What does RW/RP stand for?

RW/RP stands for Reverse-Wound, Reverse-Polarity. This design allows the pickup to cancel hum when combined with another single-coil of standard winding and polarity.

Can I use this pickup in the bridge position?

Yes, although it is often used in the middle for hum-cancelling, it can be installed in the bridge position to provide a fatter, higher-output lead sound.

Will this fit a standard Stratocaster pickguard?

Yes, the SSL-4 is designed to be a direct replacement for standard single-coil pickups and will fit standard Stratocaster-style pickguard routings.

What is the benefit of the 'Flat' pole pieces?

Flat pole pieces provide a more balanced volume across all strings on guitars with a flat fretboard radius, whereas staggered poles are designed for vintage-style curved fretboards.

How does the output compare to a vintage pickup?

The SSL-4 is a high-output pickup. It has more than double the power of a traditional vintage single-coil, resulting in more drive and sustain.

Does this pickup require a battery?

No, the Seymour Duncan SSL-4 is a passive pickup and does not require a battery or any active electronics to function.

Is this pickup suitable for metal music?

Yes, its high output and punchy mids make it a popular choice for metal and hard rock players who want to maintain a single-coil look.

Does the SSL-4 come with a cover?

The SSL-4 is typically built with the large pole pieces exposed and does not use a traditional plastic cover, giving it a distinct aesthetic.

What magnets are used in the Quarter Pounder?

This pickup uses Alnico 5 magnets, which contribute to its powerful response and clear top-end sparkle.

How does the sound differ from a P90?

While it shares some of the fatness and high output of a P90, it still maintains the narrow magnetic window and 'snap' associated with Stratocaster pickups.

Will this help with sustain?

Yes, the powerful coil winding and larger magnetic field are specifically designed to provide greater sustain than lower-output pickups.

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

The typical price range for this specific Seymour Duncan model is approximately £100.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan SSL-4 Quarter Pound Flat Strat RW/RP Pickup

The Seymour Duncan SSL-4 Quarter Pound Flat Strat is a high-output single-coil pickup designed to provide a punchy sound with significantly more sustain than traditional vintage-style units. This specific version features Reverse-Wound, Reverse-Polarity (RW/RP) construction to allow for hum-cancelling operation when used in conjunction with standard-wound pickups.

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Overview

The SSL-4 Quarter Pound Flat Strat pickup is a distinctive replacement part from Seymour Duncan, widely regarded for its ability to push an amplifier harder than a standard single-coil. It is characterised by its oversized quarter-inch diameter pole pieces, which increase the magnetic field and sensitivity. This model specifically utilises a flat pole design, meaning the magnets are at the same height, making it ideal for guitars with modern, flatter fretboard radii or for players using lighter string gauges seeking consistent output across all six strings.

Technical Specification and RW/RP Functionality

A key feature of this specific SSL-4 variant is its RW/RP (Reverse-Wound, Reverse-Polarity) configuration. When installed in the middle position of a standard three-pickup Stratocaster layout, it works in tandem with the neck or bridge pickups (in positions 2 and 4 on a 5-way selector switch) to cancel the natural 60-cycle hum associated with single-coil pickups. This makes it a popular choice for musicians who play in environments with significant electrical interference or who use high-gain pedals.

Sound Character and Performance

The sound of the Quarter Pound SSL-4 is described as fat and punchy. Due to the powerful coil winding and larger magnets, it provides a high-output signal that moves closer to the territory of a P90 or a humbucker while retaining the clarity of a single-coil. It is particularly noted for its sustain, allowing notes to ring out longer than they would with vintage-voiced pickups. This makes it suitable for aggressive styles including heavy rock and blues, where a thicker lead tone is required.

Suitability and Installation

This pickup is best suited for guitarists who find traditional Stratocaster pickups too thin or 'glassy' for their playing style. It excels in the bridge or middle position, though this RW/RP version is most frequently employed as a middle-position solution. It is physically compatible with standard Stratocaster pickguard cutouts, though users should ensure their specific setup can accommodate the slightly larger pole pieces if using narrow-spaced covers.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the standard Seymour Duncan SSL-1, which focuses on vintage 1950s 'chime', the SSL-4 is vastly more powerful and mid-heavy. Unlike the SSL-4 Staggered version, the 'Flat' version of this pickup ensures that the D and G strings do not overpower the others on modern necks. For those seeking even more noise reduction, the Seymour Duncan Hot Rails would be the next step up, though that model shifts the tone further away from the traditional single-coil aesthetic than the SSL-4.

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Frequently asked questions

What does RW/RP stand for?: RW/RP stands for Reverse-Wound, Reverse-Polarity. This design allows the pickup to cancel hum when combined with another single-coil of standard winding and polarity.
Can I use this pickup in the bridge position?: Yes, although it is often used in the middle for hum-cancelling, it can be installed in the bridge position to provide a fatter, higher-output lead sound.
Will this fit a standard Stratocaster pickguard?: Yes, the SSL-4 is designed to be a direct replacement for standard single-coil pickups and will fit standard Stratocaster-style pickguard routings.
What is the benefit of the 'Flat' pole pieces?: Flat pole pieces provide a more balanced volume across all strings on guitars with a flat fretboard radius, whereas staggered poles are designed for vintage-style curved fretboards.
How does the output compare to a vintage pickup?: The SSL-4 is a high-output pickup. It has more than double the power of a traditional vintage single-coil, resulting in more drive and sustain.
Does this pickup require a battery?: No, the Seymour Duncan SSL-4 is a passive pickup and does not require a battery or any active electronics to function.
Is this pickup suitable for metal music?: Yes, its high output and punchy mids make it a popular choice for metal and hard rock players who want to maintain a single-coil look.
Does the SSL-4 come with a cover?: The SSL-4 is typically built with the large pole pieces exposed and does not use a traditional plastic cover, giving it a distinct aesthetic.
What magnets are used in the Quarter Pounder?: This pickup uses Alnico 5 magnets, which contribute to its powerful response and clear top-end sparkle.
How does the sound differ from a P90?: While it shares some of the fatness and high output of a P90, it still maintains the narrow magnetic window and 'snap' associated with Stratocaster pickups.
Will this help with sustain?: Yes, the powerful coil winding and larger magnetic field are specifically designed to provide greater sustain than lower-output pickups.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific Seymour Duncan model is approximately £100.