What's included in this set, and will it fit my Strat?

The set includes three single-coil pickups configured for standard Stratocaster positions: neck, middle (with RW/RP hum cancellation), and bridge. All three feature 2-conductor lead wire and are designed as direct replacements in any standard Strat routing.

How do these compare to other vintage-style Strat pickups?

The Retro Antiquity II sits between authentic 1960s specs and modern refinement, using Alnico V magnets, lacquered and wax potting, and period-correct wiring. The bridge pickup is wound 50% hotter than the neck and middle for balanced output across positions, and the RW/RP middle pickup cancels hum—features that match or exceed comparable sets like Fender Custom Shop 1960s and Lindy Fralin Vintage Hot offerings.

Are these pickups good for surf rock, blues, and indie, or will they work for other genres?

These pickups excel in surf rock, classic rock, blues, and indie contexts where vintage tone and articulation are priorities. The crisp treble and woody midrange aren't suited for metal, djent, or hard rock, where higher output and darker voicings are typically preferred.

How do the DC resistance specs affect tone and output?

The neck and middle pickups are both wound at 6.50k ohms for balanced response, while the bridge is wound at 9.80k ohms—50% hotter—to match output and add midrange presence. This variation ensures even volume across all three positions and smooth integration with vintage-style tone stacks.

Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity II Strat

Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity II Strat Surfer Pickup Set

The Retro Antiquity II Strat Surfer set delivers authentic vintage single-coil character with modern refinement, capturing the warm, articulate voice of classic 1960s surf and rock tones. These pickups balance crisp treble and woody midrange with controlled output, making them reliable workhorses for players seeking period-correct tone without sacrificing clarity or punch on stage.

Tone & Vintage Character

Wound with Alnico V magnets and finished with lacquered and wax potting for authentic vintage resonance, this set excels at delivering glassy highs and smooth lows that cut through a live mix. The bridge pickup is wound 50% hotter with degaussed Alnico 5 magnets for enhanced midrange presence that sits well in a band context, while the middle pickup features RW/RP (reverse wound/reverse polarity) construction that eliminates hum in positions 2 and 4—a critical feature for single-coil Strat players working in noisy venues and studios.

Construction & Specifications

Hand-crafted in Santa Barbara, USA, these passive, 2-conductor pickups feature authentic vintage-correct blue and yellow cloth pushback lead wire and light gray bottom flatwork for period-accurate appearance. DC resistance measurements—6.50k neck, 6.50k middle, and 9.80k bridge—ensure balanced response across the tonal spectrum and smooth integration with vintage-style circuits, delivering consistent tone night after night.

Key Features

Single-coil set for Strat configuration
Passive design with Alnico V magnet material
Neck pickup: 6.50k DC resistance
Middle pickup: 6.50k DC resistance with RW/RP for hum cancellation
Bridge pickup: 9.80k DC resistance, wound 50% hotter with degaussed Alnico 5 magnets
2-conductor lead wire configuration
Vintage-correct blue and yellow cloth pushback wiring
Light gray bottom flatwork
Lacquered and wax potted construction
Manufactured in Santa Barbara, USA

This set combines Seymour Duncan's meticulous craftsmanship with authentic vintage specifications, delivering the exact sonic palette that defined classic surf and rock guitar—built to perform in any room, any night.

Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity II Strat Surfer Pickup Set

Tone & Vintage Character

Construction & Specifications

Key Features

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