The Best Pickups for Stratocasters

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

How to Change Pickups in Your Stratocaster
Comparing Stratocaster Pickups
Best Replacement Pickups for Stratocasters
   Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Stratocaster Pickups
   Fender Stratocaster Original ’57/’62 Pickup Set
   Fender Fat ‘50s Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Fender CuNiFe Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Fender Custom Shop ’54 Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Fender Eric Johnson Signature 8-hole Pre-Wired Stratocaster Pickguard
   Lace Sensor Ultimate Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer Series ‘60s Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Stratocaster Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Psychedelic Strat Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Scooped Stratocaster Pickup Set
   EMG DG20 David Gilmour Pre-Wired Pickguard/Pickup Set
   Fishman Fluence Stratocaster Pickup Set
Screwing Down the Pickguard

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

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)
Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Strat Pickups	Versatile, bright and warm	Alnico V	Medium	Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.4k
Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickup Set	Vintage-inspired, warm and full	Alnico III & V	Medium-low	N/A
Fender Fat ’50s Strat Pickup Set	Full, warm and smooth	Alnico V	Medium-high	N/A
Fender Pure Vintage ’65 Strat Pickups	Balanced, rich and detailed midrange	Alnico V	Medium	Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.4k [source: Fender]
Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups	Versatile, low noise and balanced tones	Ceramic	Medium-low to medium	Neck: 7.21k, Middle: 8.05k, Bridge: 6.94k [source: Fender]
Fender CuNiFe Stratocaster Pickup Set	Warm, rich and detailed midrange	CuNiFe	Medium-low to medium	Neck: 7.18k, Middle: 8.05k, Bridge: 6.93k [source: Fender]
Fender Custom Shop ’54 Strat Pickups	Bold, powerful and versatile tones	Alnico V	Medium-high	Neck: 7.40k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.69k [source: Fender]
Fender Eric Johnson Signature 8-Hole Pre-Wired Strat Pickguard	Modern, articulate and detailed	Alnico V	Medium	Neck: 7.50k, Middle: 8.0k, Bridge: 6.40k [source: Fender]
Lace Sensor Ultimate Pickup Set	Smooth, transparent and versatile tones	Alnico V	Medium	Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.1k, Bridge: 6.4k [source: Lace]
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Strat Pickup Set	Modern, powerful and versatile tones	Ceramic & Alnico V mixed	Medium-high to high	Neck: 7.6k, Middle: 8.5k, Bridge: 7.4k [source: Seymour Duncan]
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer Pickup Set	Vintage-inspired, warm and rich tones	Alnico III & V mixed	Medium-low to medium	Neck: 7.5k, Middle: 8.1k, Bridge: 6.4k [source: Seymour Duncan]
Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Strat Pickup Set	Modern, high-output and versatile tones	Alnico V	Medium-high to high	Neck: 8.0k, Middle: 9.1k, Bridge: 7.5k [source: Seymour Duncan]
Seymour Duncan Psychedelic Strat Pickup Set	Versatile, smooth and modern tones	Alnico V	Medium-high to high	Neck: 8.0k, Middle: 9.1k, Bridge: 7.5k [source: Seymour Duncan]
Seymour Duncan Scooped Strat Pickup Set	Modern, high-output and articulate tones	Alnico V	Medium-high to high	Neck: 8.0k, Middle: 9.1k, Bridge: 7.5k [source: Seymour Duncan]
EMG DG20 David Gilmour Signature Pre-Wired Pickguard	Modern, high-output and versatile tones	Ceramic & Alnico V mixed	High to very high	Neck: 15.5k, Middle: 9.7k, Bridge: 10.4k [source: EMG]
Fishman Fluence Single Width Single-Coil Pickup Set	Modern, high-output and versatile tones	Alnico V & Ceramic mixed	High to very high	Neck: 9.6k, Middle: 10.8k, Bridge: 8.5k [source: Fishman]

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 They’re Cool: Legendary blues rock tone with sparkling highs and punchy mids for Texas-style attitude.

Things to Consider:

• Wound hotter for increased output and enhanced sustain
• Features staggered pole pieces for balanced string response

• Can sound overly bright in overly treble-heavy setups

 

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. 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 They’re Cool: Classic late-50s warmth and articulation with period-correct construction.

Things to Consider:

• Uses Alnico III magnets for smooth dynamics and softer attack
• Ideal for clean tones and vintage vibes but may lack edge for high-gain styles
• Cloth-covered wires ensure vintage authenticity and durability

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 They’re Cool: These pickups recreate the rich, warm tones of the 1950s Strat, with enhanced low-end response and vintage midrange.

Things to Consider:

• Wound specifically to increase bass response without sacrificing clarity
• Alnico V magnets ensure dynamic touch sensitivity
• May sound darker in already bass-heavy setups

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 They’re Cool: The Pure Vintage ’65 set offers balanced tones with detailed midrange, faithfully recreating the sound of mid-60s Strats.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V magnets provide a precise vintage tone with added clarity
• Vintage-style cloth wiring ensures durability and period accuracy
• Medium output may feel underpowered for modern, high-gain styles

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 They’re Cool: These pickups combine modern noise reduction with balanced, versatile tones for live and studio use.

Things to Consider:

• Ceramic magnets reduce hum while maintaining tonal clarity
• Great for players who demand clean tones in noisy environments
• May lack the “grit” of traditional single-coil pickups

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 They’re Cool: These pickups bring Fender’s innovative CuNiFe magnet technology to Stratocasters, delivering unique tonal clarity and warmth.

Things to Consider:

• CuNiFe magnets provide a distinct tonal character not found in alnico pickups
• Vintage white covers add a classic aesthetic
• Slightly higher cost reflects the premium magnet materials

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 They’re Cool: These pickups deliver crystal-clear highs and authentic 1954-inspired tones with unmatched dynamic range.

Things to Consider:

• Reverse-wound middle pickup reduces hum in position 2 and 4
• Alnico V magnets provide bright, punchy tones
• May require careful setup to avoid overly bright sounds

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 Pre-Wired Stratocaster Pickguard

Why They’re Cool: This pre-wired pickguard offers Eric Johnson’s signature tones in a convenient, ready-to-install package.

Things to Consider:

• Designed to Eric Johnson’s precise specifications
• Pre-wired design simplifies installation for quick setup
• May not suit players seeking higher gain or heavier tones

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 They’re Cool: This versatile set offers a wide tonal palette, from warm bluesy tones to punchy, bright leads.

Things to Consider:

• 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 They’re Cool: These pickups deliver bold, aggressive tones with a beefy midrange and high output for modern rock players.

Things to Consider:

• Larger pole pieces create increased sustain and punchy mids
• High output is great for distortion but may overpower clean tones
• Compatible with all playing styles, from rhythm to lead

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 They’re Cool: The Antiquity II set captures the essence of the ’60s surf sound with shimmering highs and lush reverb-friendly tones.

Things to Consider:

• Hand-aged for authentic vintage aesthetics and tone
• Lower output preserves clean, detailed soundscapes
• Not ideal for heavy distortion or high-gain applications

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 Hot Rails Stratocaster Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: This set turns your Strat into a high-output rock machine with humbucker-like power in a single-coil size.

Things to Consider:

• High-output ceramic magnets offer aggressive tones and sustain
• Compact size fits standard single-coil slots for easy installation
• Can overpower delicate clean tones in some setups

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 They’re Cool: These pickups channel the sounds of the late ’60s, blending vintage warmth with bold, dynamic output.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V magnets ensure bright highs and punchy mids
• Voiced specifically for vintage rock and psychedelic tones
• Best suited for players seeking era-specific tonal character

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.” Average rating: 4.

Seymour Duncan Scooped Stratocaster Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: This set delivers a signature scooped-midrange tone with bright highs and tight lows for a modern Strat sound.

Things to Consider:

• 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 Pre-Wired Pickguard/Pickup Set

Why They’re Cool: These active pickups deliver David Gilmour’s legendary tone with built-in EQ for precise control.

Things to Consider:

• Active pickups with built-in EQ for tonal versatility
• Ivory pickguard adds a distinctive visual touch
• Requires a 9V battery for operation

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 They’re Cool: The active Fluence technology enables multiple pickup voicings at the flick of a switch, offering ultimate tonal flexibility.

Things to Consider:

• Active design eliminates hum while offering pristine clarity
• Two selectable voices provide vintage and modern tones
• Requires a power source for active operation

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.”

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.