single coil pickup SSL-5, Custom Staggered model for ST, neck or bridge, white cap
David Gilmour needed a pumped-up sound for his famous Black Strat, so Seymour wound what became the Custom Staggered medium-output Stratocaster pickup. It has been, and continues to be, an honor to work with such a legend. The Custom Staggered is a special overwound single-coil that strikes a great balance between increased output and classic Stratocaster tonal character. It will deliver bigger, fatter chords, and will cut through the mix more clearly than a traditional Strat pickup, all the while maintaining the magic and mojo that make a Strat sound like a Strat. Single notes are bold and loud, and solos truly sing. Use in the bridge position with a pair of Vintage Staggered Strat pickups in the neck and middle for the Gilmour-approved setup. Use a Custom Staggered RW/RP in the middle for noiseless setup in positions 2 and 4.
The bobbins are built with hand-ground Alnico 5 rod magnets, lacquered and wound, and are wax potted for squeal-free performance. We use modern oval Forbon flatwork (non-triangular) which enables this pickup to fit into any guitar that is routed for single coils.