For many guitarists who are chasing the sound in their head, swapping in different pickups is a great way to find that elusive tone. When it comes to choosing the right pickups for your Fender or Squier Stratocaster, it can be hard to know where to start. Do you want vintage, modern or something in between? Passive, active, noiseless? The options can be overwhelming, but don't worry, we're here to help.
Pictured: 1979 Fender Stratocaster Headstock
In this article, we'll explore some of the best pickups for your Strat, covering a range of styles and tonal options to suit every player. From seasoned pro to eager beginner, we'll provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which Stratocaster pickup is right for you.
Table of Contents
Comparing Stratocaster Pickups
Best Replacement Pickups for Stratocasters
How to Change Pickups in Your Stratocaster
Screwing Down the Pickguard
Comparing Stratocaster Pickups
Before we dive into a more detailed look at each pickup, we thought it would be helpful to provide a quick comparison of some of the most salient features of each model.
|
Brand/Model |
Tonal Profile |
Magnet Type |
Output Level |
Resistance (Ohms) |
|
Versatile, bright and warm |
Alnico V |
Medium |
Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.4k |
|
|
Vintage-inspired, warm and full |
Alnico III & V |
Medium-low |
N/A |
|
|
Full, warm and smooth |
Alnico V |
Medium-high |
N/A |
|
|
Balanced, rich and detailed midrange |
Alnico V |
Medium |
Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.4k |
|
|
Versatile, low noise and balanced tones |
Ceramic |
Medium-low to medium |
Neck: 7.21k, Middle: 8.05k, Bridge: 6.94k |
|
|
Warm, rich and detailed midrange |
CuNiFe |
Medium-low to medium |
Neck: 7.18k, Middle: 8.05k, Bridge: 6.93k |
|
|
Bold, powerful and versatile tones |
Alnico V |
Medium-high |
Neck: 7.40k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.69k |
|
|
Fender Eric Johnson Signature 8-Hole Prewired Strat Pickguard |
Modern, articulate and detailed |
Alnico V |
Medium |
Neck: 7.50k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.40k |
|
Smooth, transparent and versatile tones |
Alnico V |
Medium |
Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.1k, Bridge: 6.4k |
|
|
Modern, powerful and versatile tones |
Ceramic & Alnico V mixed |
Medium-high to high |
Neck: 7.6k, Middle: 8.5k, Bridge: 7.4k |
|
|
Vintage-inspired, warm and rich tones |
Alnico III & V mixed |
Medium-low to medium |
Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.1k, Bridge: 6.4k |
|
|
Balanced warmth and chime with smoky high end |
Alnico II |
Medium-high |
Neck: 6.3k, middle: 6.5k, bridge: 9.8k |
|
|
Modern, high output and versatile tones |
Alnico V |
Medium-high to high |
Neck: 8.0k, Middle: 9.1k, Bridge: 7.5k |
|
|
Versatile, smooth and modern tones |
Alnico V |
Medium-high to high |
Neck: 8.0k, Middle: 9.1k, Bridge: 7.5k |
|
|
Modern, high output and articulate tones |
Alnico V |
Medium-high to high |
Neck: 8.0k, Middle: 9.1k, Bridge: 7.5k |
|
|
Modern, high output and versatile tones |
Ceramic & Alnico V mixed |
High to very high |
Neck: 15.5k, Middle: 9.7k, Bridge: 10.4k |
|
|
Modern, high output and versatile tones |
Alnico V & Ceramic mixed |
High to very high |
Neck: 9.6k, Middle: 10.8k, Bridge: 8.5k |
Best Replacement Pickups for Stratocasters
We've put together a list of 16 top-rated pickup options for your Stratocaster, covering a range of styles and budgets. We know it can be overwhelming to choose the right pickups for your guitar, but careful perusal of the options below will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect fit for your playing style and musical preferences.
Pictured: Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Avalanche
Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Stratocaster Pickups
Why We Picked Them: Legendary blues rock tone with sparkling highs and punchy mids for Texas-style attitude.
Key Features:
- Overwound for hotter output and enhanced sustain
- Staggered pole pieces for balanced string response
- Vintage-correct cloth wire and fiber bobbin
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Stratocaster Pickup Set
Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Strat Pickups are perfect for blues and rock players seeking a versatile tone with sparkling highs and rich, bluesy warmth. Notably used in the Fender Custom Shop Stevie Ray Vaughan Signature Stratocaster, their overwound design provides increased output and midrange, making them ideal for achieving that Texas blues sound. One customer raves, “These pickups brought my Strat to life with a punchy, dynamic tone.” Average rating: 4.8/5.
Fender Stratocaster Original ’57/’62 Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: Classic late-’50s warmth and articulation with period-correct construction.
Key Features:
- Uses Alnico III magnets for smooth dynamics and softer attack
- Staggered, hand-beveled pole pieces give a balanced sound
- Formvar-coated wire yields a brighter tone
Shop Now: Fender Stratocaster Original '57/'62 Pickup Set
Ideal for vintage enthusiasts, the Fender Stratocaster Original ’57/’62 Pickup Set delivers the warm, full tones reminiscent of late-50s and early ’60s Stratocasters. Their period-correct construction and Alnico III magnets provide smooth dynamics and a softer attack, perfect for clean tones and classic rock. A satisfied player notes, “They capture the vintage Strat sound beautifully.” Average rating: 4.7/5.
Fender Fat ’50s Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These pickups recreate the rich, warm tones of the 1950s Strat, with enhanced low-end response and vintage midrange.
Key Features:
- Wound specifically to increase bass response without sacrificing clarity
- Alnico V magnets ensure dynamic touch sensitivity
- Formvar magnet wire
Shop Now: Fender Fat '50s Stratocaster Pickup Set
Suited for players desiring a full, warm tone with enhanced bass response, these pickups recreate the rich sounds of the 1950s Stratocaster. The Fender Fat ’50s Strat Pickup Set uses Alnico V magnets and specific winding to offer a smooth midrange, making them excellent for blues and classic rock styles. One user mentions, “The Fat ’50s gave my Strat a thicker, more robust tone.” Average rating: 4.9/5.
Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Pure Vintage ’65 set offers balanced tones with detailed midrange, faithfully recreating the sound of mid-’60s Strats.
Key Features:
- Alnico V magnets impart enhanced dynamics
- Enamel-coated magnet wire provides a subtle warmth
- Wax potting mitigates feedback
Shop Now: Fender Pure Vintage '65 Stratocaster Pickup Set
Fender Pure Vintage ‘65 Strat Pickups are tailored for musicians seeking authentic mid-60s Stratocaster tones, with a balanced sound and detailed midrange. The Alnico V magnets and vintage-style cloth wiring ensure period-accurate sound and aesthetics, ideal for surf music and early rock. A reviewer states, “They nailed the ’60s vibe; my Strat has never sounded better.” Average rating: 4.8/5.
Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Pure Vintage ’65 set offers balanced tones with detailed midrange, faithfully recreating the sound of mid-’60s Strats.
Key Features:
- Ceramic magnets reduce hum while maintaining tonal clarity
- Alnico V magnets and staggered pole pieces
- Shielded wire bolsters noise reduction
Shop Now: Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickup Set
Perfect for players—like Eric Clapton, who uses them in his own Strats—requiring a noiseless performance without sacrificing classic Strat tone, Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups combine modern noise reduction with balanced, versatile sounds. The advanced design eliminates hum, making them suitable for stage and studio use. A customer shares, “No more hum, and the tone is still pure Strat.” Average rating: 4.6/5.
Fender CuNiFe Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These pickups bring Fender’s innovative CuNiFe magnet technology to Stratocasters, delivering unique tonal clarity and warmth.
Key Features:
- CuNiFe magnets provide a distinct tonal character not found in alnico pickups
- Vintage white covers add a classic aesthetic
- Formvar magnet wire gives a classic glassy Strat tone
Shop Now: Fender CuNiFe Stratocaster Pickup Set
Ideal for guitarists looking for a unique tonal character, the Fender CuNiFe Stratocaster Pickup Set utilizes CuNiFe magnets to provide distinct clarity and warmth not found in traditional alnico pickups. These unique magnets debuted in the Seth Lover-designed Wide Range pickup, and Fender reintroduced them as a pickup magnet in 2020. The vintage white covers add a classic aesthetic, appealing to those seeking both visual and sonic uniqueness. One player comments, “The clarity and definition are outstanding.” Average rating: 4.7/5.
Fender Custom Shop ’54 Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These pickups deliver crystal-clear highs and authentic 1954-inspired tones with unmatched dynamic range.
Key Features:
- Reverse-wound middle pickup reduces hum in position 2 and 4
- Alnico V magnets provide bright, punchy tones
- Hand-beveled, staggered pole pieces
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop '54 Stratocaster Pickup Set
The Fender Custom Shop ’54 Strat Pickup Set is designed for purists aiming to replicate the crystal-clear highs and dynamic range of the original 1954 Stratocaster. The reverse-wound middle pickup reduces hum, and the Alnico V magnets provide bright, punchy tones, suitable for country and early rock styles. A user notes, “They offer the quintessential vintage Strat sound.” Average rating: 4.9/5.
Fender Eric Johnson Signature 8-hole Prewired Stratocaster Pickguard
Why We Picked It: This prewired pickguard offers Eric Johnson’s signature tones in a convenient, ready-to-install package.
Key Features:
- Oversized Alnico III magnets in neck pup
- Prewired design simplifies installation for quick setup
- Higher-output bridge pickup
Shop Now: Fender Eric Johnson Signature 8-hole Pre-Wired Stratocaster Pickguard
Tailored for fans of Eric Johnson or those seeking a well-balanced, articulate tone, the Fender Eric Johnson Signature 8-Hole Pre-Wired Strat Pickguard simplifies installation while delivering the artist’s signature sound. The pickups are designed to Eric Johnson’s specifications, providing versatility across genres. A reviewer mentions, “Easy to install and sounds fantastic.” Average rating: 4.8/5.
Lace Sensor Ultimate Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: This versatile set offers a wide tonal palette, from warm bluesy tones to punchy, bright leads.
Key Features:
- The Blue pickup provides a warm, vintage humbucker tone
- The Silver pickup delivers bell-like clarity with balanced output
- The Red pickup adds aggressive mids and high output for lead work
Shop Now: Lace Sensor Ultimate Pickup Set
The Lace Sensor Ultimate Pickup Set is ideal for players seeking versatility, offering a wide tonal palette from warm bluesy tones to punchy, bright leads. The combination of Blue, Silver and Red pickups caters to various genres, making it suitable for guitarists who require flexibility. One customer states, “My Strat can now handle anything from jazz to hard rock.” Average rating: 4.7/5.
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These pickups deliver bold, aggressive tones with a beefy midrange and high output for modern rock players.
Key Features:
- Larger, 1/4" pole pieces create increased sustain and punchy mids
- High output is great for distortion but may overpower clean tones
- Reverse-wind/reverse-polarity middle pup axes hum in the 2 and 4 positions
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Stratocaster Pickup Set
Perfect for rock and punk players, the Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Strat Set delivers bold, aggressive tones with a beefy midrange and high output. The larger pole pieces create increased sustain and punch, making them suitable for heavier music styles. A user shares, “They gave my Strat the power I was looking for.” Average rating: 4.8/5.
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer Series ’60s Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Antiquity II set captures the essence of the ’60s surf sound with shimmering highs and lush reverb-friendly tones.
Key Features:
- Hand aged for authentic vintage aesthetics and tone
- Lower output preserves clean, detailed soundscapes
- Specially calibrated Alnico V magnets add a high-end sweetness
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer Series Pickup Set
Designed for surf rock enthusiasts and those seeking ’60s tones, Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer Series Pickups offer shimmering highs and lush, reverb-friendly sounds. Hand-aged for authentic vintage aesthetics, they are ideal for clean, detailed soundscapes. A reviewer notes, “They transformed my guitar into a ’60s surf machine.” Average rating: 4.9/5.
Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity Strat Texas Hot Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: Retrospec’d to an uncanny time capsule, these pups dish out a flood of Texas-inspired goodness.
Key Features:
- Vintage specifications with a brand-new aesthetic
- Alnico II rod magnets serve up smooth high end
- Period-correct cloth pushback lead wire
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity Strat Texas Hot Pickup Set
From spanky cluck to full-bodied boogie, Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity Strat Texas Hot pickups deliver in a big way. With the reverse-wound middle pickup, you get those “in-between” quacky tones that are so archetypical of that country Strat sound—without the hum. What’s more, this set’s custom-wound bridge pickup can easily fire up some additional fervor should you need it.
Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: This set turns your Strat into a high-output rock machine with humbucker-like power in a single-coil size.
Key Features:
- High-output ceramic magnets offer aggressive tones and sustain
- Compact size fits standard single-coil slots for easy installation
- Comes with a four-conductor lead for multiple wiring options
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Stratocaster Pickup Set
Suited for players wanting to add humbucker-like power to their Strat, the Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat Pickup Set provides aggressive tones and sustain. Their compact size fits standard single-coil slots, making them ideal for rock and metal genres. A customer mentions, “My Strat now handles high-gain tones with ease.” Average rating: 4.7/5.
Seymour Duncan Psychedelic Strat Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These pickups channel the sounds of the late ’60s, blending vintage warmth with bold, dynamic output.
Key Features:
- Alnico V magnets ensure bright highs and punchy mids
- Voiced specifically for vintage rock and psychedelic tones
- Late-’60s period-accurate wind provides a unique fullness
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Psychedelic Stratocaster Pickup Set
The Seymour Duncan Psychedelic Strat Pickup Set is ideal for those seeking late-60s rock tones, blending vintage warmth with bold, dynamic output. Voiced specifically for vintage rock and psychedelic sounds, they are perfect for era-specific tonal character. One player comments, “They capture the Hendrix vibe perfectly.”
While we're on the topic of Hendrix, players chasing his iconic tone should check out the Seymour Duncan Hendrix Strat Pickups Set. Based on pickups Seymour personally wound for Jimi in 1968, it delivers rich, expressive tone with classic Strat character and a searing lead voice—available as a standalone set or in a loaded pickguard for easy installation.
Seymour Duncan Scooped Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: This set delivers a signature scooped-midrange tone with bright highs and tight lows for a modern Strat sound.
Key Features:
- Balanced for clean and overdriven tones with plenty of sparkle
- Best for modern pop, funk and alternative styles
- Based on underwound ’50s-style pickups, they offer a scooped midrange for a distinctive sound
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Scooped Stratocaster Pickup Set
Designed for players seeking a distinctive tonal character, the Seymour Duncan Scooped Strat Pickup Set emphasizes high and low frequencies while reducing midrange response. This unique voicing makes it an excellent choice for genres ranging from vintage Texas blues to modern pop rock, providing both clarity and depth. Players have noted that these pickups excel in delivering articulate tones, especially when paired with mid-heavy amplifiers or pedals.
EMG DG20 David Gilmour Prewired Pickguard/Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These active pickups deliver David Gilmour’s legendary tone with built-in EQ for precise control.
Key Features:
- Active pickups with built-in EQ for tonal versatility
- White Pearl pickguard adds a distinctive visual touch
- EXG Expander enhances treble and bass frequences
Shop Now: EMG DG20 David Gilmour Pre-Wired Pickguard/Pickup Set
The EMG DG20 David Gilmour is a pre-wired pickguard system that replicates David Gilmour’s iconic post-1985 tone, making it an excellent choice for Pink Floyd enthusiasts and players seeking a versatile, active pickup setup. This set features three EMG SA single-coil pickups, known for their Alnico V sound character, along with an EMG-EXG guitar expander for tonal enhancement and an EMG-SPC presence control for added midrange boost. The set is available in white or in a striking “blackguard” version. Players have praised the DG20 for its clarity and tonal flexibility. One user mentioned, “It is hands down the best set of single-coil pickups I’ve ever had the pleasure to use.”
Fishman Fluence Stratocaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: These active pickups deliver David Gilmour’s legendary tone with built-in EQ for precise control.
Key Features:
- Active design eliminates hum while offering pristine clarity
- Voice 1, Vintage Single-Coil, delivers sweet warmth and presence
- Voice 2, Hot Texas Single-Coil, dishes out thick, “overwound” tone
Shop Now: Fishman Fluence Single-Width Single Coil Pickups
The Fishman Fluence Single-Width pickups utilize innovative Fluence Core technology to provide multiple voicings, making them ideal for players seeking versatility and noise-free performance in a single-coil format. These pickups offer two selectable voices: a vintage single-coil sound and a hot Texas single-coil tone, catering to a wide range of musical genres. Users have expressed positive feedback regarding the Fluence pickups. One reviewer stated, “Fishman’s Fluence pickups don’t use wound coils; they use printed layers that work in the same fashion, positioned around magnets.”
How to Change Pickups in Your Stratocaster
You may be thinking, "Why would I want to change the pickups in my Strat?" Good question. Changing the pickups in your Stratocaster can breathe new life into your guitar, letting you fine-tune your tone to match your playing style. Whether you’re chasing vintage vibes or modern clarity, swapping pickups is one of the most effective and easiest mods you can make. But before you dive in, here are the top 10 things you need to know to ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Know What You Want to Achieve: Pickups shape your guitar’s voice. Are you after warmer, bluesy tones or sharper, more aggressive sounds? Knowing your target tone helps narrow down your choices—different pickups shine in different genres.
- Understand Single Coil vs. Humbucker: Strats are known for their signature single-coil sparkle, but humbuckers bring more power and less noise. If you’re considering humbuckers or noiseless pickups, remember that some routing or pickguard modification may be needed.
- Check Pickup Compatibility: Not all pickups fit all Strats. Measure your current pickups and make sure the replacements match. This is especially important with vintage guitars or non-standard models.
- Learn Basic Soldering Skills: Soldering is essential for most pickup swaps. If you’re new to it, practice on spare wire before touching your guitar. A clean, solid solder joint prevents unwanted noise and ensures reliable performance. A quick warning, though: Soldering irons get hot enough to burn stuff, so be careful. And, you’ll want appropriate ventilation or a fume extractor to avoid inhaling the fumes.
- Take Photos Before You Start: Before removing anything, snap a few photos of your current wiring. This simple step can save you hours if you need to retrace your steps.
- Mind the Grounding: Improper grounding is one of the biggest culprits behind unwanted hum. Make sure all ground wires are securely soldered to the appropriate spots, like the back of the volume pot.
- Potentiometer Values Matter: Changing pickups? It might be time to swap your pots (potentiometers) too. Single coils typically use 250k pots for warmer tones, while humbuckers pair well with 500k pots for added brightness.
- Take It Slow and Be Patient: Pickup swaps aren’t difficult, but they do require attention to detail. Rushing the process can lead to cold solder joints or incorrect wiring. Take your time, follow diagrams carefully and double-check your work.
- Shielding Can Reduce Noise: If you’re dealing with excessive hum, consider shielding the guitar cavity with copper tape or shielding paint. It’s an easy upgrade that can improve performance, especially with higher-output pickups.
- Test Before You Seal It Up: Before reattaching the pickguard or covering the cavity, plug in your guitar and test the pickups. This quick check can reveal wiring issues or dead spots, saving you from disassembling everything a second time.
Pictured: 1965 Fender Stratocaster in Ice Blue Metallic
If, after reading that list, you’re still not entirely comfortable with soldering or troubleshooting, no worries—Guitar Center Repairs has you covered. Our techs swap so many pickups each year that the amount of solder and wire could probably reach the moon and back. We haven’t measured it or anything, but trust us—it’s a lot. Stopping by your local Guitar Center for a chat with a Repairs tech, paired with the insights from this article, can help you feel confident in your pickup choice. If DIY isn’t your thing, a professional installation ensures your Strat sounds its best right from the start.
Screwing Down the Pickguard
Whichever of these options you choose, you can expect to find new and exciting tonal possibilities for your Stratocaster. Pickup swaps are the most common way to upgrade a guitar's sound, and one of the easiest ways to do so. In fact, many players keep several guitars loaded with different pickups, so a new voice is always just a guitar stand away. For that reason, it's well worth checking out our Riffs article on How To Buy the Best Stratocaster, just in case you feel moved to add another axe to your collection. Strictly for tonal variety, of course.
Pictured: Fender 70th Anniversary American Ultra Stratocaster HSS in Amethyst
If you just want to know more about pickups in general, our articles, A Guide to Fender Pickups, and A Guide to Seymour Duncan Pickups are both worthy additions to your personal knowledgebase. Don't forget, if you have any qualms about installing pickups yourself, talking to the Repairs techs at your local Guitar Center Repairs desk can be a great way to get some expert advice, or even have the job done for you. And, if you’re still unsure about which pickup set is right for you, give your personal Gear Adviser a ring, and they’ll be glad to help you figure it out. Either way, you'll be prepared to discover the full range of tonal possibilities that your Strat has to offer. So go ahead, explore the world of pickups and see what new sounds you can discover. We're anxious to hear what you find.