Origonal strat sounds

ANy thoughts on what FENDER p/u would be closest to a fifties sound. I do not want a hot rod sound. Just nice simple strat sound and QUACK. Most of what I have seen has been advertised as being hotter or modded for one thing or another.

If you must have a Fender brand pickup, then go with the Custom Shop '54s. They are not overwound, and have a cool piano like sound. The Fender Custom Shop fat '50s pickups also sound great too. If getting a fender brand pickup is not important, then a set of Fralin real '54s with the Alnico 3 magnets is one of the best out there. I use them in my main gigging guitar. I think they are one of the best sounding strat pickups ever. And almost forgot, the Eric Johnson strat pickups sound very '50ish and alive. Sometimes someone on eBay sells a set. These are made by Fender. I've got a set of Harmonic Design '54s coming anyday now. Can't comment yet but I've heard good things. :cool:

I second the custom shop 54's, I really like the wide open clean tones. have not tried the others

Van Zandt True Vintage are the closest.