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These pickups are what they claim to be. They are crystal clear, dead quiet, and sound like a good old Stratocaster. But not a *great* old Stratocaster. Why? Fender rates the output of these pickups a 3 out of 5. (Their Hot Noiseless pickups are a 5 out of 5, and use ceramic instead of alnico 2 magnets) This "measurement" is fine for a rough idea of the output, but nothing beats an actual comparison. I find them to be on the weak side, more like a 4 out of 10 - which is fine, if that's what you're after. As I said, they're clean, clear, and sound like a Strat. For comparison, I A/B'd them against a set of standard, Mexican Fender Stratocaster pickups with ceramic magnets, height of both sets the same. I believe the VNs were a bit more transparent sounding, but the Mexican pickups, also clear mind you, were/are a bit "hotter", and sing a little more sweetly for lead solos. I prefer them for lead. The VNs would get the prize for rhythm work, particularly old-school R&B. I intend to try replacing the bridge pickup in the Vintage Noiseless set with something a bit hotter, and re-evaluate where I'm at with the guitar they're in. Now, the part nobody mentions. You need to like the covers that these come supplied with, because not every Strat cover will work. Not only is the string spacing compensated between the bridge, middle, and neck pickups, but (more importantly) the height of the bobbin, measured from the top of the mounting tab, is short. With the covers that I had intended to use - original vintage Fender Stratocaster spec - not only didn't the poles line up with the covers, but there was a 1/4" gap between the top of the pickup bobbin and the cover (boo!!) , necessitating a change of plans! All said, these are very nice sounding pickups, but they dropped me off just about walking distance from heaven.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have not installed this set yet but have a set installed on my personal strat. I have no special wiring or caps and have enjoyed using all five settings without the hum and the added power and tone change is consistent and nice. I enjoy using the bridge pickup now that it has no shrill and high end quack. It has a lot more midrange tonal qualities now. I am getting 9's and that is more than enough power for me. I have pedals that will do the rest. This set is for a very nice project that will be sold after use and will have the pre-amp installed on a new roadhouse body that has a battery compartment. Can't wait to get it finished. Going paper and oil as well on this one. Hope this was helpful. Also using the Clapton wiring harness with them on the new build.
Verified purchase: No
This is a great value for what you get. 3 vintage noiseless single coils by Fender and the control pots. I have dimarzio areas as well but find these to be equal in all regards. You don't lose any fidelity I find at all so it retains all the single coil character tone necessary you want to have on a guitar especially in live situations.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
These pickups are awesome is all I can say! All the tone no noise, period.
Verified purchase: Yes
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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