If you’ve ever wanted to hear your favorite Stratocaster bigger, bolder, louder, and beefier, you need to check out the Hot Strat high-output pickups. Tons of output and midrange, amazingly full “in-between” sounds (without hum), and a glorious neck-position tone.
DCR – Short for DC Resistance, is measured in Ohms and is the total resistance of the copper wire wound around a coil form. The length of the coil form, the number of turns and the gauge of wire all affect the DCR reading. DCR is often used as a gauge of output because as the turns increase, so does the output, though magnet type and the coil geometry also influence output. Magnet – We use several different magnet formulations: Alnico 2, Alnico 3, Alnico 4, Alnico 5, Alnico 6, Alnico 8 and Ceramic 5/8. In the case of pickups, the most significant characteristic is the gauss strength, which is a measure of the density of the magnetic field. Of the magnets we use, Alnico 3 has the lowest gauss strength. From there in order of ascending strength you have A2, A4, A5, A6, Ceramic and A8. As the gauss strength goes up, so does the output. The magnets at the lower end of the scale tend to produce a softer attack and a degree of “bloom” to the envelope of the note.
Ceramic magnets should be considered as an individual case because they do not contain any nickel or iron. This has the effect of decreasing the inductance of the pickup and significantly raising the resonant frequency. It is for this reason that many consider ceramic magnets to have a brittle sound, not their gauss strength. Looking at this from another point of view, ceramic magnets can be said to produce increased clarity, better note definition and faster response to picking. Output – The overall output of a passive pickup is influenced by several design factors: number of turns of wire on the coil(s), strength of the magnet, coil geometry and magnetic circuit geometry.The output of an active pickup is influenced by the same factors but is predominantly determined by the design of the onboard preamp.
Please use the amp to the right to select which position, tone and mix you'd like to hear sample of.
Description
The Hot Strat high-output pickup will deliver more output and musical midrange than your beloved Stratocaster has ever had. This pickup takes the classic high-end sparkle and adds a slightly lower-voiced, humbucker-like cut that will make your chords sound explosive and your solos jump out like never before. The sound is warmer and hotter than a traditional Strat pickup, rich with punchy harmonics. The raised flat Alnico 5 rod magnets are taller for a stronger and deeper magnetic field that increases output, and the overwound coil delivers additional power and warmth—great for getting heavy sounds from a Strat.
A popular choice for a Strat’s bridge position, the Hot Strat combines well with vintage-voiced Strat pickups for a modern, flexible guitar. We also fabricate a RW/RP, reverse wound/reverse polarity, version so that, when installed in the middle position and combined with the neck or bridge pickups, it will be hum-cancelling and give you the biggest 2 & 4 sound possible without the 60-cycle hum.
The Hot Strat’s bobbins are hand built using the unique, high-output coil wind and taller, hand-ground Alnico 5 rod magnets, lacquered for stability, then wound and wax potted for squeal-free performance. Available in a tapped configuration for multiple output options.
Neck/Middle/Bridge position models will have the same output, wind direction and magnetic polarity.
Middle RwRP position (reverse wind/reverse polarity) – choose this to have a pickup that will be hum-cancelling with one of our neck or bridge models.
All sets, except the Jimi Hendrix signature model, come with a Middle RWRP as the Middle Pickup.
Tapped- High output models may have a “tap” option available. An additional lead wire is placed midway through the coil wind, allowing wiring to a push-pull pot or mini-toggle switch to give an additional vintage output level option.
Hand Built in California. Period Correct. Every Time.
Our team of master builders have been with us for an average of 21 years—they take pride in crafting our products to create the most amazing sound possible.
Take Your Tone For A Test Drive
If you’re not 100% pleased with the sound of your Seymour Duncan pickups, you can exchange them for up to 21 days after purchase. This offer applies to any pickups bought from an authorized Seymour Duncan dealer in the USA.
