A typical vintage-style Stratocaster pickup, particularly those from the 1950s and early 1960s, has approximately 8,000 turns of wire.
Understanding Pickup Winding
The term "winds" refers to the number of times a thin, insulated copper wire is wrapped around the magnets and bobbin of a guitar pickup, forming its coil. This coil is the heart of the pickup, generating a small electrical current when the guitar strings vibrate within its magnetic field. The properties of this winding, including the number of turns, wire gauge, and tension, significantly influence the pickup's overall sound, output level, and frequency response.
Vintage Stratocaster Pickup Specifications
Early Stratocaster pickups, characteristic of the '50s and early '60s, were known for their clear, bright, and articulate tone. These pickups were wound clockwise (when viewed from the top of the pickup) with roughly 8,000 turns of fine enamel-coated wire. This specific winding count, combined with the type of magnets used, contributed to the iconic sound associated with classic Stratocasters.
How Winding Affects Tone and Output
The number of turns in a pickup's coil is a primary determinant of its electrical resistance (measured in Ohms) and, consequently, its tonal characteristics and output level.
- Higher Number of Winds:
- Increased Output: More wire means a stronger electrical signal, resulting in a louder output.
- Warmer, Fatter Tone: A higher winding count often leads to a boost in the midrange frequencies and a slight reduction in high-end clarity, giving the pickup a "fatter" or "warmer" sound.
- Higher DC Resistance: More wire means higher electrical resistance.
- Lower Number of Winds:
- Lower Output: Less wire results in a weaker signal.
- Brighter, Clearer Tone: Fewer turns typically yield a more pronounced treble response and greater clarity, ideal for sparkling clean tones.
- Lower DC Resistance: Less wire means lower electrical resistance.
For a deeper dive into how winding and DC resistance shape pickup tone, you can explore resources like Seymour Duncan's guide on the topic.
Variations in Modern Strat Pickups
While approximately 8,000 turns characterize vintage Strat pickups, modern and custom-wound Stratocaster pickups can vary significantly to achieve different tonal goals. Pickup manufacturers and custom builders often modify the winding count to produce pickups that are:
- Underwound: With fewer turns than vintage specifications, designed for extreme clarity and low output.
- Overwound: With more turns, aiming for higher output, a thicker tone, and often a higher resistance to break up an amplifier more easily.
The table below illustrates common winding ranges for various Stratocaster pickup types:
| Pickup Type | Approximate Winding Range | Typical DC Resistance (Ohms) | Primary Tone Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage-Spec Strat | 7,500 – 8,500 turns | 5.8k – 6.5k | Bright, articulate, classic Strat chime |
| Underwound Strat | 6,000 – 7,500 turns | 4.5k – 5.7k | Exceptionally clear, lower output, dynamic |
| Overwound Strat | 8,500 – 11,000+ turns | 7.0k – 12k+ | Fatter, warmer, higher output, less bright |
The Role of Winding Direction and Polarity
Beyond the number of winds, the direction of winding (e.g., clockwise) and the magnetic polarity of the pickup are crucial for how multiple pickups interact. In a Stratocaster with three single-coil pickups, the middle pickup is often reverse-wound/reverse-polarity (RWRP) relative to the neck and bridge pickups. This configuration allows for hum-canceling when two pickups are selected together (e.g., neck and middle, or middle and bridge), reducing unwanted noise while maintaining the single-coil character.
