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Thread: Early 70's strat pickups

  1. #1
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    Early 70's strat pickups

    Was there a difference in stratocaster pickups (Neck, middle, bridge) in the early 70's? Specifically 1973? I am looking to put mine back to 100% original, as it had the bridge pickup replace in the late 70's with a Dimarzio.

  2. #2
    Forum Member phantomman's Avatar
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    Re: Early 70's strat pickups

    I'm pretty sure they were all the same back then.
    "When injustice becomes law then rebellion becomes duty."

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    Forum Member Michael Smith's Avatar
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    Re: Early 70's strat pickups

    If you have a digital multimeter, measure the resistance (in Ohms) of the 2 pickups that are original. If they are close in value, try to buy a replacement pickup with the same value. On my 1990's American Strat, all 3 pickups measure right around 6K Ohms.

    Edit: on Fender's website, they show the DC resistance for their various pickups under "specs", but I don't know if you can buy a single pickup there. Someone else may know.
    Last edited by Michael Smith; 06-14-2022 at 04:35 PM. Reason: New info
    "When You're Riding Down the Highway at Night, And You're Feeling that Wild Turkey's Bite" ZZ Top

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    Forum Member phantomman's Avatar
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    Re: Early 70's strat pickups

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Smith View Post
    If you have a digital multimeter, measure the resistance (in Ohms) of the 2 pickups that are original. If they are close in value, try to buy a replacement pickup with the same value. On my 1990's American Strat, all 3 pickups measure right around 6K Ohms.
    +1

    That's how I'd do it.

    Trickier will be finding a used pickup cover featuring the same degree of aging as the two remaining originals.

    You may find something useful on Ebay.
    "When injustice becomes law then rebellion becomes duty."

  5. #5
    Forum Member DanTheBluesMan's Avatar
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    Re: Early 70's strat pickups

    Quote Originally Posted by phantomman View Post
    +1

    That's how I'd do it.

    Trickier will be finding a used pickup cover featuring the same degree of aging as the two remaining originals.

    You may find something useful on Ebay.
    keep the original 2 covers and buy an aged set of 3.
    "Live and learn and flip the burns"

  6. #6
    Forum Member phantomman's Avatar
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    Re: Early 70's strat pickups

    Quote Originally Posted by DanTheBluesMan View Post
    keep the original 2 covers and buy an aged set of 3.
    An eminently logical option.
    "When injustice becomes law then rebellion becomes duty."

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