Genesis Pickups “1956 Big Iron” Restoration Grade Pre-CBS Stratocaster® Pickup Set

This set was recreated from a two-tone sunburst, maple-fingerboard Stratocaster® built in 1956, bearing serial number 10927.

The original pickups exhibited spiky frequency responses — tight in the low end, with pronounced treble peaks. The result? Exceptional note clarity and a glassy, chime-like tonal character, ideal for genres like funk, surf, and classic rock.

In our testing, the subject pickups featured larger-diameter Alnico magnets compared to what’s found in most standard Strat sets made after 1957 — hence the name: Big Iron.

The tonal profile was painstakingly reconstructed using period-correct winding techniques and materials, with tightly monitored in-situ production and rigorous post-build quality control. Every set is built to match the exact performance and specifications of the original reference guitar — no guesswork, no shortcuts.

Whether you’re crafting a killer ’50s-style build or restoring a true vintage Strat from the similar, this set offers one of the most faithful and refined options available.