set of three “Special S” single coil pickups, neck / middle / bridge, flat poles, parchment

Our Special S pickup offers a higher output Strat® pickup with more drive to break up your amp faster and harder. You’ll get more sustain and compression out of your amp as well as fuller midrange and less glassiness overall, with less quack in positions 2 and 4. Enjoy an impressive array of tones with the Special S.

Avg. DC: Neck 6.7K, Middle 7.1K, and Bridge 7.6K

As their names suggest, flat-pole pickups have all of the individual pole pieces set at the same height, whereas with staggered-pole pickups the pole pieces are set at different heights. Staggered-pole pickups were originally created to compensate for heavier string gauges—particulary wound 3rd strings.

If you’re unsure which to choose, we typically recommend flat poles rather than staggered. In most cases, flat-pole pickups will give you better string balance, as well as a little more presence, bass and output.