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 sits naturally in a mix without demanding attention. 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 expected in traditional and hybrid recording contexts. The staggered magnet design compensates for string-to-string output variation, ensuring even response whether tracking single notes or full chord voicings.
Recording Tone & Session Response
The 9 kHz resonant peak anchors the midrange with presence and definition, cutting through dense mixes while remaining controllable in the mix. The EQ curve of 5/4/7 (Bass/Mid/Treble) leans toward articulation without sacrificing warmth, making this pickup equally capable of clean, textured tones and driven textures. At 6.4 kΩ DC resistance, this pickup sits the middle ground between vintage and modern output—hot enough for overdrive and distortion tracking, yet transparent enough to preserve clean dynamics, sustain, and the nuance captured during recording.
Construction & Studio Reliability
Waxed and tinned cloth hookup wires ensure reliable connections and durability through extended sessions, 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, delivering consistent capture from instrument to interface.
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 work equally well across vintage-voiced rigs and contemporary production setups, making it a versatile choice for multi-project studios.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan APS-1 Alnico II Pro brings balanced, articulate midrange presence to recording sessions, with a 9 kHz resonant peak that anchors definition while maintaining warm, even response across all strings. Its heavy Formvar wire and staggered magnet design ensure clarity during tracking and overdubbing, sitting naturally in mixes without excessive coloration. Versatile enough for blues, rock, country, and indie productions, this pickup works equally well in vintage-voiced or contemporary recording chains.
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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