What is the primary benefit of Fender Gen 4 Noiseless pickups?

The primary benefit is the elimination of 60-cycle hum while maintaining the traditional single-coil Stratocaster sound. This allows for cleaner recordings and quieter performance in high-gain or electrically noisy environments.

Do these pickups require a battery?

No, these are passive pickups and do not require a 9V battery to operate. They achieve their noise-cancelling properties through their internal wiring and coil design rather than active circuitry.

How do Gen 4 pickups compare to Gen 3 Noiseless pickups?

The Gen 4 pickups are marketed as the pinnacle of Fender's design, offering improved articulation and a more refined frequency response compared to previous iterations. They are designed to sound even closer to a true vintage single-coil while maintaining noise-free operation.

Are these pickups suitable for high-gain music?

Yes, they are designed to handle huge overdriven sounds. Unlike standard single-coils that produce significant noise when used with distortion, the Gen 4 Noiseless pickups remain quiet even under heavy gain.

Will these fit in a standard Fender Stratocaster?

Yes, they are designed to be a direct drop-in replacement for standard Stratocaster-sized single-coil pickups. They fit typical pickguard routings without the need for body modifications.

What kind of magnets are used in the Gen 4 Noiseless pickups?

Fender utilizes Alnico 5 magnets in these pickups. This choice contributes to the punchy mids and tight low end that define the set's sonic character.

What is the typical price for a set of Gen 4 Noiseless pickups?

A full set of three pickups typically retails for approximately £229. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Do these pickups sound exactly like vintage 1950s single-coils?

They are designed to provide 'authentic vintage-style tone,' but because they are noiseless, they have a slightly different internal construction. Most players find they capture the spirit of vintage pickups while offering modern reliability.

Can these be used in Squier guitars like the Mini Stratocaster?

Technically yes, they can be installed in Squier models as an upgrade. However, the electronics and physical dimensions of very small models like the Mini Stratocaster may require minor adjustments or different pots to fully benefit from the upgrade.

Are all three pickups in the set the same?

The set is calibrated, meaning the bridge, middle, and neck pickups are specifically voiced for their positions. This ensures a balanced output and tone when switching between different pickup configurations.

How do these compare to P90 pickups like those in a Gibson Les Paul?

P90s are generally thicker and darker sounding with a higher output. The Gen 4 Noiseless Strat pickups are brighter, thinner, and more articulated, offering the classic Fender 'spank' that a P90 lacks.

Do I need to change my potentiometers when installing these?

Fender usually recommends using 250k or 500k pots depending on the desired brightness. The Gen 4 set is designed to work well with standard Stratocaster wiring, but checking the included documentation for specific wiring diagrams is recommended.

Gear article

Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups

The Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups represent the fourth generation of Fender's noise-cancelling single-coil technology. They are designed to deliver authentic vintage-style Fender tone while eliminating the 60-cycle hum typically associated with traditional single-coil pickups.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups are a high-performance electronics set designed for electric guitars. They serve as a solution for guitarists who require the signature 'chime' and 'quack' of a Stratocaster but need to operate in environments prone to electromagnetic interference. These pickups are marketed by Fender as a significant leap in pickup technology and represent the pinnacle of their noiseless designs.

Design and Technology

While traditional single-coils utilize a single winding of wire around magnets, which acts as an antenna for hum, the Gen 4 Noiseless design employs advanced engineering to cancel noise without sacrificing the frequency response of a single-coil. The pickups are built to provide a crisp and clear clean tone, ensuring that the articulation of the player's technique remains at the forefront.

Sonic Character

The sonic profile of the Gen 4 Noiseless set is characterised by:

High End: Articulated and bright highs that cut through a dense band mix.
Midrange: Punchy mids that provide presence and body.
Low End: A tight and defined bass response that prevents the sound from becoming muddy.
Overdrive Capability: While they excel at clean tones, they are designed to handle high-gain settings, producing overdriven sounds described as 'oozing with pure power'.

Suitability and Use Cases

These pickups are particularly suited for professional musicians who perform under bright stage lights or in studios with significant electronic interference. Because they retain a vintage-style voice while offering modern output consistency, they are versatile enough for genres ranging from blues and pop to hard rock. They are often compared to other Fender models like the American Professional II Stratocaster pickups or those found in artist models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of Fender Gen 4 Noiseless pickups?: The primary benefit is the elimination of 60-cycle hum while maintaining the traditional single-coil Stratocaster sound. This allows for cleaner recordings and quieter performance in high-gain or electrically noisy environments.
Do these pickups require a battery?: No, these are passive pickups and do not require a 9V battery to operate. They achieve their noise-cancelling properties through their internal wiring and coil design rather than active circuitry.
How do Gen 4 pickups compare to Gen 3 Noiseless pickups?: The Gen 4 pickups are marketed as the pinnacle of Fender's design, offering improved articulation and a more refined frequency response compared to previous iterations. They are designed to sound even closer to a true vintage single-coil while maintaining noise-free operation.
Are these pickups suitable for high-gain music?: Yes, they are designed to handle huge overdriven sounds. Unlike standard single-coils that produce significant noise when used with distortion, the Gen 4 Noiseless pickups remain quiet even under heavy gain.
Will these fit in a standard Fender Stratocaster?: Yes, they are designed to be a direct drop-in replacement for standard Stratocaster-sized single-coil pickups. They fit typical pickguard routings without the need for body modifications.
What kind of magnets are used in the Gen 4 Noiseless pickups?: Fender utilizes Alnico 5 magnets in these pickups. This choice contributes to the punchy mids and tight low end that define the set's sonic character.
What is the typical price for a set of Gen 4 Noiseless pickups?: A full set of three pickups typically retails for approximately £229. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Do these pickups sound exactly like vintage 1950s single-coils?: They are designed to provide 'authentic vintage-style tone,' but because they are noiseless, they have a slightly different internal construction. Most players find they capture the spirit of vintage pickups while offering modern reliability.
Can these be used in Squier guitars like the Mini Stratocaster?: Technically yes, they can be installed in Squier models as an upgrade. However, the electronics and physical dimensions of very small models like the Mini Stratocaster may require minor adjustments or different pots to fully benefit from the upgrade.
Are all three pickups in the set the same?: The set is calibrated, meaning the bridge, middle, and neck pickups are specifically voiced for their positions. This ensures a balanced output and tone when switching between different pickup configurations.
How do these compare to P90 pickups like those in a Gibson Les Paul?: P90s are generally thicker and darker sounding with a higher output. The Gen 4 Noiseless Strat pickups are brighter, thinner, and more articulated, offering the classic Fender 'spank' that a P90 lacks.
Do I need to change my potentiometers when installing these?: Fender usually recommends using 250k or 500k pots depending on the desired brightness. The Gen 4 set is designed to work well with standard Stratocaster wiring, but checking the included documentation for specific wiring diagrams is recommended.