Real ’54s
Achieve era-authentic ’50s tone with our Real ’54s. This pickup’s output and magnet structure is the same magnet material Fender™ used in their ‘54 Stratocasters! If you’re looking for a glassy, articulate tone, our Real ’54s will certainly provide that for you. Our Real 54’s are brighter and snappier than our Vintage Hot pickups. If you are looking for the most authentic vintage Strat tone you can get, look no further.
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Capture the sound of the '50s.
Want to learn more about our Real '54s? Here's all the information you'll need:
Real ’54s FEATURES:
Real ’54s are accurate to the original 50’s specifications of Fender Stratocaster pickups. If you’re looking for an authentic ’54 Strat sound, these pickups are for you. Real ’54s are likeVintage Hots in the way we wind them, but we use AlNiCo III magnets instead of AlNiCo V’s. This gives Real ’54s a brighter, more delicate tone. Also, players can get the pickup close to the strings without the pickup pulling strings out of tune. Furthermore, if you have a dark-sounding guitar, these pickups will provide a nice balance and bring your guitar out of the darkness, instantly.
- Vintage 50’s Fender specifications
- Clean, clear, bright, and glassy, with dynamic mids
- Compensated Bridge output for even volume across all pickups
- USA-made Alnico 3 Magnets for optimal tonal balance and output
- RW/RP Middle Pickup for Hum-Cancelling in positions 2 & 4
- Two magnet staggers available for different fingerboard radiuses
- Hand-wound with our “Sectioning” technique for unique, dynamic tone
- Hand-built fiberboard Bobbins for unrivaled quality control
- Backed by our 10-Year Warranty on manufacturing defects
- 6K Neck and Middle, 6.6K Bridge
Sound
Do you have a dark-sounding guitar, or are you a purist seeking the most authentic ’50s Strat sound on the market? Either way, we have your answer right here. Our Real ’54s feature a glassy top-end clarity reminiscent of the original Fender Strat Pickups. Producing a lot of top-end sparkle, Real ’54s have a lot of clarity, whether you’re playing single notes or chords. From clean to high-gain, you can expect your tone to cut through. This set is also great for you if you use many effects pedals, as the pickup also cuts through.
These pickups offer a transparent tone and won’t color the sound of your guitar too much. We recommend adding a Baseplate to the bridge position for added thickness. Finally, these Vintage Strat Pickups are for you if you’re happy with the tone from your stock pickups. If you’re seeking a sweeter-sounding, less-aggressive, and more dynamic tone than what you already have, check out our Real ’54s – you’ll be happy you did.
Are you looking for a Hum Cancelling Strat pickup that actually sounds like a Strat? Check out the Vintage Output of our Split Blade Strat Pickups
It all starts with the love and care we put into our pickups. Our manufacturing process allows us to achieve unparalleled quality control.
Our Real ’54s consist of local fiberboard and USA-Made Alnico 3 Magnets. We wind each pickup by hand, one at a time. We wind each pickup using our proprietary “Sectioning” technique. Winding the pickups this way gives each pickup a sweet, clear tone. Finally, we wax-pot the pickup to prevent microphonics and preserve the pickup for years to come.
Tech Specs
See below for the estimated DCR and Polarity Information for our Real '54s.
| SPECIFICATION | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Neck Ohm Reading: | 6K |
| Middle Ohm Reading: | 6K |
| Bridge Ohm Reading: | 6.6K |
| Neck & Bridge Polarity: | Clockwise Coil Direction, South To Strings |
| Reverse Middle Polarity: | Counter Clockwise Coil Direction, North To Strings |
| Recommended Pot Value: | 250K |
| Magnet: | USA-Made Alnico 3, Hand-Beveled |
| Recommended Cap Value**: | 0.02mfd |
**We recommend a 0.02mfd Cap Value on most guitar and bass pickups. The exception is a Magic Cap, which Lindy prefers on the Bridge Pickup of Fender® guitars only. Learn More about Caps Here.
Sizing
Real '54s Questions And Answers:
Notice:
Have a question about our Real '54s? Ask it here. Your Question will be publically visible. If you want to ask a Private Question, please contact us through our Contact Us Form.
If you have multiple questions, please call us at (804) 358-2699.
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What is the correct thread size and length for the pickup screws? I have a set of fralin strat pickups that I'm missing the machine screws and springs for, unfortunately...not sure if it's a standard size or if the fralin bobbins are threaded differently...thank you!
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Q What is the correct thread size and length for the pickup screws? I have a set of fralin strat pi...... Read moreThere are no answers for this question yet.
I want to get a set of Strat 54s. Can I get the bridge built with metal baseplate and +10% wind on the bridge?
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Q I want to get a set of Strat 54s. Can I get the bridge built with metal baseplate and +10% wind o...... Read moreA
Hey Philip, we might not be able to accomodate the +10% in the Bridge, as the Bridge's coil wire will fill the bobbin up. We can definitely install a Baseplate, and you can use the "notes" field on the checkout screen to request a higher output Bridge. We'll do what we can.
Can you order these under wound to get a scooped mid sound or is this how they come "stock"? Thanks :)
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Q Can you order these under wound to get a scooped mid sound or is this how they come "stock"? Than...... Read moreA
Hey Scott, thanks for your question. These pickups come "stock" with a scooped midrange. I wouldn't recommend ordering these with a underwind. Instead, I recommend ordering them stock, and if you still need less midrange, you can exchange them within 30 days. - Tyler
Hi, I was wondering how the neck pickup would sound with really high gain, as in Hendrix or 90's alternative, possibly with a lot of effects. The clean and crunch tones seem absolutely perfect for what I need. I play a large variety of music, and couldn't really find any demos with any of these tones. Thanks!
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Q Hi, I was wondering how the neck pickup would sound with really high gain, as in Hendrix or 90's ...... Read moreA
Hey Aadit, the Real '54s sound fantastic with high gain as this pickup has more high frequencies than most of our other Strat line, giving it the ability to cut through in the mix. - Tyler
Is it possible to order this set with the 5% overwind?
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Q Is it possible to order this set with the 5% overwind?A
Hey Shannon, yes you can. Please use the "notes" field on the checkout screen to request it. Keep in mind that overwinding our stock pickup will prevent you from exchanging them.
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Featured Reviews
Reviews we worked hard for, and are proud of.
Real 54’s in a prewired pickguard with baseplate and treble bleed. Very glassy, quacky !!! Awesome work !! I build custom guitars and will be using more of these, Thanks !!
I think these pickups are fantastic. They have that glassy high end, tight bass of a true strat with all the quack. These are quality made, pro pickups. Well worth the money.
Excellent pickups 54’s
Gave new life to my ol’ strat! Love em’!
Great pickups. But – QC needs addressing
Great pickups – the A3 magnets have a lovely clarity & dynamic that my old A5 ’54-style pickups didn’t. However, the bridge pickup arrived with the output wires installed backwards – I had to bodge an extension to the black wire so that it’d reach the switch & wire the ‘hot’ white wire to earth. After troubleshooting with Jon & establishing that it was indeed a manufacturing error, my email voicing frustrations of paying for premium pickups that were manufactured wrong & how that would negatively impact resale value should I ever want to sell them was ignored. 5/5 for pickup sound, less/5 for customer service.
Thanks for this review, Joe. Since this issue, We have created a quality control process that catches these simple problems before they reach the shipping room. Our products are now inspected for quality 3 times before they leave the shop. We apologize for the headache this caused you. If you would like a replacement, please contact me directly and I will replace them free of charge.
Killer classic. This pickup provides the beautiful, open tone of the classic single coil. It mixes well with other pickups for exceptional in-between sounds, which is critical when you need a versatile palette.
Had a strat for a couple days with em…badass! (Didnt like v neck at the time…2012 mij reissue)
Im about to put a middle pick up on my tele (has a unbucker in neck and standard tele in bridge BUT bridgr has alnico 3…so that is why im goin with real 54 in middle!)
My warwick has Jazz basd pickups to made by yall…makes my warwick more vintage sounding
Great work yall!
Lindy’s pickups give me a real lift. Just the way I always wanted—- pro strat sound. The feeling and tone inspire, and you’ll wonder why you suffered with less than these. Done, dotted, end of the search. Truly happy sound. Keep up the goodwork.
Sounds great!
Best decision in a long time – best pickups I’ve ever heard from a Strat ( I have never been a strat fan). These are pricey and I was a little nervous pulling the trigger on these but they are so worth it. I could have spent 10X 20X 50X more chasing tones with pedals and other assorted gear- but these pups through a nice open uncompressed amp is pure sonic bliss. I couldn’t be more pleased.
I have a set of Real 54’s in one of my custom built Strats. It’s been tested against many other Strats and everytime the people hearing the comparison want Lindy Fralin Real 54’s before the shootout is over. I also have a solid brass tone block in the vibrato, but the pickups are the persauders. I bought my Fralins at Blues Angel Music in Pensacola, FL. I also got a set of Fralin Hum Cancelling P-90’s. Once that guitar is complete, I’ll post a review.