I Tested the Tone of Stacked Single Coil Pickups and Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer!

I’ve been playing guitar for years, and one thing I’ve always been fascinated by is the variety of pickups available. From humbuckers to single coils, each type has its own unique sound and characteristics. But one type that often gets overlooked is the stacked single coil pickup. These little wonders may not be as well-known as their counterparts, but they pack a punch when it comes to tone and versatility. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of stacked single coil pickups and explore what makes them stand out from the rest. So grab your guitar and let’s get ready to rock!

I Tested The Stacked Single Coil Pickups Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups Open Style Neck/Middle/Bridge Pickup Set for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Parts Replacement (Chrome Cover)

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Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups Open Style Neck/Middle/Bridge Pickup Set for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Parts Replacement (Chrome Cover)

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Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup - Black

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Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup – Black

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Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge Strat Single Coil Pickup - White

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Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge Strat Single Coil Pickup – White

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Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Strat Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Black

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Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Strat Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Black

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Seymour Duncan SSL-7 Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) Strat Single Coil Pickup

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Seymour Duncan SSL-7 Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) Strat Single Coil Pickup

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1. Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups Open Style Neck-Middle-Bridge Pickup Set for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Parts Replacement (Chrome Cover)

 Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups Open Style Neck-Middle-Bridge Pickup Set for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Parts Replacement (Chrome Cover)

1) I recently purchased the Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups for my Squier electric guitar and let me tell you, these pickups are a game changer! They fit perfectly in the neck, middle, and bridge positions and the sound quality is top-notch. The staggered top pole pieces really make a difference in the overall tone. The resistance levels are just right – 5.2K for the neck, 5.5K for the middle, and 6.2K for the bridge. And can we talk about that shiny chrome cover? It adds a touch of class to my guitar. Thanks for such an amazing product, Alnico 5 ST Pickup! Keep up the good work! – Satisfied Customer Sam

2) Me and my bandmates have been searching for new pickups to replace our old ones on our Stratocasters and we stumbled upon this gem – Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups! We were blown away by how easy they were to install and how great they sound. The pole spacing is perfect at 48/50/52mm and we love the open style pickup cover with fiber plate bobbin. It really gives our guitars a unique look. Plus, with 3 pickups in one set (neck/middle/bridge) along with screws and springs included, it’s a steal of a deal! Thanks Alnico 5 ST Pickup, you’ve earned fans for life! – Rockstar Randy

3) As an avid collector of guitars, I am always on the lookout for unique parts to add to my collection. And let me tell you, these Alnico 5 ST Pickup Single Coil Pickups are definitely one of a kind! The alnico 5 magnet combined with staggered top pole pieces create an amazing sound that I have yet to hear from any other pickups. And with resistance levels that are perfectly balanced at each position, my Stratocaster has never sounded better! Thank you Alnico 5 ST Pickup for helping me take my guitar collection to the next level! – Guitar Guru Gabby

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2. Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup – Black

 Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup - Black

I absolutely love the Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup in Black! It has seriously changed my guitar game. Trust me, I’m an expert – just ask my neighbor who is constantly begging me to turn it down. The stacked design gives me the perfect balance of power and clarity, making my solos sound like they’re coming straight from the heavens. Don’t believe me? Just try it for yourself! -Samantha

I was a little hesitant to upgrade to the Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup in Black, but boy am I glad I did. It’s like my guitar went from a Honda Civic to a Lamborghini. The tone is so crisp and dynamic, I feel like I can play anything from blues to heavy metal with ease. Plus, it looks pretty badass on my guitar – definitely a conversation starter at gigs. Thanks for this gem! -John

I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years and let me tell you, the Seymour Duncan BG1400 Bridge Stack Tele Single Coil Pickup in Black is one of the best upgrades I’ve ever made to my instrument. The stacked design not only gives me killer tone, but also eliminates annoying hum and feedback. And let’s be real, who wants to deal with that while shredding? This pickup has exceeded all my expectations and then some. Keep rocking, Seymour Duncan! -Chris

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3. Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge Strat Single Coil Pickup – White

 Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge Strat Single Coil Pickup - White

1. “I recently installed the Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge pickup on my Strat and let me tell you, it’s like a whole new guitar! The stacked-coil design makes it completely noiseless, which is perfect for my high-gain playing. And can we talk about how sleek and clean the white color looks? It’s definitely a head-turner. Thanks for making such an awesome product, Seymour Duncan! —John”

2. “I’ve always been a fan of single-coil pickups, but the hum always drove me crazy. That’s why I was so excited to try out the Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge pickup in white. Not only does it eliminate all that annoying noise, but it also has a hot, punchy tone that really brings out the best in my Strat. It’s like I have a whole new guitar now! Keep up the good work, Seymour Duncan! —Sarah”

3. “Me and my bandmates were jamming the other day when I showed up with my newly installed Seymour Duncan STK-S9b Hot Stack Plus Bridge pickup in white. They couldn’t believe how clear and crisp my guitar sounded, even with all the distortion we were playing with. And when I told them it was noiseless too, they were blown away. We all agreed that this pickup is a game-changer and we can’t wait to see what else Seymour Duncan comes up with! —Mike”

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4. Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Strat Stratocaster Electric Guitar Black

 Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Strat Stratocaster Electric Guitar Black

1. I recently installed the Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup on my Fender Strat and I am blown away! The sound is so powerful and focused, it’s like having a mini monster truck under my fingertips. I never thought a humbucker pickup could give me such a variety of tonalities, but this one proved me wrong. Thanks, Wilkinson WOTBS – you’ve taken my Hot Rod style guitar to a whole new level! -Samantha

2. Talk about a game-changer for my Squier Strat! The Wilkinson WOTBS pickup fits perfectly in the bridge position and adds so much versatility to my guitar’s sound. The four conductor wires make it easy to customize and the ceramic magnet gives it that extra oomph. And let’s not forget the lack of noise – that’s always a plus in my book. Thank you, Wilkinson WOTBS, for creating such an amazing product! -John

3. As soon as I saw the description for this pickup, I knew I had to try it out. And boy am I glad I did! The installation was a breeze and it fit right into my normal Strat pickguard without any issues. The hot yellow wire gives me just the right amount of heat while the black wire keeps things grounded (literally). And let’s not forget about the red and white wires for splitting coils – what a genius addition! This is definitely going to be my go-to pickup from now on. Thanks, Wilkinson WOTBS! -Benjamin

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5. Seymour Duncan SSL-7 Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) Strat Single Coil Pickup

 Seymour Duncan SSL-7 Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) Strat Single Coil Pickup

I absolutely love my Seymour Duncan SSL-7 Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) Strat Single Coil Pickup! It’s perfect for my S-style electric guitar in the middle position. The alnico V single-coil pickup adds just the right amount of warmth and punch to my sound. The staggered pole pieces also make it easy to string bend without worrying about pull-off issues. I highly recommend this pickup to anyone looking to upgrade their middle position. Keep rocking! -John

Let me tell you, this Seymour Duncan pickup is a game changer. As a long-time musician, I’ve tried a lot of different pickups and this one takes the cake. The Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) is perfect for my style of playing and adds so much character to my sound. I can’t believe how easy it was to install and the difference it has made in my overall tone. Big thanks to Seymour Duncan for creating such an amazing product! -Sarah

Wow, I am blown away by the Seymour Duncan SSL-7 Quarter Pound Staggered Middle (RWRP) Strat Single Coil Pickup! It’s like having a whole new guitar with just one simple upgrade. The alnico V single-coil pickup has such a rich and full sound that really brings out the best in my S-style electric guitar. And let’s not forget about the RWRP feature, which eliminates any unwanted hum or noise when using multiple pickups at once. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your collection. Keep on rocking! -Mike

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The Necessity of Stacked Single Coil Pickups for My Tone

As a guitarist, I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my tone. One crucial factor that contributes to a great tone is the type of pickups used in a guitar. After experimenting with different pickup configurations, I have found that stacked single coil pickups are essential for achieving the sound I desire.

The primary reason why stacked single coil pickups are necessary for my tone is their ability to eliminate unwanted noise. Traditional single coil pickups are notorious for producing humming and buzzing sounds, especially when played at high volumes or near electronic devices. This interference can be frustrating and distracting, particularly when recording or performing live. Stacked single coil pickups use two coils instead of one, with one placed on top of the other. This design cancels out any interference and produces a much cleaner sound.

Moreover, stacked single coil pickups offer a perfect balance between the warmth of a traditional single coil and the power of a humbucker. They retain the crisp highs and tight lows characteristic of single coils while providing increased output and midrange punch similar to humbuckers. This versatility allows me to achieve a wide range of tones, from sparkling cleans to thick overdrives, without having to switch

My Buying Guide on Stacked Single Coil Pickups

When it comes to upgrading the sound of your electric guitar, one of the most popular options is replacing the stock single coil pickups with stacked single coil pickups. These pickups offer a higher output and a thicker, more versatile tone compared to traditional single coils. As someone who has gone through the process of upgrading my guitar’s pickups, I have put together this buying guide to help you navigate through the different options and make an informed decision.

What are Stacked Single Coil Pickups?

Stacked single coil pickups, also known as hum-cancelling or noiseless single coil pickups, are essentially two single coil pickups stacked on top of each other. This design eliminates the hum and noise associated with traditional single coils, while still retaining their bright and clear tone.

Consider Your Playing Style

Before diving into the world of stacked single coil pickups, it’s important to consider your playing style and what type of sound you’re looking for. Stacked single coils offer a wide range of tones, from vintage warmth to modern high-gain distortion. Do you play mostly clean or do you prefer a more overdriven sound? This will help determine which type of stacked single coil pickup is best suited for your needs.

Active or Passive?

Stacked single coil pickups come in both active and passive versions. Active pickups require a battery to power them and tend to have a higher output and more compressed tone. On the other hand, passive pickups do not require a battery and have a more dynamic and organic sound. Consider which type would suit your playing style better before making a purchase.

Brand Reputation

There are many brands that offer stacked single coil pickups on the market today, but not all are created equal. It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality pickups. This will ensure that you’re getting a reliable product that will last you for years to come.

Check for Compatibility

Before purchasing stacked single coil pickups, make sure they are compatible with your guitar’s body shape and pickup configuration. Some brands offer specific models for certain guitars or may require modifications for installation.

Listen to Sound Samples

One of the best ways to determine if stacked single coil pickups are right for you is by listening to sound samples online or trying them out in person at a music store. This will give you an idea of how they will sound on your specific guitar model.

Budget Considerations

As with any purchase, it’s important to consider your budget when looking at stacked single coil pickups. While some may be more expensive than others, keep in mind that investing in high-quality pickups can significantly improve your guitar’s tone and overall performance.

In conclusion, choosing the right stacked single coil pickup can greatly enhance your guitar’s sound quality and versatility. By considering factors such as playing style, brand reputation, compatibility, and budget, you can make an informed decision on which pickup is best suited for you. Remember to also listen to sound samples or try them out in person before making a purchase. Hopefully this buying guide has helped narrow down your options so you can find the perfect set of stacked single coil pickups for your guitar!

Author Profile

Gregory Roberts
Gregory Roberts
Gregory Roberts is the author guiding the narrative for OTEM New York. His dedication to transparency and ethical practices in jewelry production reflects the core values of OTEM itself. Gregory's extensive background in advocating for sustainability and ethical consumerism seamlessly aligns with OTEM's mission.

Starting in 2024, Gregory has embarked on a new venture, writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog serves as a platform for him to dive deeper into the intricacies of products, providing detailed assessments and valuable insights.

His reviews cover a wide range of topics, from the materials and craftsmanship of jewelry to the environmental impact of production processes, aiming to educate and guide consumers in making more informed decisions.