A frequently seen Forum comment is “Noiseless Strat pickups sound different to genuine single coils.” Until now that did have an element of truth in it, but not anymore.

The Impersonator 54 has all the shimmering highs, highly transparent (noticeably scooped) midrange, twang and deep bass of the best examples of new Stratocaster pickups. The strings can be pounded but the sound won’t crunch at loud room volume.

It has lightening fast response to pick attack and easily tracks jaw dropping picking gymnanastics which is great for shredders.

This could not be achieved with conventional technology; it took several revolutionary technologies that were pioneered and developed over many years and Patented by Kinman.

The name was chosen for the obvious sonic similarity to Fender’s CS 54 and was developed at the request of Hank Marvin of The Shadows to achieve his 60’s twangy instrumental lead guitar sound, without hum. Position 2 and 4 are totally authentic Knopfler-esque.

 

 

The Mk-III set has even more of a vintage sound flavour; the Mk-II set was quite strong on the plain strings and the overall impression of the sound was a little 'in-your-face; the sound of the plain strings on this upgrade is less in your face, absolutely vintage, and noticeably sweeter. Like the Mk-II this set has a 'slightly-aged' sound for more defined midrange (less scooped) which is better for live performing.

Only the most privelleged players have heard genuine original vintage pickups because they are so rare. They had a big, bold sweet, elusive sound that modern pickups just can't capture.

The Traditional Mk-III set sounds remarkably similar to the best Strat pickups of yesteryear. Complex Alnico character, excellent dynamics, projection and definition that are retained even when distorted. Fluid, shimmery, chimey highs (never thin or Ice picky) More punch and thwack on the wound strings than a regular new single coil. Has excellent twang and growl.

Absolutely authentic classic slightly-aged vintage Alnico Strat* tone, with Zero-Hum.

Why do so many guitar players seek out the warm sound of a tube amp? The Blues set is less aggressive, warmer, rounder Aged *Strat sound with milder attack than the Trad Mk-III in clean mode and breaks into crunch more easily. Surprising Alnico detail with less brightness, medium strong output.

The Blues set is also great for smooth overdrive sounds with 'clarity and TONE', with Zero-Hum.

In his best performances Jimi had the most dynamic and explosive sounds, the notes rolled off his fretboard like magical fluid.

These Woodstocks with slightly-aged Strat sound have the most thump and punch, explosive attack and exceptional clarity, definition and projection. They break into easily crunch under heavy pick attack. Heaps of Alnico tone character.

Overdosed with projection and grit and powerful top end chime. Great for Heavy Rock and extreme distortion. High output with the welcome advantage of Zero-Hum. Moderately versatile.

The Woodstock Plus is the same as the Woodstock Regular set, except it comes with a different bridge pickup, the BIG powerful Hx-85 - the highest output of all the Kinman Strat replacement pickups

Created especially for Hank in 2001 and used ever since by the legend himself. Hank also used this set exclusively during the final Farewell Shadows tour in 2004 where he played old and new tunes with the legendary Hank Marvin sound (without the mains hum). This set creates Hanks modern Gypsy Jazz sound, authoritive with excellent projection and clarity not possible with regular single coil pickups. You'll love how the bridge pickup never sounds shrill or skinny, it's just so meaty and so rich in twangy tone.

Hank loves to really dig into the strings with his pick when using the bridge pickup (AVn-64).

 

Captures the essence and beauty of classic vintage Strat sound, including the full bass response of vintage pickups.

 

Mk1 has a slightly louder than a stock Strat single coil, and has a fatter tone than the '56.

Mk3 features a stagger magnetand is used only in the bridge position.

 

 

Replicates and magnifies the most desirable characteristics of the best of the late 60's Strat single coils before they got aged.

 

 

(Texas) Southern Cousin noiseless pickup. Designed especially for the bridge position for those who like a bridge pickup that's noticeably hotter than Vintage models.

 

 

Designed for the bridge position offering a fat, thick tone with the most output of all the Kinman Strat replacement pickups.

 

 

Replacement single Strat pickup from Impersonator 54 set.