Seymour Duncan SSL-1 California '50s set of 3
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Seymour Duncan SSL-1 California '50s set of 3
In stock
- SKU
- 11208-01
Description
Seymour Duncan SSL-1 California '50s Pickup Set of 3
The SSL-1 California '50s set brings articulate, punchy single-coil character to the stage with modern reliability. Hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets and heavy Formvar wire produce crisp highs and defined midrange that cut through a live mix without sacrificing warmth. This is a straightforward, no-compromise upgrade for gigging players seeking authentic vintage-voiced tone with consistent performance night after night.
Tone & Character
These pickups combine staggered magnet patterning with a slightly overwound bridge configuration to balance output across all three positions. The middle pickup features RWRP (reverse wind reverse polarity) construction, eliminating hum when blending neck or bridge with middle—essential for quiet, usable in-between tones on a Strat during live performance.
Construction & Reliability
Built with heavy Formvar magnet wire wound over hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets, these pickups are engineered for durability and sonic consistency under road conditions. The set includes a waxed cloth hookup cable and vintage-style keyed bottom plate for straightforward installation into standard Stratocaster instruments.
Key Features
- Model 11208-01 SSL-1 California '50s single-coil set
- Set of 3 pickups: neck, middle (RWRP), and bridge
- Hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets
- Heavy Formvar magnet wire construction
- Staggered magnet pattern for consistent response
- Slightly overwound bridge pickup for balanced output
- Black finish with replaceable white caps
- Reverse wind reverse polarity middle pickup eliminates 60-cycle hum
- Compatible with standard Stratocaster guitar routing
- Includes waxed cloth hookup cable
- Includes vintage-style keyed bottom plate
- Dimensions: 6.10 x 4.40 x 1.50 in
These pickups deliver the sonic foundation of a properly voiced Stratocaster—clear, responsive, and capable of everything from clean sparkle to driven aggression in any venue.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan SSL-1 California '50s set delivers authentic vintage Stratocaster tone with hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets and heavy Formvar wire, producing crisp highs and defined midrange that cut through a live mix without losing warmth. The reverse-wound middle pickup eliminates 60-cycle hum in in-between positions, giving you usable, quiet tones on stage or in the studio. Built for durability and drop-in compatibility with standard Strats, this is a straightforward upgrade for intermediate to professional players chasing classic single-coil character with modern reliability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the set?
The set includes three pickups (neck, middle with RWRP construction, and bridge), a waxed cloth hookup cable, and a vintage-style keyed bottom plate for installation into standard Stratocaster routing.
Will these pickups eliminate hum in the in-between positions?
Yes. The middle pickup uses reverse wind reverse polarity (RWRP) construction, which cancels 60-cycle hum when blending the neck or bridge pickup with the middle position.
What genres are these pickups best suited for?
These pickups excel in rock, blues, country, indie, and studio sessions. They are not designed for metal or djent applications.
How do these compare to other vintage-style Strat pickups?
The SSL-1 California '50s sit alongside comparable options like the Fender Custom Shop 69 and Lollar Imperial sets. They balance authentic vintage tone with modern refinement through hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets, heavy Formvar wire, and a slightly overwound bridge pickup for consistent output across all three positions.
Are these compatible with my Stratocaster?
Yes, these pickups are engineered for drop-in compatibility with standard Stratocaster routing and include a keyed bottom plate and installation cable for straightforward setup.
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