Z-Series™ Vintage Output Sets
Vintage Specs – Radical Design
Along with redesigning our platform with the new Z-Series, we’ve taken the opportunity to target the output and response closer to vintage specs than we ever have before. These models were designed to get as close to vintage output and frequency response as we can, providing the tonal signature of the vintage models but with all of the clarity, articulation and hum-free performance you’ve come to expect from Zexcoil.
Please note:
International shipping has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Please review the International Shipping page.
Pickups may take 2-3 weeks before ready for shipment.
Lefties are considered special orders and may take up to 3 weeks before ready for shipment.
Left-handed "Z-Core" pickups are only available from the Custom Shop. If you want this feature for a set, here is an option.
Z-Series pickups have their covers potted on. Removal will void the warranty.
Cover color choice is presented at checkout.
International shipping has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Please review the International Shipping page.
Z-Core 5 Vintage Set
Bridge: Z-Core Vintage 5 (ZVN5)
Middle: Z-Core Vintage Underwound 5 (ZVU5)
Neck: Z-Core Vintage Underwound 5 (ZVU5)
The Z-Core 5 Vintage Set is the lowest output Strat set we make, targeted at that classic "mid-scooped" low wind 50’s/late 60’s response in the neck and middle. The slight hotter bridge, like an early/mid 60’s output, provides a more balanced response than you would find in a true vintage set of pickups. It is compatible with conventional 250 kΩ controls. Use kit 6 with this set (or 10 if you want to add a blend pot) for a vintage control response. Use kit 9 (or 11) for a 275 kΩ load if you want to open up the high end just a wee bit more. Select the kit with an "A" on the end if you want a no load tone pot for the neck and middle pickups (or a master no load for kits 10 & 11).
Z-Core 5 Vintage Hot Set
Bridge: Z-Core Vintage Hot 5 (ZVH5)
Middle: Z-Core Vintage 5 (ZVN5)
Neck: Z-Core Vintage 5 (ZVN5)
The Z-Core 5 Vintage Hot Set is a step up in output from the Vintage Set. The neck and middle pickups are targeted at a vintage output, but more like those early/mid 60’s versions that were wound a little hotter. The bridge is pushing a more modern “boutique” output, with a few more winds over the original vintage designs to round out the attack and deliver more punch. It is compatible with conventional 250 kΩ controls. Use kit 6 with this set (or 10 if you want to add a blend pot) for a vintage control response. Use kit 9 (or 11) for a 275 kΩ load if you want to open up the high end just a wee bit more. Select the kit with an "A" on the end if you want a no load tone pot for the neck and middle pickups (or a master no load for kits 10 & 11).
International shipping has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Please review the International Shipping page.
Z-Core 5 Vintage Staggered Set™
Bridge: Z-Core Vintage Hot 5 (ZVH5)
Middle: Z-Core Vintage 5 (ZVN5)
Neck: Z-Core Vintage Underwound 5 (ZVU5)
Another way to set it up is to set the neck output, then have the middle one notch up and the bridge one notch up from that. This is an approach that some find to be more balanced. As above, this is an obvious way to group our Vintage Output models, but there are two more output levels available in this configuration from the Custom Shop. It is compatible with conventional 250 kΩ controls. We recommend control kit 6 with this set (or 10 if you want to add a blend pot). Use kit 9 (or 11) for a 275 kΩ load if you want to open up the high end just a wee bit more. Select the kit with an "A" on the end if you want a no load tone pot for the neck and middle pickups (or a master no load for kits 10 & 11).
Z-Series Vintage Bucker Set™
Bridge: Z-Series Bridge Bucker (ZHBJ)
Middle: : Z-Core Modern 5 (ZMD5)
Neck: Z-Series Neck Bucker (ZHNT)
The Z-Series Vintage Bucker Set is our version of a vintage output HSH configuration, with a beefed up middle pickup (our Z-Core Modern 5) to keep up with the Buckers while still providing plenty of clarity on its own and quack when teamed with the bridge or neck. Make sure and wire this with a blend knob, or custom switching) to enable the bridge/neck position. We’ve never heard a bridge/neck combo with conventional HBs that sounds this good. You can also use the blend knob as a quack adjust on the in between positions as you bring the third pickup in. This set works best with 500k controls Use kit 1 or 2 (if you want the blend option). Kits with an "A" substitute a no load tone pot for the neck and middle (or a master tone in the case of the blend option).