In this build guide we're putting together a hypothetical Fender Strat HSS pickup promotion, swapping out the bridge humbucker as well as the middle and neck single coils. I'll use multiple brands, vendors, and our pricing tools to select pickups and parts from a list of compatible options.
With a DiMarzio DP166 (humbucker) at the bridge and a DP188 in the middle, we get a warm but aggressive Stratocaster before adding an Antiquity Surfer at the neck position to mellow things out.
Gear Used for this Build
Gear | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fender Player Stratocaster HSS | n/a | |
 | DiMarzio DP166 The Breed | n/a | |
 | DiMarzio DP188 | n/a | |
 | Seymour Duncan Antiquity 2 Surfer Neck Pickup | n/a |
DiMarzio DP166 (bridge humbucker)
We'll start by choosing the bridge humbucker, which is going to have the most prominent and powerful say in the final tone of the Stratocaster. The Guitar Configurator separates our choices into four different parts, with the bridge humbucker first:
Since the base is a Fender Stratocaster, I want to go with a humbucker that's going to give me some added thickness and heavy low-end.
The DiMarzio DP166 The Breed is heavy and warm, but also has a softer attack, which will help balance the natural chime of the HSS Stratocaster body type and tonewood.
Vendors
Low Price Alert
Price History
Price History for DiMarzio DP166BK The Breed Bridge Model Humbucker, Black
Statistics
| Current Price | $89.99 | June 2, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $89.99 | June 21, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $89.99 | June 21, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $89.99 | June 21, 2022 |
DiMarzio DP188 (middle rail)
From there we'll pick a single coil rail for the middle Strat position. Again, I'm looking for a warm voice with some aggression, which leads me to another DiMarzio offering, the DP188 Pro Track, which is built specifically for the middle position on a Stratocaster.
Vendors and Variations
Low Price Alert
Price History
Price History for DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track Pickup White
Statistics
| Current Price | $85.34 | June 6, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $139.36 | August 3, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $81.84 | November 5, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $85.34 | June 4, 2023 |
| $85.99 | June 1, 2023 |
| $86.29 | May 26, 2023 |
| $86.65 | May 24, 2023 |
| $86.26 | May 22, 2023 |
Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Surfer Strat (neck rail)
For the neck, I'd suggest breaking ranks with DiMarzio and throwing in one of the Seymour Duncan Antiquity rails, like the Antiquity Surfer neck pickup. It has some brightness to it, but also maintains the smooth, warm profile we've been building up to this point.
Vendors
Low Price Alert
Price History
Price History for DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track Pickup White
Statistics
| Current Price | $85.34 | June 6, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $139.36 | August 3, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $81.84 | November 5, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $85.34 | June 4, 2023 |
| $85.99 | June 1, 2023 |
| $86.29 | May 26, 2023 |
| $86.65 | May 24, 2023 |
| $86.26 | May 22, 2023 |
Fender Strat HSS Pickup Upgrade Details
- Guitar: Fender Player HSS Strat
- Pickup Configuration: HSS
- Bridge Humbucker: DiMarzio DP166 The Breed
- Magnet Type: Alnico 5
- DCR: 17.07
- Wiring: 4 Conductor
- Middle Single Coil: DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track
- Magnet Type: Ceramic
- DCR: 8.15
- Wiring: 4 Conductor
- Neck Single Coil: Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Surfer Strat (neck version)
- Magnet Type: Alnico 5
- DCR: 9.8
- Length between screws: 3.033 inches
Resources & Documentation
Your Questions and Comments
If you have questions about the thought process behind this recommendation, a story about trying a similar upgrade or questions about pickups in general, feel free to leave those in the comments section below.
Again, it's important to remember that these are hypothetical suggestions and not necessarily configurations we've tried ourselves.
Share your own thoughts, opinions, and suggestions.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Pickups and Roundups
Written by GC Editorial on Electrics and Build Guides
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.