What does RW/RP stand for?

It stands for Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity. This configuration is used for middle pickups so that they cancel hum when used together with a bridge or neck pickup.

In which position should I install the Antiquity II Surfer RW/RP?

This specific model is designed for the middle position of a three-pickup guitar. It is meant to be paired with standard polarity neck and bridge pickups.

Does this pickup come with a cover?

The Antiquity II series generally features aged components; however, users often pair them with Fender Aged White Jazzmaster or Stratocaster covers for a consistent vintage look. You should verify if the cover is included in the specific retail package.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal music?

No, it is voiced for vintage chime and 1960s tones. While it can handle overdrive, it is best suited for clean, surf, blues, and classic rock styles.

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

The typical price range for a single Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer RW/RP pickup is approximately £139.

What era of sound does the 'Surfer' name refer to?

The 'Surfer' designation refers to the bright, clear, and percussive tones of 1960s surf rock. It aims to replicate the sound of a vintage pickup from that specific decade.

Will this pickup fit in a standard Stratocaster pickguard?

Yes, it is built to standard single-coil dimensions. It will fit standard 8-hole or 11-hole Stratocaster pickguards, as well as specialized 10-hole Contemporary Jazz Bass pickguards if modified for such a project.

How does this differ from the Antiquity I series?

The Antiquity I series typically targets 1950s specifications, whereas the Antiquity II series, including the Surfer, focuses on the 1960s era. The 60s voicing is generally considered to have a slightly different top-end response.

Can I use this pickup in the neck position?

Technically yes, but it will not provide hum-cancelling benefits unless paired with a specific bridge or middle pickup. It is optimised for the middle position.

Do I need special pots for this pickup?

It is recommended to use 250k Ohm potentiometers. This is the standard value for vintage-style single-coil pickups to maintain the correct treble balance.

Is the aging on the pickup purely cosmetic?

Seymour Duncan ages both the aesthetic components and the magnets. This is intended to simulate the de-magnetisation and tonal shift that occurs naturally over several decades.

Who is the manufacturer of this pickup?

The pickup is manufactured by Seymour Duncan, a legendary American company known for high-quality guitar electronics and spares.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer RW/RP

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer RW/RP is a boutique, vintage-style middle-position single-coil pickup designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics of 1960s Stratocasters. It features Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity (RW/RP) construction to provide hum-cancelling operation when combined with bridge or neck pickups.

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Overview

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer RW/RP is a premium replacement component designed for guitarists seeking an authentic 1960s aesthetic and sound. As part of the Antiquity II series, this pickup is meticulously crafted to mimic the look and performance of a naturally aged vintage unit. It is specifically intended for the middle position of a three-pickup Stratocaster configuration.

Technical Features and Design

This pickup is distinguished by its RW/RP (Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity) design. In a standard five-way switching system, this allows the middle pickup to act in conjunction with either the bridge or neck pickup to cancel electromagnetic hum, a common issue with traditional single-coil designs. The 'Surfer' voicing aims to capture the specific chime and brightness associated with the mid-60s era of surf rock and pop music.

Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers Aged White

Sound and Character

The Antiquity II Surfer is characterised by its 'vintage chime' and clear, glassy top end. It provides a balanced output that avoids the harshness sometimes found in modern high-output pickups. When used in positions 2 and 4 of a Stratocaster selector switch, it facilitates the iconic 'quack' tone that is synonymous with vintage American electric guitars.

Compatibility and Installation

While designed for Stratocaster-style guitars, this pickup can be integrated into various custom builds. To achieve the best visual and functional results, it is often paired with other period-correct hardware, such as the Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge or aged-white control knobs. The installation requires standard soldering into a guitar's wiring harness, typically involving a 250k potentiometer.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard modern pickups, the Antiquity II Surfer offers a more nuanced, aged frequency response. While stock Fender pickups or generic replacements may offer higher output, they often lack the specific harmonic complexity provided by Seymour Duncan's aging process. For players who do not require hum-cancellation, the standard (non-RW/RP) version of the Surfer is an alternative, though it will not provide quiet operation in the 'in-between' switch positions.

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Frequently asked questions

What does RW/RP stand for?: It stands for Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity. This configuration is used for middle pickups so that they cancel hum when used together with a bridge or neck pickup.
In which position should I install the Antiquity II Surfer RW/RP?: This specific model is designed for the middle position of a three-pickup guitar. It is meant to be paired with standard polarity neck and bridge pickups.
Does this pickup come with a cover?: The Antiquity II series generally features aged components; however, users often pair them with Fender Aged White Jazzmaster or Stratocaster covers for a consistent vintage look. You should verify if the cover is included in the specific retail package.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal music?: No, it is voiced for vintage chime and 1960s tones. While it can handle overdrive, it is best suited for clean, surf, blues, and classic rock styles.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price range for a single Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Strat Surfer RW/RP pickup is approximately £139.
What era of sound does the 'Surfer' name refer to?: The 'Surfer' designation refers to the bright, clear, and percussive tones of 1960s surf rock. It aims to replicate the sound of a vintage pickup from that specific decade.
Will this pickup fit in a standard Stratocaster pickguard?: Yes, it is built to standard single-coil dimensions. It will fit standard 8-hole or 11-hole Stratocaster pickguards, as well as specialized 10-hole Contemporary Jazz Bass pickguards if modified for such a project.
How does this differ from the Antiquity I series?: The Antiquity I series typically targets 1950s specifications, whereas the Antiquity II series, including the Surfer, focuses on the 1960s era. The 60s voicing is generally considered to have a slightly different top-end response.
Can I use this pickup in the neck position?: Technically yes, but it will not provide hum-cancelling benefits unless paired with a specific bridge or middle pickup. It is optimised for the middle position.
Do I need special pots for this pickup?: It is recommended to use 250k Ohm potentiometers. This is the standard value for vintage-style single-coil pickups to maintain the correct treble balance.
Is the aging on the pickup purely cosmetic?: Seymour Duncan ages both the aesthetic components and the magnets. This is intended to simulate the de-magnetisation and tonal shift that occurs naturally over several decades.
Who is the manufacturer of this pickup?: The pickup is manufactured by Seymour Duncan, a legendary American company known for high-quality guitar electronics and spares.