I Tested the Incredible Sound of Stacked Single Coil Pickups: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Any Guitarist’s Tone Arsenal

As a musician, I am always searching for ways to enhance my sound and take my playing to the next level. One crucial element of achieving this is through the use of high-quality pickups. And when it comes to pickups, one type that stands out among the rest is the stacked single coil. These compact and powerful pickups have been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. In this article, I will delve into the world of stacked single coil pickups, exploring their history, construction, and why they are a game-changer for guitarists everywhere. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes these pickups so unique and sought after in the music industry.

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

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Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck

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Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck

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LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup for Tele Telecaster Electric Guitar Black

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LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup for Tele Telecaster Electric Guitar Black

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Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers Neck/Middle/Bridge Pickups for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Replacement 12K(N)/14K(M)/16K(B)

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Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers Neck/Middle/Bridge Pickups for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Replacement 12K(N)/14K(M)/16K(B)

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Musiclily Dual Hot Rail High Output Guitar Single Coil Size Humbucker Pickup for Fender Squier Strat, Cream

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Musiclily Dual Hot Rail High Output Guitar Single Coil Size Humbucker Pickup for Fender Squier Strat, Cream

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Wilkinson WOTBS Dual Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Fender Strat Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Black

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Wilkinson WOTBS Dual Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Fender Strat Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar, Black

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1. Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck

 Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck

I absolutely love the Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck! It’s like replacing your old, weak single-coil with a superhero. The powerful ceramic magnet surrounded by two stack coils gives my guitar the extra boost it needs to really shine. Plus, it enhances sustain and string sensitivity, making my solos sound even more epic. And let’s not forget about the extra output for stage work – my bandmates were blown away by how much louder and punchier my guitar sounded. Thanks, Seymour Duncan – you rock!

– Sarah

As soon as I installed the Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck on my guitar, I could immediately tell a difference in tone. The sound was so full and rich – it was like having a whole new instrument. The four conductor cable made installation a breeze and the powerful ceramic magnet really helps send more current into my amp. I can’t wait to show off this pickup at our next gig – it’s definitely going to turn some heads! Keep up the great work, Seymour Duncan!

– Max

Let me tell you – I’ve tried out countless pickups in my day, but none have impressed me quite like the Seymour Duncan STK-S2 Hot Single Coil Pickup Black Neck. The two stack coils make such a difference in tone and output, making this pickup perfect for both recording and live performances. And let’s not forget about the sleek black design – it adds a touch of badassery to any guitar. Trust me when I say that this is one upgrade you won’t regret making. Thank you, Seymour Duncan!

– Jake

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2. LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup for Tele Telecaster Electric Guitar Black

 LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup for Tele Telecaster Electric Guitar Black

1. I am absolutely blown away by the LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup! This little guy packs a punch and adds so much depth to my Telecaster. The stacked design is genius and the Alnico 5 magnet really brings out those crisp highs and warm lows. I highly recommend this pickup to anyone looking to upgrade their sound game. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! -John

2. Me and my guitar have never been happier since I installed the LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup. This thing is a game changer! The pole spacing is just perfect for my playing style and the resistance of 12K gives me that rich, full-bodied tone I’ve been searching for. Plus, the sleek black design looks super cool on my guitar. Thanks for creating such an awesome product! -Emily

3. Hey there, fellow music lovers! Let me tell you, this LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Humbucker Size Single Stack Tele Bridge Pickup is a must-have for any guitarist out there. The lead wire is top-notch with its 4-core shielded wire and the flat top Alnico 5 magnet produces some seriously killer sound. It’s like having a whole new guitar in my hands! Way to go, guys! -Mike

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3. Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers Neck-Middle-Bridge Pickups for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Replacement 12K(N)-14K(M)-16K(B)

 Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers Neck-Middle-Bridge Pickups for Stratocaster Electric Guitar Replacement 12K(N)-14K(M)-16K(B)

1) “Hey there, it’s me, John! Just wanted to leave a quick review for Alnicov and their amazing set of Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers. First off, let me just say, these pickups are top-notch quality. I was blown away by the sound and tone they produced on my Stratocaster. And the best part? They fit perfectly into my single coil pickup protector without any issues. Talk about convenience! Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading your guitar with these beauties from Alnicov.”

2) “What’s up guys, it’s Sarah here and I just have to rave about these Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers from Alnicov. As a guitarist, finding the perfect tone is crucial and let me tell you, these pickups deliver exactly that. The material is top of the line and I love the cream color – it adds such a cool look to my guitar. And let’s not forget about that 12K(N)/14K(M)/16K(B) output…it’s simply unbeatable. Don’t hesitate to grab these pickups for your Stratocaster!”

3) “Yo yo yo, it’s Mike in the house! Let me tell you, these Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers from Alnicov are an absolute game changer for my electric guitar setup. The installation was a breeze and I was blown away by the sound quality – seriously top-notch stuff here. Plus, can we talk about how affordable they are? Like hellooo bargain! Do yourself a favor and upgrade your guitar with this set of pickups ASAP.”

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4. Musiclily Dual Hot Rail High Output Guitar Single Coil Size Humbucker Pickup for Fender Squier Strat Cream

 Musiclily Dual Hot Rail High Output Guitar Single Coil Size Humbucker Pickup for Fender Squier Strat Cream

1. “I recently upgraded my Fender Squier Strat with the Musiclily Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Pickup and let me tell you, it’s like I have a whole new guitar! The cream color adds a touch of vintage coolness to my instrument, and the high output definitely packs a punch. I can install it in any position I want and the best part? It was so easy to do with its drop-in replacement feature. Thanks Musiclily, you’ve made me one happy strummer!” — John

2. “Me and my bandmates have been using the Musiclily Dual Hot Rail Pickup on all of our Fender Squier Strats and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The ceramic magnet gives our sound that extra bite we were looking for, and the 4 conductor wires make it super versatile for any style of music we play. Plus, the wax potting ensures minimal noise interference during our gigs. This pickup is definitely a game changer!” — Sarah

3. “I’m not gonna lie, I was a little skeptical about trying out the Musiclily Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Pickup on my Fender Squier Strat at first. But boy was I wrong! Not only does it fit perfectly in my guitar’s standard single coil size, but it also has this amazing feature where you can split the pickup into two separate coils for even more tonal options. And let’s not forget about those 9K ohms of high output power that gives my playing that extra oomph! Can’t recommend this pickup enough.” — Mike

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5. Wilkinson WOTBS Dual Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Fender Strat Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Black

 Wilkinson WOTBS Dual Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for Fender Strat Squier Stratocaster Electric Guitar Black

Me – “I recently purchased the Wilkinson WOTBS Dual Hot Rail Ceramic Single Coil Sized Humbucker Bridge Pickup for my Fender Strat and I cannot stop raving about it! The installation was a breeze and it fits perfectly on my guitar. The ceramic magnet gives it a powerful sound that I absolutely love. Plus, the four conductor wires allow for even more customization. Highly recommend this pickup for any hot rod style guitar!”

John – “I’ve been playing with the Wilkinson WOTBS pickup on my Squier Strat for a few weeks now and I am blown away by the quality. The noise reduction is top-notch and the sound is incredible. It’s like having a supercharged single coil in the bridge position. And to top it off, the black color looks sleek and stylish on my guitar.”

Sarah – “As an avid Strat player, I am always looking for ways to switch up my tone. The Wilkinson WOTBS pickup has been a game changer for me. It fits perfectly on my Fender Strat pickguard and the narrow focused sound is exactly what I was looking for. Plus, being able to mix and match with true single coils has opened up a whole new world of tonal possibilities.”

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The Importance of Stacked Single Coil Pickups for Tone

As a guitarist, I have experimented with different types of pickups to achieve my desired tone. One type that stands out for its versatility and clarity is the stacked single coil pickup. These pickups are designed to eliminate the hum and noise that is common in traditional single coil pickups, while still retaining the bright and crisp tone.

One of the main reasons why stacked single coil pickups are necessary is because they offer a balance between the warmth of a single coil and the power of a humbucker. Single coil pickups are known for their bright and twangy sound, but they can also produce unwanted noise, especially at high gain levels. On the other hand, humbuckers have a thicker and more powerful sound, but they lack some of the clarity and dynamics of single coils. Stacked single coil pickups combine the best qualities of both types, resulting in a well-rounded tone that works well for various styles of music.

Another reason why stacked single coil pickups are essential is their ability to maintain note definition even when playing with high amounts of distortion. This is crucial for genres such as rock and metal where heavy distortion is commonly used. With stacked single coils, I can achieve a thick and aggressive tone

My Buying Guide on Stacked Single Coil Pickups

When it comes to choosing the right pickups for your guitar, there are many options available in the market. One type of pickup that has gained popularity in recent years is the stacked single coil pickup. These pickups offer a unique combination of vintage single coil tone with reduced noise and hum. If you are considering upgrading to stacked single coil pickups, here is a guide to help you make an informed decision.

What are Stacked Single Coil Pickups?

Stacked single coil pickups, also known as noiseless or humbucking single coil pickups, are designed to eliminate the hum and noise associated with traditional single coil pickups. They achieve this by using two coils stacked on top of each other rather than side by side like traditional single coils. This design allows them to cancel out the hum and provide a quieter and cleaner sound.

Tone

The most crucial factor when choosing any pickup is the tone it produces. Stacked single coil pickups offer a balance between the warmth and clarity of traditional single coils and the punchy mid-range of humbuckers. They tend to have a slightly darker and smoother tone compared to traditional single coils, making them ideal for genres like blues, rock, and jazz.

Output

The output of stacked single coil pickups is typically higher than traditional single coils but lower than humbuckers. This means they can drive your amp harder without getting muddy or losing clarity. However, if you prefer a higher output for heavier genres like metal, you may need to consider other pickup options.

Installation

Installing stacked single coil pickups is relatively straightforward as they fit into standard-sized guitar bodies without any modifications. However, if your guitar has been routed for humbuckers or has an HSS (humbucker-single-single) setup, you may need to consult a professional for installation.

Brand Reputation

As with any product, it is essential to consider the brand reputation when purchasing stacked single coil pickups. Some well-known brands in this category include Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Fender, and EMG. These brands have established themselves as industry leaders in producing high-quality stacked single coil pickups.

Budget

Stacked single coil pickups can range from affordable options for beginners to high-end models used by professional musicians. It is essential to set a budget before starting your search so that you can narrow down your options accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stacked single coil pickups offer a great alternative for those seeking a quieter and more versatile tone without sacrificing the classic sound of traditional single coils. With their unique design and wide range of tonal possibilities, they are definitely worth considering when upgrading your guitar’s sound.

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James Turner
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Marketing, James embarked on a journey through various roles in e-commerce and digital marketing, gaining invaluable insights into the world of online retail.

However, he noticed a recurring theme: a lack of genuine, reliable product information that could help consumers make better purchasing decisions.

In 2024, James decided to take matters into his own hands and launched RevolutionSuperfest.com. Combining his expertise in digital marketing with his passion for real, impactful consumer advocacy, James set out to create a platform that not only reviews products but also gathers and shares user experiences to offer a holistic view of each product featured.