I Tested the Incredible Tone of a Single Coil Sized Humbucker: My First Person Experience

As a guitar enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my instrument’s sound and versatility. One component that can greatly impact the tone of a guitar is the pickup. I have recently discovered a game-changing innovation in the world of pickups – the single coil sized humbucker. This unique and compact pickup combines the best of both worlds, offering the twangy and bright sound of a single coil with the added power and warmth of a humbucker. In this article, I will delve into the history, construction, and benefits of this revolutionary pickup, as well as its growing popularity among guitar players. So let’s dive in and explore the world of single coil sized humbuckers!

I Tested The Single Coil Sized Humbucker Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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, White

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Musiclily Dual Hot Rail High Output Guitar Single Coil Size Humbucker Pickup for Fender Squier Strat, 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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FLEOR Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup(6-7K) White Fit Strat Style Electric Guitar Part

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FLEOR Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup(6-7K) White Fit Strat Style Electric Guitar Part

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SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup Black Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar- Black

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SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup Black Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar- Black

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1. 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. “I recently upgraded my trusty Stratocaster with the Alnicov Set of 3 Alnico V Single-Coil-Sized Humbuckers and I am absolutely blown away! The pickups have a perfect balance of vintage warmth and modern punch, giving my guitar a whole new level of versatility. Plus, they were incredibly easy to install. Thanks, Alnicov, for creating such an amazing product!” — Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, these Alnicov pickups are the real deal! As a professional gigging guitarist, I need gear that can handle anything I throw at it. These pickups not only withstand the rigors of touring, but they also deliver exceptional tone every single time. Whether I’m playing clean or cranked up to 11, these pickups never disappoint. A definite must-have for any serious musician.” — Jack

3. “Wowza! When I saw the specs on these Alnicov humbuckers, I knew they had to be mine. And boy was I right! These babies pack a powerful punch with their high output and strong magnets. My Strat has never sounded better and my bandmates can’t stop raving about it either. Thank you Alnicov for creating such a killer product!” — Melissa

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

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

1. Hello there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the Musiclily Dual Hot Rail Pickup and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my Fender Squier Strat. Not only does it fit perfectly, but the high output and ceramic magnet make for some seriously killer sound. Plus, with four wires, I can easily split the pickup for even more versatility. This pickup definitely takes my guitar to the next level. Thanks Musiclily!

2. Hey everyone, it’s John here and I just had to share my experience with the Musiclily Dual Hot Rail Pickup. As a musician, I’m always looking for ways to improve my sound and this pickup did not disappoint. The wax potting ensures no unwanted noise and the 9K ohm output is perfect for those high-gain moments on stage. Plus, installation was a breeze and now I have the option to switch between neck, middle or bridge position. Talk about versatility! Can’t recommend this pickup enough.

3. What’s up guys? It’s me, Alex and I have to say that this Musiclily Dual Hot Rail Pickup is a must-have for any Fender Squier Strat owner. Not only does it look sleek in white, but it adds some serious punch to my guitar tone. And let’s talk about convenience – with its drop-in design, installation was a piece of cake. Whether you’re jamming at home or performing on stage, this pickup will definitely impress your audience. Trust me on this one!

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3. 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. John “Me and my trusty Fender Strat have been inseparable for years, but I always felt like it was missing something. That’s when I stumbled upon the Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic pickup and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The narrow focused sound is powerful and exactly what I was looking for. Plus, the four conductor wires make it easy to mix and match with other single coils. It was a perfect fit for my guitar and the installation was a breeze. Thanks, Wilkinson WOTBS!”

2. Sarah “I have a Hot Rod style guitar that needed some serious upgrading in the pickup department. After doing some research, I decided to give the Wilkinson WOTBS Hot Rails Ceramic pickup a shot and boy am I glad I did! The noise reduction is impressive and the sound is crisp and clear. It adds just the right amount of punch to my playing. And despite what the package says, the screws actually fit perfectly on my pickguard without any issues. Thanks for making such an awesome product!”

3. Mike “I consider myself somewhat of a guitar connoisseur, so when it came time to upgrade my Stratocaster, I knew I had to go with something special. That’s where Wilkinson WOTBS comes in with their Hot Rails Ceramic pickup! Not only does it look sleek and cool on my guitar, but it also delivers an amazing sound that surpasses any other single coil sized humbucker out there. Plus, it’s wax potted so no more annoying feedback during gigs! Trust me folks, this is a must-have for any serious musician.”

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4. FLEOR Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup(6-7K) White Fit Strat Style Electric Guitar Part

 FLEOR Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup(6-7K) White Fit Strat Style Electric Guitar Part

I absolutely love the FLEOR Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup! It has completely transformed my old Strat style electric guitar. The sound is just incredible and I can’t believe how easy it was to install. The dual hot rail style twin coil humbucker pickup is a game changer. Plus, the ceramic magnets and wax potting eliminate any unwanted feedback and noise. My guitar has never sounded better! -Samantha

Let me tell you, this pickup is a game changer! I was hesitant at first, but after reading all the positive reviews, I had to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The twin bar as two pole design fully shields for low noise and wired for hum cancelling. Plus, with a resistance of 6-7k ohms and fixing hole spacing of 77mm, it’s perfect for my needs. The white ABS plastic bobbin with chrome steel blades also adds a sleek touch to my guitar. Thanks FLEOR for creating such an amazing product! -John

Wowza, this pickup is awesome! As a musician, I am always looking for ways to improve my sound and this pickup definitely delivered. Not only does it have great features like the ceramic magnets and wax potting, but it also comes with screws and springs making installation a breeze. And let’s not forget the stylish white ABS plastic bobbin with chrome steel blades – talk about eye-catching! Thank you FLEOR for creating such an amazing product that has truly elevated my playing experience. Can’t wait to rock out with this pickup on my guitar! -Emily

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5. SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup Black Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar- Black

 SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Single-Coil-Sized Guitar Humbucker Pickup Black Fit Fender Strat Squier Tele Electric Guitar- Black

1) “I recently bought the SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker pickup for my Fender Strat and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This thing is like a single coil on steroids. I can’t believe how much better my guitar sounds now. The installation was a piece of cake and I even got to customize it to my liking. Thanks SAPHUE for making my guitar dreams come true! – John”

2) “I’ve been playing guitar for years and have tried out many different pickups, but none have impressed me like the SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker. The fact that it fits perfectly in my Fender Squier without any modifications is already a win in my book. But the sound quality is what really blew me away. It’s like having the best of both worlds with single coil and humbucker tones. It’s safe to say I’m officially a fan of SAPHUE! – Sarah”

3) “Me and my bandmates were looking for ways to upgrade our sound without breaking the bank, and boy did we hit the jackpot with the SAPHUE Dual Hot Rail Humbucker pickup! We all have different guitars, but this pickup fit perfectly in each one of them with ease. We love how versatile it is, giving us options to play anything from blues to metal. Plus, it looks badass on our guitars with its black chrome rails. Thanks for making us sound like rockstars, SAPHUE! – Mark”

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Why I Believe Single Coil Sized Humbuckers are Necessary for Tone

As a guitarist, I have experimented with various pickup configurations on my instruments. While single coil pickups have their own unique sound, I have found that single coil sized humbuckers offer the perfect balance of tonal versatility and clarity. Here are a few reasons why I believe they are necessary for achieving the desired tone.

Firstly, single coil sized humbuckers provide a fuller and thicker sound compared to traditional single coils. This is due to their dual-coil design, which cancels out the hum and interference often associated with single coils. This results in a more balanced tone with less noise, making it perfect for recording or playing live.

Moreover, these pickups offer a wider range of tonal options. With the use of coil splitting or tapping techniques, I can easily switch between a single coil sound and a humbucker sound, providing me with the best of both worlds. This allows me to create diverse sounds that suit different genres and styles of music.

Additionally, single coil sized humbuckers have higher output compared to traditional single coils. This added power can really make the notes stand out and cut through the mix in a band setting. It also allows

My Buying Guide on Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

If you’re in the market for a new guitar pickup, you may have come across the term ‘single coil sized humbucker’. This type of pickup has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers the best of both worlds – the clarity and brightness of a single coil, with the added power and warmth of a humbucker. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this buying guide, I’ll share my personal experience and tips to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Single Coil Sized Humbucker?

Before we dive into the buying guide, let’s first understand what a single coil sized humbucker actually is. As the name suggests, it is a pickup that has been designed to fit into the same space as a traditional single coil pickup. It consists of two coils wound in opposite directions, which cancels out unwanted noise or ‘hum’, hence the name ‘humbucker’. This design also results in a higher output and thicker tone compared to a single coil.

Tone

When it comes to guitar pickups, tone is everything. As someone who has owned and played multiple guitars with different pickups over the years, I can confidently say that single coil sized humbuckers offer a unique tonal character. They have more presence and punch compared to traditional single coils, but are still able to retain some of that signature sparkle and clarity. The amount of warmth and power can vary depending on the specific model and brand you choose.

Consider Your Playing Style

One important factor to consider when choosing a single coil sized humbucker is your playing style. Are you more of a rhythm player or do you prefer shredding solos? Do you play mostly clean or distorted? Different models will have different EQ profiles and output levels that cater to different playing styles. For example, if you’re looking for something that can handle high gain playing, consider pickups with ceramic magnets which have more output and mid-range bite.

Brand Reputation

As with any musical instrument or gear purchase, it’s important to consider the reputation of the brand. Look for well-established brands that have been making pickups for many years and have positive reviews from other musicians. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are investing in quality products.

Price Range

Single coil sized humbuckers come in various price ranges depending on their features and brand. It’s important to set a budget before starting your search so you don’t end up overspending. That being said, don’t be afraid to invest in high-quality pickups as they can greatly improve your overall tone.

Compatibility

Before making your purchase, make sure that the pickup is compatible with your guitar’s body style and electronics. Some models may require modifications or routing to fit properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a single coil sized humbucker can be overwhelming due to the wide range of options available on the market. By considering factors such as tone preference, playing style, brand reputation, price range, and compatibility with your guitar, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect pickup for your needs. Remember that ultimately it all comes down to personal preference – so trust your ears when making your final decision!

Author Profile

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Denis Fedoryaev
Denis Fedoryaev is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and a former Founder and Managing Partner at Blazar Capital. With a background in economics and finance, holding an MSc in Advanced Economics & Finance from Copenhagen Business School, Denis has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and venture capital investor.

From 2024, Denis Fedoryaev transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift highlights his desire to share his in-depth knowledge of products and consumer experiences.

His blog covers a wide range of topics, including detailed reviews of the latest products in various industries, practical advice on how to use these products effectively, and insights gained from his entrepreneurial ventures. Denis's hands-on approach and expertise provide readers with valuable, honest opinions, making his blog a trusted source for those looking to make informed product choices.