What does RW/RP stand for?

It stands for Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity. This allows the pickup to cancel hum when paired with a standard pickup.

What is the primary benefit of the SSL-1 RW/RP version?

It eliminates 60-cycle hum in the second and fourth positions of a standard 5-way Stratocaster switch.

What type of magnets are used in the SSL-1?

It uses Alnico 5 magnets in a staggered configuration to match vintage 1950s specifications.

Does it come with a specific type of wiring?

Yes, it features a waxed cloth hookup cable consistent with historical single-coil designs.

What is a 'keyed' bottom plate?

It is a vintage-style baseplate design that ensures the pickup fits correctly into traditional Stratocaster cavities.

Is the SSL-1 a high-output pickup?

No, it is a vintage-voiced, low-to-medium output pickup designed for clarity rather than high gain.

Can I use the SSL-1 RW/RP in the neck position?

While possible, it is typically used in the middle position to achieve hum-cancelling effects with standard neck and bridge pickups.

Is the pickup wax-potted?

Yes, Seymour Duncan vacuum wax-pots these pickups to prevent microphonic feedback.

What music genres is this pickup best for?

It is ideal for blues, classic rock, surf, and country due to its bright, glassy tone.

Does the SSL-1 work well with heavy distortion?

It maintains clarity under gain, but its low output may require more boost from the amplifier compared to modern pickups.

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

The typical price range is approximately £100.

How does the staggered pole piece design affect the sound?

The staggering compensates for string radius and gauge differences, providing a more balanced output across all six strings.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat RW/RP

The Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat RW/RP is a replacement single-coil pickup designed to replicate the authentic tone of 1950s Fender Stratocasters. It features a Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity (RW/RP) construction, allowing for hum-cancelling operation when combined with standard-wound pickups in the middle position.

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Overview

The SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat RW/RP is a cornerstone of the Seymour Duncan replacement pickup line. It is engineered to provide the crisp, bell-like chime associated with the earliest Stratocaster models. The 'RW/RP' designation indicates that the pickup is wound in the opposite direction and has the opposite magnetic polarity of a standard pickup. When installed in the middle position of a Stratocaster and used in conjunction with a neck or bridge pickup (positions 2 and 4 on a 5-way switch), it eliminates the 60-cycle hum typically inherent in single-coil designs.

Construction and Key Features

The construction of the SSL-1 adheres to vintage specifications to ensure an authentic experience. Key features include:

Staggered Pole Pieces: The magnets are set at varying heights to account for the different output levels of traditional string gauges, ensuring a balanced volume across the fretboard.
Vintage Components: The pickup utilizes a waxed cloth hookup cable and a vintage-style 'keyed' bottom plate, maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity of 1950s hardware.
Potting: The unit is vacuum wax-potted to reduce microphonic feedback and unwanted squealing at high volumes.

Sound Character

The SSL-1 is renowned for its bright, clear, and percussive sound. It delivers a 'glassy' high-end response and a tight, articulate low-end. Because it follows the vintage 1950s formula, it offers a lower output compared to modern 'hot' pickups, providing greater dynamic range and sensitivity to the player's touch. In the RW/RP configuration, the out-of-phase positions (2 and 4) provide a hollow, 'quacky' tone that is a staple of blues and funk music.

Suitability and Installation

This pickup is primarily suited for guitarists seeking to restore or upgrade their instrument to classic specifications. It is an ideal choice for players of blues, classic rock, and country who require clarity and definition. While it functions as a standalone replacement, it is most commonly utilised as a middle pickup in a calibrated set to achieve hum-cancellation. The installation requires basic soldering skills to connect the waxed cloth leads to the guitar's potentiometer and switch.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard Fender American Standard Stratocaster components, the SSL-1 provides a more vintage-correct voicing with less emphasis on mid-range frequencies. Unlike modern high-output pickups, the SSL-1 maintains clarity under heavy distortion but does not push an amplifier as hard. For those seeking a different aesthetic or bridge configuration, components such as the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge or Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge Assembly may be considered as part of a wider instrument overhaul, though they serve different functional roles.

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Frequently asked questions

What does RW/RP stand for?: It stands for Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity. This allows the pickup to cancel hum when paired with a standard pickup.
What is the primary benefit of the SSL-1 RW/RP version?: It eliminates 60-cycle hum in the second and fourth positions of a standard 5-way Stratocaster switch.
What type of magnets are used in the SSL-1?: It uses Alnico 5 magnets in a staggered configuration to match vintage 1950s specifications.
Does it come with a specific type of wiring?: Yes, it features a waxed cloth hookup cable consistent with historical single-coil designs.
What is a 'keyed' bottom plate?: It is a vintage-style baseplate design that ensures the pickup fits correctly into traditional Stratocaster cavities.
Is the SSL-1 a high-output pickup?: No, it is a vintage-voiced, low-to-medium output pickup designed for clarity rather than high gain.
Can I use the SSL-1 RW/RP in the neck position?: While possible, it is typically used in the middle position to achieve hum-cancelling effects with standard neck and bridge pickups.
Is the pickup wax-potted?: Yes, Seymour Duncan vacuum wax-pots these pickups to prevent microphonic feedback.
What music genres is this pickup best for?: It is ideal for blues, classic rock, surf, and country due to its bright, glassy tone.
Does the SSL-1 work well with heavy distortion?: It maintains clarity under gain, but its low output may require more boost from the amplifier compared to modern pickups.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price range is approximately £100.
How does the staggered pole piece design affect the sound?: The staggering compensates for string radius and gauge differences, providing a more balanced output across all six strings.