Seymour Duncan APS1 Alnico II Pro Staggered Strat Cset Pickup
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11204-01-Cset
Description
Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico II Pro Staggered Strat Pickup
The APS-1 Alnico II Pro delivers a balanced, articulate voice that cuts through a live mix without overshadowing your dynamics. Built with Alnico II rod magnets and heavy Formvar wire in a specialized wind pattern, this pickup maintains clarity across all six strings while preserving the vintage Strat character players expect. The staggered magnet design compensates for string-to-string output variation, ensuring even response whether playing single notes or full chords.
Tone & Response
The 9 kHz resonant peak anchors the midrange with presence and definition, while the EQ curve of 5/4/7 (Bass/Mid/Treble) leans toward articulation without sacrificing warmth. At 6.4 kΩ DC resistance, this pickup strikes the middle ground between vintage and modern output—responsive enough for overdrive and distortion, transparent enough to preserve clean dynamics and sustain on stage.
Construction & Reliability
Waxed and tinned cloth hookup wires ensure reliable connections built to withstand gig after gig, while the traditional keyed bottom plate simplifies installation into standard Strat cavities. The single-conductor cloth cable maintains vintage aesthetics without compromising shielding or signal integrity through the demands of touring and regular venue use.
Key Features
- Magnet: Alnico II rods
- DC Resistance: 6.4 kΩ
- Resonant Peak: 9 kHz
- EQ (Bass/Mid/Treble): 5 / 4 / 7
- Stagger Pattern: Left-hand
- Wire: Heavy Formvar with special wind pattern
- Cable: Single conductor cloth
- Hookup Wires: Waxed and tinned cloth pushback
- Bottom Plate: Traditional keyed design
The APS-1 combines Seymour Duncan's proven platform with refined specifications that deliver consistent tone whether you're working a vintage-voiced rig or pushing modern amp settings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico II Pro is a balanced, articulate Strat pickup that delivers vintage character with even output across all six strings thanks to its staggered magnet design. Built for blues, rock, country, and indie players, it sits naturally in a mix without demanding attention, handling everything from clean dynamics to overdrive with clarity and warmth. At 6.4 kΩ DC resistance, it bridges vintage and modern output, making it equally at home in a traditional rig or a contemporary stage setup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Indie
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the staggered magnet design do?
The staggered magnet pattern compensates for string-to-string output variation, ensuring even response whether you're playing single notes or full chords. This consistency makes the pickup sit more naturally in a mix and simplifies recording and live performance.
Will this pickup work in any Strat?
Yes. The APS-1 features a traditional keyed bottom plate and standard single-conductor cloth cable, making installation into any standard Strat cavity straightforward and reliable.
Is this pickup suitable for metal or high-gain playing?
The APS-1 is voiced for blues, rock, country, and indie and is not designed for metal or djent applications. Its 6.4 kΩ DC resistance handles overdrive and distortion but prioritizes clarity and vintage character over extreme saturation.
How does the tone compare to other vintage-style Strat pickups?
The APS-1 sits between pure vintage and modern output, with a 9 kHz resonant peak that adds midrange presence and definition. Its EQ curve (5/4/7 Bass/Mid/Treble) emphasizes articulation while retaining warmth, placing it closer to balanced than overly bright or dark alternatives like the Fender Custom Shop 69 or Lollar Imperial.
What skill level is this pickup for?
The APS-1 suits beginner through professional players across all experience levels. Its balanced response and reliable construction make it forgiving for newer players while offering the tone quality and consistency professionals demand in studio and live settings.
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