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 captures the articulate, punchy character of classic Stratocaster single-coils with modern reliability. Hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets and heavy Formvar wire produce crisp highs and defined midrange that sit clearly in a mix without sacrificing warmth. This is a straightforward, no-compromise upgrade for recording sessions and live tracking seeking authentic vintage-voiced tone with consistent performance across takes.
Tone & Character
These pickups combine staggered magnet patterning with a slightly overwound bridge configuration to maintain balanced output across all three positions during recording and performance. The middle pickup features RWRP (reverse wind reverse polarity) construction, eliminating hum when blending neck or bridge with middle—critical for clean, usable in-between tones during overdubs and mix-ready tracking on a Strat.
Recording & Studio Use
Built with heavy Formvar magnet wire wound over hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets, these pickups deliver durable, repeatable tone for session work and multi-take recording. The set includes a waxed cloth hookup cable and vintage-style keyed bottom plate for straightforward installation into standard Stratocaster instruments, minimizing studio downtime during setup or replacement.
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 for tracking and mixing—clear, responsive, and capable of capturing everything from pristine clean tones to driven, aggressive textures that translate across playback systems.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SSL-1 California '50s set brings vintage-voiced Stratocaster character into your recordings with hand-ground Alnico 5 magnets and heavy Formvar construction that deliver crisp highs, defined midrange, and articulate punch across all positions. The reverse-wound middle pickup eliminates hum in blended positions, giving you clean, usable in-between tones for layering and overdubbing without noise. This is a versatile, session-ready upgrade for producers and engineers tracking rock, blues, country, and indie—delivering the sonic foundation needed to capture everything from clean sparkle to driven aggression.
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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