Fender Deluxe Drive Stratocaster Pickups & Locking Tuners - High

In this review the Fender Deluxe Drive Stratocaster pickups paired with Fender Deluxe locking staggered tuners are evaluated as a practical upgrade package for modern Strat players. The biggest reason to consider this combo is the pickups' high output and overwound voice that push amps into rich, saturated tones while the staggered locking tuners stabilize tuning and improve string break angle over the nut. Together they offer a clear tonal shift toward midrange bite and reliable hardware fit for most contemporary Fender-style guitars.

Key Features

• High output pickups: The Deluxe Drive pickups use an overwound design and Alnico 3 magnets to deliver increased output and focused dynamics for high-gain and cleaner settings alike.
• Balanced response: Staggered pole pieces provide smooth, balanced tone across every string so chords and leads sit evenly in a mix.
• Noise control: The middle pickup is reverse-wound/reverse-polarity to reduce hum in common two- and four- pickup positions.
• Durable construction: Polysol-coated magnet wire, vinyl-coated output wire, and plastic bobbins help ensure long-term reliability and consistent performance.
• Locking staggered tuners: The set of six tuners includes three long posts and three short posts with dual guide pin mounting to fit most modern Fender-style guitars and improve tuning stability.
• Complete hardware kit: Tuners include bushings and washers and a 18:1 gear ratio for precise tuning adjustments and secure string locking.

Who It's For

This package is best for Stratocaster owners who want more aggressive, focused single-coil tone without swapping to humbuckers, and for players who gig or record and value tuning stability. The pickups suit someone chasing thicker midrange and classic 70s Clapton-style textures as well as players who push tube amps into more saturation.

Players who prefer vintage-voiced, low-output single coils or those seeking active electronics should look elsewhere, since these are the highest-output Fender single-coils and tilt toward a hotter, more dynamic response rather than a strictly delicate vintage sparkle.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent tone and increased output that works well at high gain and clean settings.
• Staggered pole pieces and Alnico 3 magnets give a focused, balanced string response and strong dynamics.
• Locking staggered tuners improve tuning stability and make restringing faster and neater.
• Good overall value for money when buying pickups and tuners together as a practical upgrade.

Cons

• Some players report mixed results with hum level, so noise may be more noticeable in certain setups.
• The hotter pickups may not satisfy purists seeking an ultra-vintage, low-output Strat sound.

Specifications

Product	Deluxe Drive Stratocaster pickups and Deluxe locking staggered tuners
Pickup magnet	Alnico 3
Coil wire	Polysol-coated magnet wire, vinyl-coated output wire
Pole pieces	Staggered pole pieces; middle is reverse-wound/reverse-polarity
Tuner set	Six staggered locking tuners (3 long post, 3 short post)
Tuner gear ratio	18:1
Hardware included	Dual guide pin mounting, bushings and washers included

Our Verdict

This Fender combo is a sensible upgrade for Strat players who want hotter single-coil tone with improved tuning reliability. The pickups deliver a fuller, more driven voice while the staggered locking tuners add practical stability and easier string changes, making the package strong value for gigging and recording players who want a bolder Strat sound without major routing or modification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these pickups fit a standard Stratocaster?
Yes, the Deluxe Drive pickups are designed for Stratocaster routs and use standard pickup dimensions for most modern Strats.

Do the tuners require modification to install?
The tuners use dual guide pin mounting and include bushings and washers, so they fit most modern Fender-style guitars without modificiation.

Are these pickups noisy?
They are higher output single coils and the middle pickup is RWRP to cancel hum in positions two and four, but customers report mixed hum levels depending on setup and shielding.