· @Kenny
The Vandal SSS Set is a hot-wound S-Style single coil pickup set for players who want more output and midrange push than vintage-style pickups, without losing classic single coil sparkle and snap. Neck and middle measure 9.0kΩ, the bridge 10.0kΩ, all with Alnico 5 magnets and full wax potting. It's a drop-in replacement pickup set for most S-Style guitars with an SSS layout, built for blues, classic rock and hard rock players who want their single coils to hold up under gain.
Vandal SSS Set specs
|
Spec |
Neck |
Middle |
Bridge |
|---|---|---|---|
|
DC resistance |
9.0kΩ |
9.0kΩ |
10.0kΩ |
|
Turns |
9,400 |
9,400 |
10,350 |
|
Magnets |
Alnico 5 |
Alnico 5 |
Alnico 5 |
|
Wire |
Plain enamel #43 |
Plain enamel #43 |
Plain enamel #43 |
|
Pole pieces |
5x17mm, non-staggered |
5x17mm, non-staggered |
5x17mm, non-staggered |
|
Polarity |
Standard |
Reverse wound, reverse polarity (RWRP) |
Standard |
|
Baseplate |
None |
None |
Steel |
|
Potting |
Full wax potted |
Full wax potted |
Full wax potted |
|
Leads |
Cotton push-back |
Cotton push-back |
Cotton push-back |
|
Covers |
Cream, black or white |
Cream, black or white |
Cream, black or white |
Why the Vandal SSS Set is the best single coil pickup set for S-Style guitars
1. Hotter than vintage, still a true single coil
Vintage-style S-Style single coils typically run in the 5.5k to 6.5kΩ range. At 9.0kΩ in the neck and middle and 10.0kΩ in the bridge, the Vandal SSS Set delivers noticeably more output, a thicker midrange, and more push into an overdriven amp. It's still a genuine single coil, so you keep the clarity and pick attack that S-Style guitars are known for.
2. Alnico 5 magnets for clarity and snap
All three pickups use Alnico 5 rod magnets, the classic choice for bright, articulate single coil tone with strong low end and quick attack. Paired with the hotter wind, Alnico 5 keeps the extra output from turning muddy.
3. Fully wax potted for high gain and stage volume
Every pickup is fully wax potted to reduce microphonic squeal. That matters when you run high-gain amps, stack drive pedals, or play loud on stage, which is exactly where hotter single coils get pushed hardest.
4. RWRP middle pickup for hum cancelling in positions 2 and 4
The middle pickup is reverse wound, reverse polarity (RWRP). When it's combined with the neck or bridge in positions 2 and 4, the pair cancels 60-cycle hum, giving you quieter in-between tones without giving up single coil character.
5. Steel baseplate on the bridge for extra bite
The bridge pickup adds a steel baseplate, which adds output and firmness and helps the bridge position cut without getting thin or ice-picky. It's the pickup most players lean on for rock rhythm and lead, so it gets the most help.
6. Non-staggered poles for even string balance
The 5x17mm pole pieces are non-staggered, giving even, consistent string-to-string response. That's especially useful on modern S-Style guitars with flatter fretboard radiuses.
7. A matched set built for all five positions
The neck, middle and bridge are wound as one set, so output steps up evenly from neck to bridge and every switch position is usable. No mixing pickups from different brands and hoping they balance.
How the Vandal SSS Set sounds in each position
|
Position |
Pickups |
Sound |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Neck |
Warm, round and vocal, with more body than a vintage neck pickup. Great for blues leads and clean chords. |
|
2 |
Neck + middle |
Glassy, hollow quack with hum cancelling. Ideal for funk rhythms, clean arpeggios and soulful cleans. |
|
3 |
Middle |
Balanced and percussive, sitting well in a mix for rhythm parts. |
|
4 |
Middle + bridge |
Bright, snappy quack with hum cancelling. Cuts through for chicken pickin' and crisp rhythm. |
|
5 |
Bridge |
Hot and punchy, with extra bite from the steel baseplate. Built for classic rock riffs, overdriven rhythm and leads. |
Who the Vandal SSS Set is for
The Vandal SSS Set is the right single coil upgrade if you:
- Play blues, blues rock, classic rock or hard rock and want single coils with more output and midrange
- Run overdrive and distortion pedals or a cranked amp and need single coils that stay clear and squeal-free under gain
- Have an S-Style guitar that plays great but sounds thin, weak or dull with its stock pickups
- Want a complete matched SSS replacement pickup set instead of mixing pickups from different brands
- Want hotter single coils without switching to humbuckers
It's not the right choice if you want a strictly vintage-output tone (around 6kΩ), noiseless single coils, or a humbucker sound. For hum-free single coil tone in every position, look for a noiseless or stacked design.
Compatibility: what guitars does the Vandal SSS Set fit?
The Vandal SSS Set is a standard-size S-Style single coil replacement and fits most S-Style guitars with three single coil pickups:
- Fits most Stratocaster® guitars with an SSS layout, including most US- and import-made models with standard single coil routing and pickguards
- Fits most PRS® models with an SSS single coil configuration
- Fits most S-Style guitars from other brands with standard single coil pickup cavities
It works with standard 250kΩ single coil wiring, so most players can keep their existing pots and 5-way switch. Routing, pickguard layout and mounting hardware vary by model and year, and on modified guitars, so always check your guitar before ordering.
Before you install: quick checklist
- Confirm your guitar has three single coil pickup cavities (SSS layout)
- Check that your pickguard has standard single coil openings
- Note your current wiring (5-way switch, volume and tone pots) so you can match it
- Have a soldering iron, solder and a wiring diagram ready, or book a qualified guitar tech
- Plan time to set pickup height after install, since height has a big effect on output and balance
Vandal SSS Set FAQ
How hot are the Vandal SSS pickups compared to vintage single coils?
The neck and middle measure 9.0kΩ and the bridge 10.0kΩ DC resistance. Typical vintage-style S-Style single coils measure around 5.5k to 6.5kΩ, so the Vandal SSS Set is noticeably hotter, with more output and midrange.
Are the Vandal SSS pickups noisy?
Like all true single coils, they pick up some 60-cycle hum in positions 1, 3 and 5. The RWRP middle pickup cancels hum in positions 2 and 4. Full wax potting minimizes microphonic squeal at high gain and volume.
Are these good single coil pickups for hard rock and high gain?
Yes. The hotter wind, Alnico 5 magnets, steel-baseplate bridge and full wax potting are chosen to keep single coils clear, punchy and squeal-resistant with overdrive, distortion and loud amps.
Will the Vandal SSS Set fit my guitar?
It fits most S-Style guitars with an SSS layout and standard single coil routing, including most Stratocaster® guitars with an SSS layout and most PRS® models with an SSS single coil configuration. Check your pickguard and cavities before ordering.
Do I need new pots or a new switch?
Usually not. The set works with standard 250kΩ single coil wiring and a 5-way switch, so most players can reuse their existing electronics.
What magnets do the Vandal SSS pickups use?
All three pickups use Alnico 5 rod magnets with 5x17mm non-staggered pole pieces.
What cover colors are available?
Cream, black and white.
The bottom line
The Vandal SSS Set gives S-Style players hotter, punchier single coils that still sound like single coils: 9.0k/9.0k/10.0kΩ Alnico 5 pickups, fully wax potted, with an RWRP middle and a steel-baseplate bridge. If your S-Style guitar plays great but its stock pickups sound thin or can't keep up with your gain, it's the most direct way to give it more output, body and bite without switching to humbuckers.
Stratocaster® is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. PRS® is a registered trademark of PRS Guitars. Vandal Pickups is not affiliated with or endorsed by either company. All trademarks are used for compatibility reference only.
