What does RW/RP stand for?

RW/RP stands for Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity. This means the pickup's coil is wound in the opposite direction and the magnets are flipped compared to a standard pickup, allowing for hum-cancellation when two pickups are used together.

What is the primary benefit of Alnico 2 magnets?

Alnico 2 magnets have a weaker magnetic pull than Alnico 5, which results in less string pull. This allows the strings to vibrate more freely, leading to increased sustain and a warmer, softer treble response.

Can I use the APS-1 in any position on my Stratocaster?

While it can be used in any position, the RW/RP version is specifically designed for the middle position. Using it in the middle allows you to achieve noise-free operation when combined with standard neck or bridge pickups.

How does this pickup affect my amplifier settings?

Because the APS-1 has a vintage-correct, moderate output, you may find yourself turning up the gain or volume on your amplifier to reach your desired level of breakup. This allows the amp's natural character to shine through more than a high-output pickup would.

Is the APS-1 considered a high-output pickup?

No, the APS-1 is a vintage-voiced, moderate-to-low output pickup. It is designed for tonal sweetness and clarity rather than driving an amplifier into heavy distortion on its own.

What is the typical price range for this pickup?

The Seymour Duncan APS-1 typically retails for approximately £115. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.

Does this pickup come with covers?

Seymour Duncan pickups often include covers, but they are also compatible with aftermarket parts. For an aged look, they can be paired with Fender Aged White Stratocaster knobs or covers.

Is this pickup suitable for heavy metal music?

While any pickup can be used for any genre, the APS-1 is generally not the first choice for heavy metal. Its warm, vintage character is better suited for blues, classic rock, and pop.

How does the APS-1 compare to a standard Fender American Standard pickup?

The APS-1 will generally sound warmer and less 'glassy' than a standard American Standard pickup. The Alnico 2 magnets provide a smoother high-end compared to the Alnico 5 magnets found in many modern Fender models.

Do I need special wiring for the RW/RP feature to work?

You do not need special wiring, but you do need a 5-way selector switch. When the switch is in position 2 or 4, the RW/RP middle pickup automatically combines with the neck or bridge to cancel hum.

Can I install this pickup myself?

Yes, if you have basic soldering skills and tools, you can install the APS-1. It follows standard single-coil wiring diagrams provided by Seymour Duncan.

Will this pickup fit in a Jazzmaster or a Jaguar?

The APS-1 is specifically sized for a Stratocaster. It will not fit in a Jazzmaster without significant modification, as Jazzmaster pickups (like those used with Fender Aged White covers) have a much larger footprint.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico II Pro Strat RW/RP

The Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico II Pro is a vintage-voiced single-coil pickup designed for Stratocaster-style guitars. It utilizes Alnico 2 rod magnets to produce a warmer, sweeter tone compared to standard Alnico 5 pickups, specifically featuring Reverse Wound/Reverse Polarity (RW/RP) construction for hum-cancelling in specific switch positions.

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Overview

The Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico II Pro Strat pickup is a precision-engineered component intended for guitarists seeking a classic, vintage-correct aesthetic and sound. As a 'Parts & Spares' category item, it is designed to replace or upgrade standard factory pickups. The APS-1 is distinguished by its use of sand-cast Alnico 2 magnets, which provide a softer magnetic pull than the more common Alnico 5 counterparts, resulting in a distinct response and tonal profile.

Technical Features and RW/RP Design

A defining technical characteristic of this specific model is the RW/RP (Reverse Wound / Reverse Polarity) configuration. When installed in the middle position of a Stratocaster and paired with standard-wound bridge or neck pickups, the APS-1 facilitates hum-cancellation in positions 2 and 4 of a five-way selector switch. This setup eliminates the traditional single-coil '60-cycle hum' while maintaining the classic 'quack' associated with those positions.

The pickup is built with vintage-correctness in mind, ensuring it fits seamlessly into standard Stratocaster routings and pickguards. It is often paired with other high-quality components such as Fender American Standard Tremolo Bridge Assemblies or Gotoh 203B-4 hardware for comprehensive instrument upgrades.

Sound Character

The APS-1 is engineered for a warm, sweet tone that avoids the harshness sometimes found in high-output single coils. Because it has a lower output, it encourages the user to derive distortion from the amplifier's gain stages rather than forcing the pickup to clip prematurely. This results in a smoother treble response and a 'spongy' feel that is highly responsive to picking dynamics. The Alnico 2 magnets contribute to a rounded low-end and a singing sustain that is ideal for clean or moderately overdriven blues and rock.

Suitability and Comparisons

This pickup is most suitable for players who prefer a traditional vintage feel and who use their amplifier's natural overdrive characteristics. It is less suited for high-gain metal genres where high-output ceramic pickups are usually preferred.

Compared to standard Stratocaster pickups, the Alnico II Pro offers a more mellow top-end. While a standard Alnico 5 pickup might provide more 'snap' and 'bite,' the APS-1 focuses on musicality and warmth. It is a popular choice for revitalising older instruments or for players building a custom guitar using parts like Fender 10-Hole Contemporary pickguards or aged white control knobs.

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Frequently asked questions

What does RW/RP stand for?: RW/RP stands for Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity. This means the pickup's coil is wound in the opposite direction and the magnets are flipped compared to a standard pickup, allowing for hum-cancellation when two pickups are used together.
What is the primary benefit of Alnico 2 magnets?: Alnico 2 magnets have a weaker magnetic pull than Alnico 5, which results in less string pull. This allows the strings to vibrate more freely, leading to increased sustain and a warmer, softer treble response.
Can I use the APS-1 in any position on my Stratocaster?: While it can be used in any position, the RW/RP version is specifically designed for the middle position. Using it in the middle allows you to achieve noise-free operation when combined with standard neck or bridge pickups.
How does this pickup affect my amplifier settings?: Because the APS-1 has a vintage-correct, moderate output, you may find yourself turning up the gain or volume on your amplifier to reach your desired level of breakup. This allows the amp's natural character to shine through more than a high-output pickup would.
Is the APS-1 considered a high-output pickup?: No, the APS-1 is a vintage-voiced, moderate-to-low output pickup. It is designed for tonal sweetness and clarity rather than driving an amplifier into heavy distortion on its own.
What is the typical price range for this pickup?: The Seymour Duncan APS-1 typically retails for approximately £115. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
Does this pickup come with covers?: Seymour Duncan pickups often include covers, but they are also compatible with aftermarket parts. For an aged look, they can be paired with Fender Aged White Stratocaster knobs or covers.
Is this pickup suitable for heavy metal music?: While any pickup can be used for any genre, the APS-1 is generally not the first choice for heavy metal. Its warm, vintage character is better suited for blues, classic rock, and pop.
How does the APS-1 compare to a standard Fender American Standard pickup?: The APS-1 will generally sound warmer and less 'glassy' than a standard American Standard pickup. The Alnico 2 magnets provide a smoother high-end compared to the Alnico 5 magnets found in many modern Fender models.
Do I need special wiring for the RW/RP feature to work?: You do not need special wiring, but you do need a 5-way selector switch. When the switch is in position 2 or 4, the RW/RP middle pickup automatically combines with the neck or bridge to cancel hum.
Can I install this pickup myself?: Yes, if you have basic soldering skills and tools, you can install the APS-1. It follows standard single-coil wiring diagrams provided by Seymour Duncan.
Will this pickup fit in a Jazzmaster or a Jaguar?: The APS-1 is specifically sized for a Stratocaster. It will not fit in a Jazzmaster without significant modification, as Jazzmaster pickups (like those used with Fender Aged White covers) have a much larger footprint.