Pickups compatible with strat vintage strings spacing

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xblue

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I have a custom made stratocaster with vintage bridge (strings spacing 2-7/32'') which has wider strings spacing than modern bridges. The pickups are strat-sized lipsticks and the problem is that they sound definitely weaker on the two external strings (low E, high e). I suspect that, given the wider strings spacing due to the vintage bridge, those strat-size lipstciks cannot pick the strings vibration enough because they are not long enough.

Where can I find strat single coils (not necessarily lipsticks) compatible with vintage bridge strings spacing?
 
Re: Pickups compatible with strat vintage strings spacing

Is there such thing as single coils specifically designed for vintage strings spacing? Or they are just all the same?
 
Re: Pickups compatible with strat vintage strings spacing

Some makers like David Allen do different spacings, but the classic Fender spacing (which 99% of pickups follow) has worked for 65 years. I acknowledge that appeal to tradition is a logical fallacy, but if it really was an issue someone would have addressed it years ago like they did with the Trembucker/F-Spaced Humbucker.

I personally own 4 SSS Strats including two with vintage style bridges and don’t have any issues.

Also, I want to point out that a lot of people misunderstand the way a pickup works. The coil of wire that extends far beyond the last string is what is picking up the string vibration. The pole pieces are magnetizing the strings. Obviously a more magnetized string will have more signal to pickup, but as long at the magnet can do its job it’s fine.

I wonder if the Custom Shop could build an “extra wide” lipstick.
 
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Re: Pickups compatible with strat vintage strings spacing

You could always go for something with 1 rail across, like a Hot Stack. I am also sure the Custom Shop could build a pickup with a rail with a more vintage voice to it, too.
 
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