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I'm thinking about putting in new Pickups on my Fender Standard Strat (Ash) / Maple Fretboard

It currently has Fender Vintage Noiseless p/ups. They aren't bad but I would like to try something new.

Fender are using the Fat 50's as the new USA Standard Strat pickups (from 2012) and they are well rated on reviews, etc.

Are there any players out there that can comment on these P/ups?

They have been described as Glassy/ but with a "little" more punch (especially in the middle p/up).

Im looking for the Traditional Fender 50's sound but with more midrange spark, something that cuts a little better in the mix. But should still be able to have that Glassy
Edge - Streetshavenoname Tone

Based on reviews and things I have read online, I have decided on 3 potential pickups to use as a replacement. But any other suggestions would be cool


Fender Custom Shop - Fat 50's
Lindy Fralin - Dirty Blondes
Kinman Traditional MK2
    The Fat 50's are great pickups - especially in an ash/maple Strat. One of the times Fender got it just right.

    I've never tried a set of Dirty Blondes - that's the set Lollar (not Fralin, BTW) make for Nash guitars , Blonde in neck & middle and Special in the bridge. The Special I don't know (supposed to be hotter, fatter and smoother, presumably good for bridge pickup drive). The Blondes I do, but find them to be a bit too mid scooped for ash/maple - too much of a good thing (especially on top of a BF/Silverface Fender amp). I think you'd be better suited with Lollar's Blackface pups.

    For noiseless I'd push you to the Kinman Blues - same kind of output as the Traditionals, but with a slightly warmer, smoother tone well suited to Ash/Maple. More character and dynamics than the Vintage Noiseless. My #1 set of noiseless single-coils.
      Thanks, that helps

      No wonder I couldn't find the Dirty Blondes' on the Fralin pickups Site.

      I see Fralin have a Blues special set.



      I guess I have to decide if I want to go noiseless or not.

      If I go noiseless, The Kinman Blues could be a good choice.
      If not, Im keen on the Fat 50s.

        Noiseless is a very good idea for hot pups and drive imho. Happy with my Kinman bridge, works better than real single coil as far as I am concerned.
          Andrew J Bryson wrote: I see Fralin have a Blues special set.
          Very dark, very hot. The bridge pup is nice with a steel plate under it - a real s**tkicker, but middle and neck are too dark and smooth for my taste and lacking in 'tween quack. I'd rather have Kinman Woodstocks for a hot Strat.
            YOu should take a serious look at Bare Knuckle pickups from the U.K.

            Just fitted a set of these to a tele and got blown away.
              Plus 1 on bareknuckle.

              I have an Irish tour single and it's outrageous
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