What does RW/RP stand for?

RW/RP stands for Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity. This means the coil is wound in the opposite direction and the magnets have the opposite polarity compared to the neck and bridge pickups.

Why is this pickup specifically for the middle position?

The RW/RP configuration is designed to cancel 60-cycle hum when the pickup is used in combination with a standard wound pickup. In a Stratocaster, this occurs in the second and fourth positions of the pickup selector.

Does this pickup come with mounting hardware?

Yes, Seymour Duncan includes the necessary mounting screws with the Antiquity Texas Hot RW/RP pickup. It also includes the relevant wiring schematics for installation.

What type of hookup wire is used?

The pickup features vintage-style 'push back' cloth braid hookup wire. This material is historically accurate to the 1950s and does not require wire strippers, as the insulation is simply pushed back to reveal the conductor.

Is the pickup visually aged?

Yes, as part of the Antiquity series, the pickup is manufactured to look like a vintage part. This includes simulated wear on the cover and pole pieces to match the aesthetic of an old guitar.

What era of sound does the Texas Hot series replicate?

The Texas Hot series is specifically designed to replicate the sound and appearance of a classic 1950s Stratocaster pickup. It aims for a balance of vintage warmth and clarity.

Can I use this in the bridge or neck position?

While it will physically fit, it is specifically calibrated for the middle position. Using it in other positions may result in out-of-phase sounds or a lack of hum-cancellation unless other pickups are chosen to compensate.

How does this differ from a standard Seymour Duncan pickup?

The Antiquity line uses a specialized ageing process for both the physical components and the magnets. This results in a softer, more mellow tone compared to the 'new' sound of the standard production line.

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

The typical price range for the Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Texas Hot RW/RP is approximately £140. This reflects its status as a premium, boutique-grade component.

Does the pickup include a cover?

Yes, the pickup comes with an aged white cover as part of its vintage aesthetic. This is designed to match other aged components, such as Fender's aged white knob sets.

Will this work with a 3-way or 5-way switch?

It is compatible with both, but a 5-way switch is required to access the hum-cancelling 'in-between' positions where the RW/RP benefit is most apparent. Using a 3-way switch would only allow the pickup to be used in isolation.

Is this pickup potted?

Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups are generally built following vintage techniques, which often involves a light potting process to prevent microphonics while maintaining the harmonic richness of a vintage coil.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Texas Hot RW/RP

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Texas Hot RW/RP is a boutique-style replacement pickup designed to replicate the tone and visual patina of a 1950s Fender Stratocaster pickup. Engineered specifically for the middle position, this Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity (RW/RP) component provides hum-cancelling operation when combined with standard bridge or neck pickups.

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Overview

The Antiquity Strat Texas Hot RW/RP is a single-coil pickup that forms part of Seymour Duncan's prestigious Antiquity series. It is designed to offer the specific tonal characteristics of an aged 1950s Stratocaster pickup. Unlike modern mass-produced components, these units are crafted to look and sound like they have undergone decades of natural ageing, providing a 'broken-in' quality that is highly sought after by vintage enthusiasts.

Construction and Key Features

This pickup is distinguished by its period-correct materials and manufacturing techniques. Key features include:

RW/RP Design: The Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity configuration is essential for the middle position of a Stratocaster, allowing for hum-cancelling in positions two and four of a five-way selector switch.
Vintage Wiring: It utilizes traditional 'push back' cloth braid hookup wire, adhering to 1950s specifications.
Aged Aesthetics: The pickup is visually distressed to match the appearance of genuine vintage hardware.
Included Accessories: Each unit is supplied with mounting screws and technical schematics to assist with installation.

Tonal Character

The Texas Hot series is engineered to provide a slightly increased output and warmth compared to standard vintage replicas, while maintaining the crystalline top end associated with early Stratocasters. Because it is part of the Antiquity line, the magnets are specifically calibrated to simulate the softened magnetic field of an older pickup, resulting in a smoother attack and a more musical, less harsh harmonic response.

Target Audience and Compatibility

This pickup is primarily intended for guitarists seeking to upgrade a modern instrument to vintage specifications or for those building a high-end 'partscaster'. It is ideally suited for players who require the classic 1950s 'bell-like' tone but prefer the noise reduction benefits of an RW/RP middle pickup. While it is a Seymour Duncan product, it is designed to fit standard Stratocaster-style routs and pickguards.

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Frequently asked questions

What does RW/RP stand for?: RW/RP stands for Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity. This means the coil is wound in the opposite direction and the magnets have the opposite polarity compared to the neck and bridge pickups.
Why is this pickup specifically for the middle position?: The RW/RP configuration is designed to cancel 60-cycle hum when the pickup is used in combination with a standard wound pickup. In a Stratocaster, this occurs in the second and fourth positions of the pickup selector.
Does this pickup come with mounting hardware?: Yes, Seymour Duncan includes the necessary mounting screws with the Antiquity Texas Hot RW/RP pickup. It also includes the relevant wiring schematics for installation.
What type of hookup wire is used?: The pickup features vintage-style 'push back' cloth braid hookup wire. This material is historically accurate to the 1950s and does not require wire strippers, as the insulation is simply pushed back to reveal the conductor.
Is the pickup visually aged?: Yes, as part of the Antiquity series, the pickup is manufactured to look like a vintage part. This includes simulated wear on the cover and pole pieces to match the aesthetic of an old guitar.
What era of sound does the Texas Hot series replicate?: The Texas Hot series is specifically designed to replicate the sound and appearance of a classic 1950s Stratocaster pickup. It aims for a balance of vintage warmth and clarity.
Can I use this in the bridge or neck position?: While it will physically fit, it is specifically calibrated for the middle position. Using it in other positions may result in out-of-phase sounds or a lack of hum-cancellation unless other pickups are chosen to compensate.
How does this differ from a standard Seymour Duncan pickup?: The Antiquity line uses a specialized ageing process for both the physical components and the magnets. This results in a softer, more mellow tone compared to the 'new' sound of the standard production line.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price range for the Seymour Duncan Antiquity Strat Texas Hot RW/RP is approximately £140. This reflects its status as a premium, boutique-grade component.
Does the pickup include a cover?: Yes, the pickup comes with an aged white cover as part of its vintage aesthetic. This is designed to match other aged components, such as Fender's aged white knob sets.
Will this work with a 3-way or 5-way switch?: It is compatible with both, but a 5-way switch is required to access the hum-cancelling 'in-between' positions where the RW/RP benefit is most apparent. Using a 3-way switch would only allow the pickup to be used in isolation.
Is this pickup potted?: Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups are generally built following vintage techniques, which often involves a light potting process to prevent microphonics while maintaining the harmonic richness of a vintage coil.