What is the primary benefit of the Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups?

The primary benefit is the elimination of 60-cycle hum while maintaining a classic Stratocaster tone. This makes them ideal for recording and live performance in venues with challenging electrical interference.

What magnets are used in this set?

This set utilises Alnico 5 magnets. These magnets are known for providing a punchy, clear, and higher-output sound compared to Alnico 2 or 3 alternatives.

Do these pickups sound like traditional vintage single-coils?

Yes, they are specifically voiced to provide 'vintage sparkle' and 'bell-like chime'. Fender uses modern winding techniques to ensure they retain the lively character of original 1950s and 60s pickups.

What type of wire is used in the construction?

The pickups are wound with polysol wire. This material is chosen to work in tandem with the Alnico 5 magnets to achieve an expansive and clear tonal range.

How many pickups are included in the set?

The set includes three pickups. This constitutes a full replacement for the bridge, middle, and neck positions of a standard Stratocaster.

Are these pickups suitable for high-gain playing?

Yes, because they are noiseless, they perform exceptionally well with high-gain pedals and amplifiers. They prevent the feedback and hiss typically generated by standard single-coils under heavy distortion.

What is the typical price for this set in the UK?

The typical retail price for the Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Stratocaster Pickup Set is approximately GBP 219. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Can these be installed in a Squier Stratocaster?

Yes, they can be installed in Squier models, such as the Mini Stratocaster or Standard series. They are a common upgrade for entry-level or mid-range guitars to improve sound quality and reduce noise.

Do these pickups require any special routing in the guitar body?

No, they are designed to fit into standard Stratocaster pickup routs. They follow the traditional single-coil form factor for easy installation.

How do these differ from standard humbuckers?

While both are noiseless, these pickups are voiced to sound like single-coils with 'singing highs' and 'bell-like chime'. Standard humbuckers usually have a darker, warmer, and thicker sound profile.

Is the middle pickup reverse-wound (RWRP)?

In this specific noiseless design, all three pickups are hum-cancelling by nature. Therefore, the traditional RWRP middle pickup found in standard sets is not required for noise reduction in positions 2 and 4.

What describes the 'punchy' character of these pickups?

The 'punchy' character refers to their immediate attack and dynamic response. They provide a clear, impactful sound that stands out in a mix without being overly harsh.

Gear article

Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Stratocaster Pickup Set

The Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Stratocaster Pickup Set is a premium trio of single-coil sized pickups designed to deliver classic Fender tones without the inherent 60-cycle hum. Utilising Alnico 5 magnets and modern winding techniques, these pickups provide a balance of punchy dynamics and vintage sparkle.

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Overview

The Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Stratocaster Pickup Set represents the manufacturer's flagship approach to hum-cancelling technology for the Stratocaster platform. These pickups are engineered to replicate the expansive, open tone of historic single-coils while eliminating the background noise often associated with vintage electronics. By combining traditional materials with modern construction, Fender aims to provide a 'best of both worlds' solution for professional performance and recording.

Technical Features and Construction

The construction of the Ultra Noiseless Vintage set revolves around two primary components: Alnico 5 magnets and polysol-coated wire. The Alnico 5 magnets are chosen for their ability to produce a strong, clear output with defined frequency responses. Fender employs modern winding techniques that allow for a sophisticated tonal range. Unlike traditional single-coils, these pickups are designed with a stacked or shielded architecture to cancel out electromagnetic interference, ensuring a silent operation even when using high-gain amplification or playing in environments with poor electrical grounding.

Tonal Character

In terms of sonic profile, these pickups are described as lively and punchy. They are voiced to retain the 'vintage sparkle' and 'bell-like chime' that defined the Stratocaster's popularity in the 1950s and 60s. Users can expect:

Singing highs and crisp treble response.
Delicious dynamics that respond to the player's touch.
A balanced midrange that avoids the muddiness sometimes found in noiseless designs.
Clear, expansive lows that remain tight under drive.

Market Position and Compatibility

Priced at approximately GBP 219, these pickups sit at the high end of Fender’s aftermarket range. They are ideal for players who find the standard pickups in models like the American Professional II Stratocaster or Squier Mini Stratocaster too noisy for their specific needs, but who do not want to move toward the darker sound of humbuckers found in guitars like the Jim Root Telecaster or Kurt Cobain Jaguar. They serve as a direct upgrade for any standard-routed Stratocaster seeking a more refined, noise-free signal path.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups?: The primary benefit is the elimination of 60-cycle hum while maintaining a classic Stratocaster tone. This makes them ideal for recording and live performance in venues with challenging electrical interference.
What magnets are used in this set?: This set utilises Alnico 5 magnets. These magnets are known for providing a punchy, clear, and higher-output sound compared to Alnico 2 or 3 alternatives.
Do these pickups sound like traditional vintage single-coils?: Yes, they are specifically voiced to provide 'vintage sparkle' and 'bell-like chime'. Fender uses modern winding techniques to ensure they retain the lively character of original 1950s and 60s pickups.
What type of wire is used in the construction?: The pickups are wound with polysol wire. This material is chosen to work in tandem with the Alnico 5 magnets to achieve an expansive and clear tonal range.
How many pickups are included in the set?: The set includes three pickups. This constitutes a full replacement for the bridge, middle, and neck positions of a standard Stratocaster.
Are these pickups suitable for high-gain playing?: Yes, because they are noiseless, they perform exceptionally well with high-gain pedals and amplifiers. They prevent the feedback and hiss typically generated by standard single-coils under heavy distortion.
What is the typical price for this set in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Fender Ultra Noiseless Vintage Stratocaster Pickup Set is approximately GBP 219. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Can these be installed in a Squier Stratocaster?: Yes, they can be installed in Squier models, such as the Mini Stratocaster or Standard series. They are a common upgrade for entry-level or mid-range guitars to improve sound quality and reduce noise.
Do these pickups require any special routing in the guitar body?: No, they are designed to fit into standard Stratocaster pickup routs. They follow the traditional single-coil form factor for easy installation.
How do these differ from standard humbuckers?: While both are noiseless, these pickups are voiced to sound like single-coils with 'singing highs' and 'bell-like chime'. Standard humbuckers usually have a darker, warmer, and thicker sound profile.
Is the middle pickup reverse-wound (RWRP)?: In this specific noiseless design, all three pickups are hum-cancelling by nature. Therefore, the traditional RWRP middle pickup found in standard sets is not required for noise reduction in positions 2 and 4.
What describes the 'punchy' character of these pickups?: The 'punchy' character refers to their immediate attack and dynamic response. They provide a clear, impactful sound that stands out in a mix without being overly harsh.