Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $257
High-end/Boutique
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set is a sonic time machine, transporting your sound back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll. These pickups are engineered to deliver the unmistakable and influential blues-rock tone of the late '60s, with a striking clarity that cuts through any mix. By combining a unique coil wind with a height-staggered Alnico 5 magnets, this set produces clear, transparent highs and a robust low end, making them the ideal companion for pedal enthusiasts who crave both punch and precision.
Each pickup is crafted to fit seamlessly in the neck, middle, and bridge positions, allowing for a versatile range of sounds that can transform any Stratocaster into a powerhouse of vintage vibes. Whether you're jamming at home, hitting the studio, or performing live, these pickups will ensure your sound remains authentic and vibrant, capturing the spirit of an era that defined modern music.
Key Features:
- Set of 3 Custom '69 Strat pickups
- Height-staggered Alnico 5 magnets for clear highs and thumping lows
- Unique coil wind for enhanced clarity and transparency
- Designed for neck, middle, and bridge positions
- Excellent response with pedals
- Ideal for capturing classic '60s blues-rock tone
Product specs
| Type | Set: Single-coil |
| Active/Passive | Passive |
| Configuration | SSS Set |
| Magnet Material | Alnico V |
| Number of Conductors | 2 wire |
| DC Resistance | 5.6K |
| Connectivity | Soldered |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Covering | Covered |
| Format | Strat-sized |
| Features | Staggered Pole Pieces |
FAQs
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What type of tone can I expect from the Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set?
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The Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set delivers a vintage-style tone reminiscent of the late 1960s, characterized by clear, bell-like highs and a warm, balanced midrange, ideal for achieving classic rock and blues sounds.
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Are the Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickups suitable for Jimi Hendrix-style music?
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Yes, these pickups are designed to capture the iconic sound of the late 1960s, making them well-suited for Jimi Hendrix-style music with their clear highs and warm mids.
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What is the magnet material used in the Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set?
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The pickups feature Alnico V magnets, which contribute to their vintage tonal characteristics and dynamic response.
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Can I install the Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickups in any Stratocaster guitar?
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Yes, these pickups are Strat-sized and can be installed in most Stratocaster-style guitars with a standard single-coil pickup configuration.
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How should I set the height for the Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickups?
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Fender recommends setting vintage-style pickups like these slightly tilted, with 2.4mm between the pole piece and the bass strings, and 2mm for the treble strings, measured while pressing the strings at the last fret.
Videos
Learning Guitar Now
Fender Strat Custom Shop 69 Pickups Review
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent tonal variety from blues to glassy, bell-like tones
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Great vintage Strat sound with a bit more bite
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High-quality build with vintage correct staggered magnets
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Enhances classic rock and blues sound significantly
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Brings out the natural sound of the guitar with lower output
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Pairs exceptionally well with pedals for vibrant effects
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Adds character and clarity, making even budget guitars sound premium
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Ideal for achieving iconic Hendrix and Gilmour tones
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Provides clear bell chime without losing clarity under effects
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Offers a unique Hendrix-like bright tone with reverse angle bridge
CONS
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Lack of reverse wound middle pickup results in increased noise
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Some units reported as defective or used upon arrival
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Installation may require modifications to fit pickguard
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Pickup covers might not fit certain Strat models without adjustment
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Bright tone can be too harsh without tone adjustment
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set.
Features and functionality
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The Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster pickups are noted for their clear bass and balanced high-end, ideal for achieving the David Gilmour tone.
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These pickups maintain a "Stratty" sound, particularly evident when playing Hendrix's "Wind Cries Mary" on the neck pickup.
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The CS69s are described as having a "hollow" tone in the neck pickup, which pairs well with a cranked amp for a classic sound.
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Comparisons
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Owners suggest that the Custom Shop '69s offer a more genuine Gilmour tone compared to Fat 50s, though they may not be ideal for the bridge position due to lower impedance.
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The Fender 57/62 set and Toneriders are mentioned as excellent alternatives for those seeking basic, well-made low output pickups.
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The Lollar "Dirty" Blonde set, featuring a Blonde Neck and Middle with a Lollar "Special" in the bridge, is praised for a sweet, tactile feel compared to the CS69s.
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The Seymour Duncan Antiquity Surf pickups are recommended for those seeking an alternative with a similar vibe.
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The AVII 61 Strat stock pickups are preferred by some over the Custom Shop '69s, indicating a subjective preference in tonal quality.
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Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
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These pickups are praised for their performance with distortion pedals, providing the desired squeal while maintaining clarity.
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With precise height adjustments, the Custom Shop '69s can adapt well to surf music styles.
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The neck pickup is praised for achieving a "woody/glassy" tone, ideal for songs like "The Wind Cries Mary".
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Value and pricing
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Owners note that MIM "Road Worn 60s" Strats have increased in value, now pricing similarly to used elite models.
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User experience
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Some players find the CS69 bridge pickup lacks power, describing it as "super weak" and "ice pickish," prompting them to seek alternatives.
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Owners of the Custom Shop '69s have reported that after upgrading from stock Alnico V pickups, the sound improvement is noticeable and worthwhile.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
132
The BEST Stratocaster pickups made by Fender
These are the lowest output pickups that Fender made -but that's not a bad thing at all!
All 3 pickups are exactly the same output clocking in at 5.8K (DC Resistance) & Inductance at 2.2h.
The lower the output of the pickup the more of the natural sound of the guitar comes through. As you go hotter you gain volume but gradually lose clarity and punch. The way I see it you use you amps for more volume so why not keep the pickups as natural as possible?
Ever since I put these pickups in my American Special Stratocaster (replacing the Texas Specials) my strat sounds much more authentic and "strat-like" if you know what I mean. Through my Blues Junior with a touch of gain (Vox Ice Overdrive pedal) I get great "Clapton-like" tones (similar to "From The Cradle" -a really nice bluezy strat sound -man nit's transformed the guitar these pickups!!
It sounds so good that my poor Telecaster has been getting neglected lately!
Before I decided on these CS '69's though I watched many youtube videos on other pickups and (I really liked Lindy Fralin pickups but wanted to keep the guitar pure Fender) I narrowed my choice down to the CS'69's, the CS '54's or the 57/62's. I recommend if you're looking fr new pickups and you want a great strat tone any 3 of these are the best in my opinion..to each his own though, as always!
41029
I've had some Fralins, they are okay... I was more impressed with the Fender CS stuff I've tried, though I like to have my fender stuff custom made anymore to really specific specs for each guitar
41029
and... great review
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Pickup Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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