Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity II Strat Surfer Pickup Set
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- Brand new in original box
- Full Seymour Duncan manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
In stock
- SKU
- 11028-08-RSPD
Description
Seymour Duncan Retro Antiquity II Strat Surfer Pickup Set
The Retro Antiquity II Strat Surfer set captures authentic vintage single-coil character with modern refinement, delivering the warm, articulate voice of classic 1960s surf and rock recordings. These pickups balance crisp treble and woody midrange with controlled output, making them essential for tracking sessions that demand period-correct tone without sacrificing clarity or punch in the mix.
Tone & Vintage Character
Wound with Alnico V magnets and finished with lacquered and wax potting for authentic vintage resonance, this set excels at tracking glassy highs and smooth lows that sit naturally in a mix. The bridge pickup is wound 50% hotter with degaussed Alnico 5 magnets for enhanced midrange presence that cuts through dense arrangements, 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 recording sessions.
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 and consistent studio performance. DC resistance measurements—6.50k neck, 6.50k middle, and 9.80k bridge—ensure balanced response across the tonal spectrum and seamless integration with vintage-style preamps and recording chains.
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 recordings and translates seamlessly to modern production workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|
Reviews
At a Glance
These hand-wound Alnico V single coils capture the warm, articulate voice of classic 1960s recordings with glassy highs and controlled output that sit naturally in a mix without excess noise or harshness. The RW/RP middle pickup eliminates hum without coloring tone, and the hotter bridge pickup adds midrange presence for balanced tracking across all positions. Perfect for producers and engineers recording vintage-informed rock, surf, and blues tones with authentic period character.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Surf Rock
- ✓ Classic Rock
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Indie
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
- – Hard Rock
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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