and modern clarity. This matched set provides a reliable, high-performance upgrade for any player looking to breathe new life into their Stratocaster.