The type, design and build of your guitar pickups tend to play a vital role in the tone the guitar produces, even more than any other part of the guitar. However, we have listed some of the best strat pickups for blues for players looking to improve their guitar tone.
However, the best tone on your guitar is not always straightforward, as many variables tend to alter the sound of one guitar. Besides, pickups are pretty small and easy to change, some are pretty expensive, and some are very affordable. Nevertheless, it is best to choose the strat pickup that best suits your style.
Strat pickup is used to enhance guitar sound. So, in order to get that blues or classic rock tone, consider changing your pickup. However, there are a lot of options that may leave players confused about which brand or model to purchase.
10 Best Strat Pickups For Blues
IKN 4Ply Light Blue Pearl Strat Pickguard Backplate Set for 3 Single Coil Pickups-11 Hole, come with Pickguard Screws
The IKN 4Ply features 11 screw holes in the side of the pickguard. However, three single-coil pickup holes were cut to fit American/Mexican Standard Fender Stratocaster. Furthermore, 4Ply constructions are made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material.
However, there are two layers of thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peeling off after installation. The strat pickups for blues also features a pure aluminium foil shield on the backside, better shielding property and anti-interference.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Pure aluminium foil shield
- PVC plastic materials
Cons
- The colour might be a little different from the picture because of the aberration
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Seymour Duncan Custom Staggered SSL-5 Pickup for Strat – 11202-05
The Seymour Duncan SSL-5 pickup is a high output, true single-coil electric guitar pickup for warm instruments. It is the best ideal for Texas blues rock, classic rock, and hard rock.
Though the strat pickup looks like the Seymour Duncan SSL-1 and has that clear vintage tone, the SSL-5’s pickup over-wound coil produces higher output, great harmonics and more sustain. And all these qualities result in a pickup that rocks hard and cuts through the mix; however, it cleans up nicely when you back off the volume.
This pickup works excellent if paired with two SSL-1s. Place the SSL-5 in the middle position and enjoy the classic Stratocaster vintage tone with the option for greater tonal suppleness. The pickup is ideal for heavier and brighter-toned instruments with ash or alder bodies. Works well with maple or rosewood fingerboards.
Pros
- Used by musicians such as David Gilmour and Mick Jagger
- Warm vintage sound
- Sounds excellent, both clean and with distortion
Cons
- The balance is not great
FLEOR Alnico 5 Strat Pickup Single Coil Pickups Guitar Neck/Middle/Bridge Pickup Black for Strat Squier Electric Guitar
The FLEOR is a tremendous single-coil pickup fit Fender Stratocaster Squier electric guitar pickup replacement. However, the whole package comes with a 3pcs strat pickups set (neck/middle/bridge), 6 Screws and 6 Springs. Besides, the strat pickup is excellent. It produces a classic “chimney” strat sound but is focussed, warm and clean. They sound perfect.
However, you can use a multimeter to find the pickup with the highest resistance: that’s the bridge. The other two will read the same, but the pole pieces in the middle pickup are put upside down. Next, you can use a magnetic compass to determine which is different to the others.
Pros
- Warm and clean sound
- Value for money
- No hum
Cons
- Some customers feel the pickup is not balanced.
DiMarzio DP419 Area ’67 Hum Canceling Strat Pickup White
The DiMarzio DP419 Area ’67 is a hum-cancelling pickup with the chime of ’60s pickups, and its 2 and 4 positions are bright, light, and quack-happy. It is ideal for players who need a hum-cancelling Stratocaster pickup, and then you should be delighted with the DiMarzio DP419. Besides, because it has no hum makes this pickup sounds great — 1967-great, to be exact.
However, the DiMarzio pickup uses Alnico II magnets. They are not better nor worse. They are just dissimilar. Some folks love its quack, while others prefer the more vintage tone of the Alnico Vs.
The DiMarzio DP419 is bright and very clean — unless you overdrive it. With distortion, this pickup rocks hard without muddiness. It has a classic tone with great character and is a must-buy if you’re looking for a hum-cancelling pickup.
Pros
- No hum
- Very bright and clean
- Distinctive quack
Lace 21073-01 Sensor Gold Electric Guitar Electronics, 3-Pack
Though the Lace 21073-01 does not sound like a vintage Stratocaster, they still sound great — especially for playing blues or classic rock. However, the strat pickups are clean when you need them and gritty when you turn on the distortion. In addition, it produces a unique, radiant Field Barrier system surrounding the coil and magnets, reducing the annoying 60-cycle hum.
Besides sounding great, these pickups are also attractive. Their distinctive appearance will make your guitar look unique. You can get them in white, cream, or black. In addition, the patented Lace Micro Combs replace traditional bobbins, yielding a more comprehensive tonal range and better string balance than traditional guitar pickups. And the strat pickup can be used for various music styles like Vintage Rock, Blues, Country, R&B, and Funk.
Pros
- Distinctive look
- Beautifully clean sound.
- Have a personality while still sounding like a Stratocaster
- Great for classic rock
Cons
- I am a little disappointed that the volume is not as substantial as the low budget singles.
Seymour Duncan California ’50s Strat Pickup Set
In order not to spend thousands of dollars on a vintage guitar, chances are these pickups are the closest you’ll get to the surfing rock tone of the ’50s. Moreover, the strat pickup adds some bite and roar to your sound. The pickup is well rounded and quite versatile. Moreover, the pickup can satisfy blues players in need of a modern tone rooted in traditional values.
Moreover, the mids have that authentic bell shape with bright highs, giving players the attack they’d expect from a ’50s Strat. Besides, the pickup act as a humbucker because it is a reverse-wound. Notwithstanding, positions 1, 3, and 5 offer the standard Stratocaster single-coil tone, while positions 2 and 4 allow for a more aggressive tone.
Although many sets have a reverse-wound middle pickup, not many provide the authenticity and flexibility these Seymour Duncans provide. These pickups are a great choice if you’re looking to go beyond blues and classic rock.
Pros
- Classic ’50s surf rock tone
- The tone is bright, clear
- Great flexibility and versatility
Cons
- Some customers reviewed that it is not powerful at the bridge; however, it is excellent.
Fender Tex-Mex Strat Pickups
The Fender Tex-Mex is more like a slight hint of twang with some bottom-end to fill it. Moreover, the strat pickup features Alnico 5 magnets with overwound wires. And a reverse-wound middle pickup to reduce the hum.
However, this product from Fender is an excellent piece. They would know. Besides, the strat pickup for blues was carefully designed to bring out the highs and mix in the warm lows, While both listeners and players enjoy the sound it produces. Moreover, the strat pickup produces a distinctive tone that is well impressive.
Pros
- Pleasant clean tone
- It is not too shrill or too bright
- It is not too low nor muddy
Cons
- If you like the spanky Strat quack, you won’t hear it.
Dopro 52/52/52mm Chrome Plastic ST Strat Guitar Pickup Covers 3 Single Coil Pickup Cover for Stratocaster
It is essential to know the pole spacing of your pickup so as to find the correct covers for your pickups. However, the pole spacing is usually measured from the centre of the first hole to the centre of the sixth hole. The strat pickup is made of plastic, not metal.
Would you mind not surmising the pole spacing of your pickups? Use a ruler to measure them now. Due to the wide variety of parts and accessories, please be sure to verify the dimensions before you order the item.
For example, you must know your pickups’ pole spacing and height, or else you would order the wrong covers for your pickups. The package includes one set of 3 chrome pickup covers.
Pros
- Bright and clear sound
- No hum
- Distinctive look
Cons
- The strats are pretty shallow. Not deep enough to meet the bottom plate of the single-coil strat pickups.
Fender Pure Vintage 50s Stratocaster Accessory Kit
The Pure Vintage is a genuine Fender replacement accessory kit carefully created with a period-correct personality in mind. However, the strat pickup for bass features eggshell-coloured tone and volume knobs, pickup covers, tremolo arm tip and switch tip (backplate sold separately).
Moreover, the strat pickup was introduced in the early ’50s Stratocaster guitars. Besides, it is best suitable for most vintage and modern Stratocaster guitars, which allow players to customize their bass or amplifier like never before.
Note: The pickup covers will not fit N3 Noiseless or SCN pickups
Pros
- Classic ’50s surf rock tone
- Pure Vintage knobs
- Amazingly bright tone
Cons
- The knobs are pretty loose. Ensure to be sure of the dimension before purchasing the strats
Tonerider TRS3 Classic Blues Stratocaster Pickup Set – White
It is vital to check out the Tone Rider TRS-3’s strat pick up if you enjoy a spanky quack Strat that wails the blues and bluesy rock. However, these will give you the grit and spank for southern rock and blues rock you’ve ever wanted.
Moreover, the TRS-3’s are carefully designed as a single-coil, and it is a better replacement for an American Strat of the ’60s. Besides, Fender changed their pickups’ sound in the ’60s to a hotter design to give that snap associated with southern rock and blues-rock. This sound is replicated to a T by Tonerider.
Nevertheless, if the TRS-3’s strat pickup is to be described in one word, the word would be “versatile.” Great blues sound, excellent southern rock tone, and robust replication of that 60’s/70’s blues/rock vibe.
Although this pickup is not entirely noiseless, the middle pickup is reverse wound to help reduce noise. Staggered rods give that classic Strat vibe—a gritty sound with a lot of attack for an in-your-face blues sound.
Pros
- Versatile
- Stronger than the original vintage Fender pickups
Cons
- It still produces a slight noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Strats suitable for blues?
There are many various types of Strat available. However, you are playing blues, then a Fender American Pro Strat – one of the best guitars for blues available today is not a bad idea.
Is a Strat or Les Paul better for blues?
The Gibson Les Paul is a robust guitar than either the Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster. Because the Les Paul is fitted with a humbucker rather than single-coil pickups. This power and warmth have made the Gibson Les Paul a trendy choice amongst blues and blues-rock guitarists.
Is the Telecaster or Stratocaster better for Blues?
Strats are more versatile, and they allow users to break out of the blues genre pretty quickly if you wanted to, whereas, with the Tele, it’s a little more complicated. However, Teles sounds are also highly wonderful, though. Teles are used mainly by country players who prefer twangy sounds.
Are semi-hollow guitars good for Blues?
Of course, they produce the perfect sound most Blues and Jazz players want. Moreover, a semi-hollow guitar can produce a warm and rich sound even than a dynamic body guitar. They produce dynamic sounds with a lot of sustain and excellent harmonic lavishness.
Conclusion
Finally, we’ve come to the end of our article on the best strat pickups for blues. However, pickups are pretty addictive. Sure, you might have found one that sounds perfect, but you’ll still wonder how other pickups sound and how they compare to yours.
Furthermore, the best strat pickups are the ones that match your style and produce a natural, warm and expressive tone, and we believe amongst the ten well-selected strat pickups for blues, you will definitely see some that would match your style.
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