Get to Know Seymour Duncan Pickups: Single Coil Edition

Seymour Duncan pickups are not only popular replacements but also default pickups in many guitars. In the previous post, I covered humbuckers from Seymour Duncan, but this time I’ll focus on single coils and recommend some standout models!

*Check out the previous:
⇒ Get to Know Seymour Duncan Pickups: Humbucker Edition

Before I get it started, this is the BGM for today!

When it comes to Yngwie Malmsteen’s pickups, I personally think of DiMarzio first, but Seymour Duncan also offers his signature model!

Seymour Duncan / SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat

The SSL-1 is a quintessential model that should be introduced first.
This pickup debuted as a reproduction of the original 1950s single coil.
The SSL-1 delivers that bright, bell-like high-end sound often described as ‘chime’ or ‘bell tone’, and it actually sounds like this.While it’s praised for its clean tones, it maintains its character even when distorted, offering the delicate nuances characteristic of single coils.
It lacks significant power and has a thin midrange, so your desired tones may change later, but this is a must-try for those seeking vintage single coil sound!

Seymour Duncan / SSL-2 Vintage Flat Strat

Compared to the SSL-1, this SSL-2 features flat pole pieces, making it compatible with guitars that have flat fingerboards. The flat pole pieces provide balanced string response and a tighter low end when distorted, making it a user-friendly pickup. If the SSL-1 seems tricky to handle, the SSL-2 might be the better choice.

Seymour Duncan / SSL-5 Custom Staggered Guitar Pickup

Originally named the SSL-1C (custom), this SSL-5 is a modified version of the SSL-1 as you can guess.
By increasing the number of coil turns, the SSL-5 retains the sparkling high end of the SSL-1 while delivering a more powerful sound, making it a versatile pickup. It is reliable for a wide range of tones from clean to distortion and is a personal favorite of mine.

Seymour Duncan / SSL-4 Quarter-Pound Flat

The distinctive look of this pickup might remind many people of him.
Yes, it’s Ritchie Blackmore. He is said to have used the Schecter F500, but he also used the SSL-4, which is now standard in his signature guitars.
You will be satisfied with the distortion with exceptionally high output and punchy sound while retaining single coil nuances! This pickup is not for everyone, but perfect for those seeking high-power single coils or Ritchie Blackmore fans.

Seymour Duncan / Antiquity Strat Texas Hot

As you can see, this is a vintage-inspired pickup.
You may be wondering what the difference is with the SSL-1 that is also inspired by the 1950s.
Over the days and years of the 1950s pickups surviving to today, the magnetic force of the pickup has naturally decreased. The Antiquity Strat Texas Hot aims to replicate the natural degradation of magnetic strength over time, which results in a sound with less magnetic interference on the strings, providing richer sustain and an aged vintage tone.
The relic aesthetic also gives it a well-used look, making it an excellent choice for vintage enthusiasts.

Seymour Duncan / STR-1 Vintage Tele Neck

Seymour Duncan / STL-1 Vintage '54 Tele Bridge

Telecaster users, here’s something for you:
The STR-1 and STL-1!
Modeled after the 1954 sound, these pickups deliver that characteristic snapping attack when picking the string, which Telecaster fans may like! They excel in techniques that require nuanced expression like chicken picking and quarter bending. With their vintage orientation, these pickups have lower output and are best replaced as a set of neck and bridge pickups for optimal performance.

Seymour Duncan / SPH90-1s Phat Cat Set Gold

This set of P-90s, while familiar to many, might seem larger than usual. Mounting dimensions are designed to be the same as those of a humbucker so that a P-90 can be mounted on a common humbucker counter boring.
These pickups were originally part of the custom shop offerings and became regular items due to high demand.
They offer a thick, warm tone with excellent clarity due to single coil and their metal cover achieves less noise compared to the conventional P-90 pickups.
Personally, I recommend this set of pickups for semi-acoustic guitars, although Les Paul is also good!

Seymour Duncan / SHR-1b Hot Rails Strat Bridge Black

I’m going a bit off the track, but here’s the last one, the Hot Rails.
I can hear you saying, “this is a humbucker!” but this one is my personal favorite.
While technically a humbucker, this single coil-sized pickup delivers a powerful, midrange-heavy sound that metal fans will sooner or later love for sure. It’s used by notable musicians like Iron Maiden’s Dave Murray.
The Hot Rails are available for both bridge and neck positions, making them a solid choice for upgrading Stratocaster pickups.

Conclusion

This time, I introduced various Seymour Duncan single coil pickups.
While single coils can be more influenced by the guitar they are installed in compared to humbuckers, don’t give up and keep searching for your ideal sound!