If you’re looking for a way to improve your sound and take your guitar playing to the next level, you might want to consider getting a neck pickup for your Strat. This can be a game-changer for your sound quality, especially if you love playing blues, jazz or soft rock. But before you go ahead and buy a pickup, there are a few factors that you should consider to make sure you’re making the right choice.
First, you should think about the tonal characteristics you’re looking for. Different types of pickups will produce different sounds, so it’s important to find one that matches your playing style and musical taste. You’ll also want to consider the materials used in the construction of the pickup, the resistance, and the output level.
Another important factor to consider when buying a neck pickup for your Strat is the installation process. You’ll want to choose a pickup that is easy to install and won’t require any major modifications to your guitar. Make sure to do your research to find a product that fits seamlessly with your instrument.
Are you looking for a way to enhance your Strat’s sound quality? Would you like to add more warmth and depth to your playing? If you answered yes to either of these questions, a neck pickup for Strat could be just what you need. Keep these factors in mind as you shop around for the right product, and you’ll be sure to find a pickup that meets all of your needs.
10 Best Neck Pickup For Strat
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1
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Ideal for upgrading the sound quality of a Stratocaster-style guitar neck pickup.
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2
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This product is ideal for upgrading and enhancing the sound quality of a stratocaster-style electric guitar.
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3
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The product is ideal for musicians looking for single coil pickups with a signature sound.
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4
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The product is ideal for enhancing the sound of electric guitars with single-coil pickups.
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5
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The product is ideal for use as a neck humbucker pickup on a Stratocaster-style guitar.
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6
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Ideal for achieving vintage, warm and clear tones in the neck position of a Stratocaster-style guitar.
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7
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The product is ideal for achieving a cool, high-output sound on the neck position of a guitar.
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8
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The product is ideal for improving the sound quality of a guitar's neck position.
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9
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The product is ideal for adding clarity and warmth to the neck position of a strat-style electric guitar.
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10
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This product is ideal for kids who want to start playing electric guitar with a mini instrument and complete accessories.
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1. Seymour Duncan Sl59-1n Little '59 Strat Neck Pickup, Parchment
Upgrade your Stratocaster with the Moderate Output Humbucker Neck Pickup in Parchment color. This pickup is designed to fit any Stratocaster with its single coil size, making the installation process a breeze.
Featuring a ceramic bar magnet and 4 conductor cable, this pickup delivers a moderate output that produces a warm and clear tone. Whether you're playing clean or distorted, the Moderate Output Humbucker Neck Pickup will provide you with a balanced sound that's perfect for any genre of music.
If you're not satisfied with your purchase, don't worry. This pickup comes with a 21 Day Real World Exchange Policy, so you can exchange it for another pickup if it doesn't meet your expectations.
- Easy to install on any Stratocaster with its single coil size.
- Produces a warm and clear tone with its ceramic bar magnet and 4 conductor cable.
- Ideal for playing any genre of music, whether clean or distorted.
- Comes with a 21 Day Real World Exchange Policy for added peace of mind.
2. Texas Hot Pickup Set With Tuner And Accessories
The Antiquity Texas Hot for Strat Set is the perfect solution for those looking for an authentic vintage sound of single coil pickups. The set includes calibrated neck, middle, and bridge pickups that are custom aged both cosmetically and magnetically to deliver the original chime, sparkle, and feel of vintage pickups. With a DCR of 9.8, an Alnico 2 magnet, and a cloth push-back cable, the pickups produce a warm and clear sound that is unmatched by any other modern pickups.
In addition to the pickups, the set also comes with a True Tune tuner, picks, tool, and keychain, making it an all-in-one package for any guitar enthusiast looking to upgrade their Stratocaster's sound.
Overall, the Antiquity Texas Hot for Strat Set is an excellent choice for those seeking a vintage sound and feel for their Stratocaster. It is easy to install, and the additional accessories make it an excellent value for money.
- Calibrated neck, middle, and bridge pickups for a perfect fit
- Custom aged cosmetically and magnetically for an authentic vintage sound
- Warm and clear sound with a DCR of 9.8, an Alnico 2 magnet, and a cloth push-back cable
- Comes with additional accessories including a True Tune tuner, picks, tool, and keychain
- – May not be suitable for those looking for a modern or high-gain sound
3. Seymour Duncan Jimi Hendrix Neck/middle Signature Strat Single Coil Pickup – White
The Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Pickup – Neck/Middle is a high-quality pickup designed to replicate the legendary tone of Jimi Hendrix's Stratocaster. This pickup is specifically designed for the neck and middle positions of a Stratocaster, and features a reverse staggered magnet design for a more balanced and dynamic tone.
The Alnico 3 magnets provide a warm and clear sound, while the special coil winding configuration delivers a bright and airy tone that is perfect for playing clean or with overdrive. The pickup also features a vintage-style cloth wire and a wax potting process to eliminate unwanted feedback and microphonics.
The Jimi Hendrix Signature Strat Pickup – Neck/Middle is a must-have for any Hendrix fan or anyone looking for that classic Stratocaster sound. With its exceptional build quality and attention to detail, this pickup is sure to impress even the most discerning guitar player.
- Designed to replicate the legendary tone of Jimi Hendrix's Stratocaster
- Features a reverse staggered magnet design for a more balanced and dynamic tone
- Alnico 3 magnets provide a warm and clear sound
- Special coil winding configuration delivers a bright and airy tone
- Vintage-style cloth wire and wax potting process eliminate unwanted feedback and microphonics
4. Seymour Duncan Shr-1n Hot Rails Strat Pickup – Black Neck
Upgrade your Strat-style guitar with the high-output neck humbucker that fits into a single-coil sized pickup. This black-colored pickup is designed to deliver powerful tones without compromising the classic Strat sound. It is perfect for players who want a fuller and richer sound without having to modify their guitar.
This neck humbucker pickup has a DC resistance of 16.6k, making it suitable for high-gain applications. It features Alnico 5 magnets that produce a warm and balanced tone with plenty of sustain and clarity. The pickup also has four-conductor wiring, allowing for versatile wiring options such as coil splitting and series/parallel wiring.
The pickup is easy to install and comes with all the necessary hardware. It fits into any single-coil sized pickup slot and is compatible with most Strat-style guitars. The black color adds a sleek and modern touch to your guitar's appearance.
Overall, this high-output neck humbucker pickup is a great choice for players who want to add more power and versatility to their Strat-style guitar. It delivers a powerful and clear sound that is perfect for rock, metal, and other high-gain genres.
- High-output pickup for powerful and clear sound
- Single-coil sized pickup for easy installation
- Alnico 5 magnets for warm and balanced tone
- Four-conductor wiring for versatile wiring options
- Compatible with most Strat-style guitars
- – May not be suitable for players who prefer the classic Strat sound
5. Seymour Duncan Sjbj-1n Jb Jr. Neck Humbucker Strat Pickup – Cream
Upgrade your guitar's neck position pickup with this high-output single-coil-size humbucker in a cream finish. With its powerful and clear sound, this pickup is perfect for players who want to add more depth and dimension to their playing.
Crafted with high-quality materials and expert construction, this humbucker offers exceptional performance and longevity. It features a ceramic magnet and four-conductor wiring, which allows for versatile tonal options and easy installation. Whether you're playing clean or with distortion, this pickup delivers a balanced and dynamic sound that will take your playing to the next level.
The cream finish of this single-coil-size humbucker adds a touch of elegance to your guitar's appearance, making it a great choice for players who want to upgrade their guitar's sound and style. With its rich tone and versatile character, this pickup is a must-have for any serious guitarist.
- High-output single-coil-size humbucker for neck position
- Powerful and clear sound with great depth and dimension
- Crafted with high-quality materials and expert construction
- Ceramic magnet and four-conductor wiring for versatile tonal options
- Easy to install
- Cream finish adds elegance to your guitar's appearance
6. Seymour Duncan Retrospec'd Antiquity Texas Hot Neck Strat Single Coil Pickup – Non-Aged Cover
Upgrade your Stratocaster guitar with this vintage-style single-coil neck pickup. Featuring Alnico II magnets, this pickup delivers a warm and clear tone that is perfect for blues, jazz, and classic rock. The non-aged cover gives it a sleek and modern look that will complement any guitar.
This pickup is designed to fit most Stratocaster guitars and is easy to install. It has a resistance of 6.5k ohms and an output of 130mV, making it a great choice for players who want a balanced and dynamic sound. The pickup has a wax potted construction that helps to reduce unwanted feedback and noise, ensuring that your sound is always clear and articulate.
Overall, this vintage-style single-coil neck pickup is a great addition to any guitar player's collection. With its high-quality construction and classic tone, it is sure to inspire you to new heights of creativity and musical expression.
- Delivers a warm and clear tone
- Designed to fit most Stratocaster guitars
- Easy to install
- Has a resistance of 6.5k ohms and an output of 130mV
- Wax potted construction helps to reduce unwanted feedback and noise
- – May not be suitable for players who prefer a more modern sound
7. Seymour Duncan Sscr-1n Blk Strat Cool Rails Neck Black
The Smooth and Bluesy Single-Coil-Sized "Rails" Humbucker is perfect for a wide range of music genres including blues, classic rock, jazz-rock fusion, heavy rock, and aggressive instrumental rock. This humbucker is wound to produce a clearer, brighter, and more dynamic sound, and it is made in the USA. With a louder, punchier, and fatter single-coil sound, this humbucker is perfect for guitarists looking for a versatile and high-quality pickup.
The Smooth and Bluesy Single-Coil-Sized "Rails" Humbucker is designed to provide a smooth and bluesy tone, making it ideal for guitarists who want a warm and dynamic sound. The pickup is made with high-quality materials to ensure a long-lasting and reliable performance. Whether you are playing lead or rhythm, this humbucker will deliver the tone and clarity you need to stand out in any mix. Give your guitar a boost with the Smooth and Bluesy Single-Coil-Sized "Rails" Humbucker today!
If you are looking for a high-quality pickup that can deliver a range of tones, the Smooth and Bluesy Single-Coil-Sized "Rails" Humbucker is an excellent choice. With its clear, bright, and dynamic sound, this humbucker is perfect for blues, classic rock, jazz-rock fusion, heavy rock, and aggressive instrumental rock. Made in the USA with the finest materials, this pickup is built to last and provide a reliable performance every time you play. Upgrade your guitar's sound with the Smooth and Bluesy Single-Coil-Sized "Rails" Humbucker today!
- Clearer, brighter, and more dynamic sound
- Louder, punchier, and fatter single-coil sound
- Ideal for a wide range of music genres
- Made in the USA with high-quality materials
- Reliable and long-lasting performance
8. Seymour Duncan Sjbj-1n Jb Jr. Neck Humbucker Strat Pickup – Black
Upgrade your guitar's tone with the high-output single-coil-size humbucker designed to fit in the neck position. Its black finish is sleek and stylish, making it a perfect addition to any guitar.
This humbucker features a powerful magnet and winding that delivers a rich and warm sound with increased sustain and clarity. It can handle high levels of gain and distortion, making it ideal for heavy rock and metal genres.
Installation is a breeze thanks to its single-coil size, making it a drop-in replacement for most standard pickups. Its four-conductor wiring allows for multiple wiring options, giving you more control over your sound. This humbucker is also wax potted to eliminate unwanted feedback and noise.
Overall, this high-output single-coil-size humbucker is a great choice for guitarists who want to upgrade their tone without having to make any major modifications to their instrument.
- High-output design delivers increased sustain and clarity
- Ideal for heavy rock and metal genres
- Easy installation thanks to its single-coil size and four-conductor wiring
- Multiple wiring options provide more control over sound
- Wax potted to eliminate unwanted feedback and noise
9. Fender Single Tex-Mex Strat Neck Pickup
Looking for a neck pickup that retains the vintage Strat characteristics while delivering attention-grabbing warm tone? The pickup is designed for the Jimmy Vaughan Signature Strat and boasts increased output and sparkling highs. It is constructed with Alnico 5 magnets and polysol magnet wire for optimal performance.
Crafted to deliver an enhanced tonal quality, the neck pickup ensures that you don't compromise on your favorite vintage Strat characteristics. You can expect a warm, rich and powerful tone with an unmistakable vintage feel, that is perfect for blues, rock, and country music.
With its Alnico 5 magnets and polysol magnet wire construction, the neck pickup provides a powerful output and sparkling highs, delivering a sound that cuts through the mix. You can expect a well-rounded tone that is perfect for both lead and rhythm playing.
This neck pickup is designed to deliver a consistent, reliable, and high-performance sound that is sure to impress. Whether you're a professional musician or an amateur, this pickup will give you the warm tone and vintage feel that you've been looking for.
- Enhanced tonal quality that retains vintage Strat characteristics
- Powerful output and sparkling highs
- Well-rounded tone perfect for lead and rhythm playing
- Consistent, reliable, and high-performance sound
10. Pyle Mini Electric Guitar Kit: Complete With Amp
Introducing the perfect beginner electric guitar for kids aged 5-9, this guitar comes in a complete all-in-one kit. The kit includes a 10W amp, 1 guitar cable, 1 allan key, 1 tremolo rod, 1 gig bag, 6 spare electric guitar strings, 1 guitar strap, 1 digital tuner and 3 0.96mm celluloid picks. This mini 30-inch guitar is designed with single-coil pickups that produce a nice and crisp twangy sound preferred by surf, country, rock and roll, and blues players.
The guitar is designed like an adult guitar, featuring tone and volume knobs, 21 frets, a high-gloss black coating, and polished guitar body with chrome-accent hardware and tuner pegs, making it ideal for early age beginner learners and small fingers. The included 10W amp has a 5” loudspeaker that is specially designed for high-frequency response. It uses a 3/4 input jack with a drive switch, volume, treble, and bass knobs, and also has a headphone output.
This electric guitar for kids comes with 2-months of free online music lessons to help your child advance their guitar playing skills. The ideal kid guitar with amp to start your child’s musical journey.
- Complete all-in-one kit that includes a 10W amp, 1 guitar cable, 1 allan key, 1 tremolo rod, 1 gig bag, 6 spare electric guitar strings, 1 guitar strap, 1 digital tuner and 3 0.96mm celluloid picks
- Designed with single-coil pickups that produce a nice and crisp twangy sound preferred by surf, country, rock and roll, and blues players
- Ideal for early age beginner learners and small fingers
- Included 10W amp has a 5” loudspeaker that is specially designed for high-frequency response
- Comes with 2-months of free online music lessons to help your child advance their guitar playing skills
Best Neck Pickup For Strat FAQs
How do you install a new neck pickup in a stratocaster guitar?
Installing a new neck pickup in a Stratocaster guitar is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few steps. First, gather the necessary tools including a screwdriver, soldering iron, and soldering wire. Next, remove the strings from the guitar and unscrew the pickguard to access the electronics inside.
Locate the neck pickup and disconnect the wires from the old pickup. Carefully remove the old pickup and replace it with the new one, making sure it is securely attached. Reconnect the wires to the new pickup, taking care to match the colors of the wires to the corresponding terminals on the pickup.
Once the new pickup is securely installed, it's time to test it out. Reattach the pickguard and strings, and plug the guitar into an amplifier. Make sure the new pickup is functioning properly by testing it through all pickup settings and adjusting the height of the pickup to achieve the desired sound.
Finally, tidy up any loose wires or excess soldering wire and enjoy playing your newly upgraded Stratocaster guitar with its new neck pickup.
How does the tone of a stratocaster neck pickup compare to other types of pickups?
The tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup is often described as warm and smooth, with a full-bodied sound that emphasizes the lower frequencies. Compared to other types of pickups, such as the bridge pickup or the middle pickup on a Stratocaster, the neck pickup tends to have a more mellow and rounded sound. This is due in part to its position on the guitar, which is closer to the neck and therefore picks up more of the vibrations from the strings at their fullest length.
In terms of other types of pickups, the tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup is often compared to that of a PAF-style humbucker, which is known for its warmth and clarity. However, the neck pickup on a Stratocaster also has its own unique character, which is difficult to replicate with other pickups. Ultimately, the tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup is a matter of personal preference, and depends on the player's individual style and the sound they are trying to achieve.
What are some tips for adjusting the height and tone of a stratocaster neck pickup?
Adjusting the height and tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup can have a significant impact on the tone and overall sound of the guitar. Here are some tips for adjusting the height and tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup:
1. Adjusting the height: The height of the pickup can be adjusted to control the output and balance of the guitar. To adjust the height, use a screwdriver to adjust the screws on either side of the pickup. A good rule of thumb is to adjust the height until it is flush with the pickguard or slightly lower.
2. Adjusting the tone: The tone of the pickup can be adjusted by using the tone control knob on the guitar. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the treble and decrease the bass, while turning it counterclockwise will do the opposite. Experiment with different settings to find the tone that suits your playing style.
3. Use your ears: The best way to adjust the height and tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup is to use your ears. Play around with different settings and listen to the sound. If it sounds too bright, try lowering the height or decreasing the tone. If it sounds too muddy, try raising the height or increasing the tone.
Overall, adjusting the height and tone of a Stratocaster neck pickup can be a great way to customize your guitar's sound to your liking. By following these tips and using your ears, you can achieve the perfect tone for your playing style.
What are the best neck pickups for a stratocaster guitar?
Choosing the best neck pickup for a Stratocaster guitar depends on the sound you want to achieve. If you are looking for a warm and creamy tone, the Seymour Duncan SH-1 59' model is a great choice. It has a smooth and balanced sound with plenty of sustain, making it suitable for genres such as jazz, blues, and classic rock. Another excellent option is the Fender Custom Shop '69 pickup, which delivers a vintage-inspired sound with a bright and clear tone that works well for funk, soul, and R&B.
For those who prefer a more versatile and dynamic sound, the DiMarzio DP217 HS-4 is a popular choice. It has a high output and a broad frequency range, making it suitable for various music styles, from rock to metal. Similarly, the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered pickup offers a balanced and articulate sound that works well for clean and distorted tones.
In conclusion, choosing the best neck pickup for your Stratocaster guitar depends on your musical preferences and playing style. Experimenting with different pickups can help you find the perfect sound that suits your needs.
What are the different types of neck pickups available for a stratocaster?
There are a variety of neck pickups available for a Stratocaster, each with its own unique sound and characteristics. Some of the most common types include single-coil, humbucker, P-90, and mini-humbucker pickups.
Single-coil pickups are the most traditional choice for a Stratocaster neck pickup, offering a clear and bright tone with a classic vintage sound. Humbucker pickups, on the other hand, provide a warmer and fuller sound with less background noise, making them a popular choice for heavier styles of music.
P-90 pickups are a type of single-coil pickup that offer a more aggressive and gritty sound, with a thicker and more focused tone. Mini-humbucker pickups are a smaller version of the humbucker pickup, offering a similar warm and full sound but with a slightly brighter and more focused tone.
Ultimately, the choice of neck pickup for a Stratocaster will depend on the player's personal preferences and the style of music they play. It's always a good idea to try out different types of pickups and see which one works best for your playing style and tone.