Fender 57 / 62 Vs Fender Fat 50s | A New Challenger?!

[@sidweazel2883]

Pure clean the 57/62’s do it for me, but when the effects come in the fat 50’s come into their own. Conclusion- you need at least 2 strats 😊

[@Paul-D]

I concur hahaha

[@steveindorset]

only two????

[@ramencurry6672]

If you like both but can only choose one, the Fat 50s since the middle pick up is reverse wound for hum cancellation in positions 2 and 4

[@comeback1827]

but a third with cs69

[@joe.b944]

6:03 now wow holy moly those 57 / 62 's sound identical to Jimi they sound phenomenal particularly there

[@LottimusMaximus]

So I purchased the fat 50’s after watching this and installed them today. What I really really like is that there’s so much there that I actually dial the tone back to get into a sweet spot instead of my usual, playing with all tone pots maxed and begging for more with other pickups :) Thank you for making this video. I probably wouldn’t have discovered these without this video :)

[@Paul-D]

Glad you like them, i do still have them fitted to my second strat so theyve lasted alot longer round here then the tex mex did haha

[@LottimusMaximus]

@@Paul-D Haha. Same same. My Tex-Mex’s are in my misc Strat parts box. Lol 😆.

[@rogerYT69]

yes I like mine too, thx! but as you said, the output sweet Spot is around 7😊

[@dangitdan9938]

I've got a set of the 57/62 and really like them. The low end is nice and clear and not too ice picky on the highs

[@bobdelair02]

Interesting comparison. I like the Fat 50’s better. Both sound very similar, especially the neck PU, but the Fat 50’s to me sound a bit more open, have a bit more chime.

[@Ingeborg323]

Quod erat expectandum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????????? A single coil sounds like a single coil! Only the nuances of colouration can be different, but the similarity is among the construction!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lafemmeparallel]

Love the 57/62 in my strat, it took me YEARS (like 7 years) to decide what set to put but once i tried them i didnt go back

[@burakunlu150]

After watching your videos I ended up buying Fender 57/62 pickups. Glad you made these videos.

[@Paul-D]

Awesome hope you like them as much as i do 🤘🤘🤘

[@rabbithowls71]

I have made thousands of strat loaded pickguards over the years. 57/62’s are my favorite. Fat 50’s are good, Texas Specials I hate, CS69’s are a close 2nd. 57/62’s are IMO what a strat sounds like.

[@Paul-D]

Nice one 🤘🤘 im not in the thousands - more like dozens of all the popular sets and 57/62 still win for me too.

[@vintagepearlguitars]

The CS69's are a close second to what? To Texas Specials or to 57/62?

[@rabbithowls71]

@@vintagepearlguitars 57/62’s. As far as any pickups, not just Fender, Lindy Fralin Woodstocks would be just below 57/62’s in my book. A lot like CS69’s but more clarity and note separation, and with a baseplate a better bottom end. The different magnets give a definite change in character, can’t really articulate what it is, but it’s there. Also a lot more money. I was in my boutique or nothing phase for a few years. But after trying so many, and spending too much, you find the difference isn’t that big. Just like wiring scheme’s, at first it’s super fun to try all the things. In phase, out of phase, 1/2 out of phase, all 3 on, hss, hsh, noiseless with S1 and superswitch, mintoggles, all that. I made an HSH with 31 different pickup combinations, a challenge to wire up, but fun. In the end though, I come back to standard 5 way wiring. I would say only 2-3% of people will use any of those odd pickup combinations in everyday playing, except for the “check this out” factor. Leo got it pretty much 100% right in every aspect, that’s what I believe.

[@nikolastanic2999]

What about duncan ssl1?

[@rabbithowls71]

@@nikolastanic2999 SSL1’s, hmmm. IMO the SSL1’s are pretty close to 57/62’s, but they always seemed a bit sterile. A couple with an SSL5 in the bridge is a good set though. I really like the Lollar Blonde set a lot too, but the price is high. The 57/62’s just get there for the least amount of money. A whole set is close to a single Lollar or Fralin.

[@harrywix]

Another great comparison, extremely helpful. The 57/62s for me: all that I like about the strat tone.

[@Paul-D]

Me too. These comparisons are only a vague idea at best but seems most people can hear the differences and pick there favourite.

[@MisterBurtonshaw]

Excellent video. I have those 57/62s in an AVRI '62. They are very very ... Straty. :)

[@Tstdycgyr]

From reading one comments below I have changed my mind , in less that 3 minutes 😂, normally it’s quicker, as stated below I think after the initial period the fat 50’s would sound too bright , the 57/62 are more subtle , great video.

[@dunebillydave222]

Excellent shoot-out! Lots of demo done right. You say what needs to be said and leave it at that. I love it. Best comparison format I've seen in a while. I agree that they are so close. I immediately thought it would be good to have one of each because they cover similar territory, but, lean to different ends of the scale.

[@Paul-D]

Thanks man 🤘🤘

[@MojoP]

What an absolute CRACKIN' comparo!! And VERY tasty playing at that - perfect choices to tonally match the pickup positions. I've yet to decide between these 2 but honestly, this has to be by far one of the best straight up excellent sounding and concise reviews I've seen on YT. Subscribed!!! Thank you.

[@Paul-D]

Thankyou man - appreciated

[@MojoP]

@@Paul-D I ordered the F50s even though they're pricier. I'm banking with a slight adjustment in pickup height, I can attain or mimic the 57/62s quite convincingly if needed, but can't mimic the F50s with the 57/62s

[@Paul-D]

Yeh good thinking - they really are very close and im certain if you set the fat 50s a little lower then normal youll get that slight increased dynamic range the 57/62s have under the fingers

[@MojoP]

@@Paul-D new guitar arrived with the F50s, and it's magnificent. Question if I may Paul, I noticed you're running all 3 pups on both these Strats quite low. Do you set by ear or have specific measurements you go by? May I ask what the distances are "open E / open e" on the neck and bridge if it's not too much trouble? And if you have an idea what your 8th fret relief is - that'd be absolutely amazing. Ballpark measurements are fine - I'm just fully enamoured with these new pups and have realized their full potential opens up when there's a healthy bit of distance between them and the strings. Thanks so much!! ✊

[@erikschwan1534]

Thanks for the demo. I still prefer the 57/62s (which I have in my 1996 USA). The fat 50s are initially impressive but start to sound a bit too much and mono-tone compared to the nuances out of the 57/62s. So about 80-90% of the time I preferred the 57/62s. I'm guessing but I think I would get sick of the fast 50s in a short time.

[@ramencurry6672]

They’re both good. The 57/62 has excellent articulation but can sound annoyingly shrill at times . The Fat 50s has a nice mid range creamy quality and still clear and kind of reminds me a little bit of a Gibson sound.

[@carpathus]

Both those strats sound great. It's hard to decide between the two. I think Sid is right to say you need two strats. What's so weird is I have a set of ceramic single coils I got on clearance from GFS for $15 a couple of years ago that sound amazing. CTS pots, orange drops and treble bleed, Switchcraft jack, CRL 5-way, pushback wire, shielding paint and body ground round things out. Still kinda crazy how good these GFS el cheapo pickups sound. Cheers!

[@Paul-D]

I think 2 is a good place to start 😆 Ahh right ill have to try those i wonder if they are the ceramics in the new vintage coaster series

[@georgestevens1502]

Guitar Fetish is great. I've bought strat pick ups, brass bridge block, pots, titanium saddles, 5 way switch and input jack to upgrade a Korean strat knock off (Bronx brand) I've played for 15 years. Insanely reasonable prices. The Bronx is now as good, and in some ways better, than my American Standard (2018) Fender Strat at 1/3 of the price. I like ceramic magnet speakers too. They really bark.

[@gigioamericano333]

Maple necks are a bit brighter than rosewood "slab". I own an '89 American Standard 1 piece maple neck and my brother a '90, but with a rosewood fretboard. When compared, they are 2 different sounds. You should try the test on another strat with a rosewood board and the same laquer on both bodies (color doesn't influence the test). That would give more of an equilibrium to the woods and paint so to make things more even. I'm building a custom strat and after hearing fat 50's for about 20 years, I'm sticking with them. Thanks for the great video!

[@burt2800]

Lovely tones and playing! Rory Gallagher very much appreciated! Still underrated in my opinion.

[@Paul-D]

Thanks man. Always time for appreciation to Rory Gallagher

[@MisterBurtonshaw]

oh yes, he was a belter of a guitarist.

[@veryhappy2681]

Excellent work! Bravo ! The 62 has a “round, smooth “ tone and the 57 has more “ clarity , pop” … The 62 for Hendrix, the 57 for Knopfler… in the end as I have had both but could only afford to keep one I kept my 1956 reissue I felt like I could turn the to knobs on the amplifier or the guitar to achieve the 62, but I could not achieve the clarity of the 56 on the 62 … You can always change the tone of clarity, but it’s not easy to clean up a tone that is a little more subdued… you confirmed everything that I found and I am very sad about selling the 62 reissue but I know I made the right choice…

[@Paul-D]

Thanks man - as it happens im currently down the same rabit hole with humbuckers the last few weeks. Havent filmed any of it though lol

[@veryhappy2681]

I’ll tell you at the end of the day you have to pick a lane … you have to decide what is that one or two guitar players, that have inspired you and the tone you absolutely love.. i’ve had about every guitar under the sun everything .. les pauls. Teles, you name it I’ve had it, and the same goes for amplifiers and pedals .. and once again, I can tell you this you can do everything with a Stratocaster and a fender tube amp.. And it doesn’t matter how your taste change everything from jazz , metal, country to Funk.. every guitar player that’s ever mattered to me as either played a Stratocaster or played one in the end… Keith Richards said it best “ nothing sounds as good as a fender guitar into a fender amplifier”… eventually every artist must draw a line … make a choice make commitment and stick with it. You’ll be a better guitar player because of it. And besides pedals can change and achieve most tones these days, and are much cheaper to trade and sell than guitars. Get a fender Stratocaster and fender Princeton and never look back

[@Paul-D]

Theres alot to be said for that - definitely. But also going through all of those things, in person, is invaluable experience and just fun (as long you do it in a way that doesn’t financially ruin you). Too many people now think they know so much more then they do because they watched a video, or someone they like said xyz. And truth is you just dont know until you physically get these things in your hands… and ears. For me, i dont do anything else… i dont drink ever, i dont eat out ever, no expensive car, i dont go on holidays, so ‘tone chasing’ or whatever someone might call it is just my thing haha.

[@paulweston1148]

Working on a strat right now, this video just convinced me to go 57/62 in the neck and middle and the SD ssl-5 in the bridge. The highs on the 57-62 in the neck just seem a tad bit more tame and not bell like.

[@paulvincentdwyer2356]

I listened very carefully through quality monitoring headphones and for me the fat 50's stray into a little bit of over brightness close to harshness even. The 57/62 sound balanced warm and luxurious, I think construction (rosewood neck) is also having an impact, as all other settings were equal. Great video thanks.

[@Paul-D]

You did listen on quality monitors because you are very right, to the point where ive now tuned it to E flat to try and take away by force some of that top end lol

[@Blueguitar007]

I thought exactly the opposite, wearing JBL headphones. Weird

[@joe.b944]

I agree mate

[@GabrieleSantoro]

This is a great video! I have the 57/62 and they're good, of course... but I've always found them a little thin. "Mmmh, I would need a little bit of 'quack' more, a little bit of dynamics and overall body". I thought about the Fat '50 and now I have the answer. They have the same sound profile (Alnico V) but they are, uh well, 'fatter'. There is 'more' guitar. More of the same, but... more. I love them.

[@Paul-D]

yeh id say that was a very accurate description of the comparison in real life too (regardless of what fingerboard you use)

[@danielcgomez]

I have had the 57/62s in my #1 Strat for 13 years! ...I can't find anything else that sounds good to my ears.

[@Paul-D]

Nothing has beat them yet for me either - although there are still countless ones out there to try 😅

[@safetydan97]

Considering all settings stay the same, probably the 57/62s because I like that touch of warmth compared to the fat 50's. They sound almost identical except that little bit of high end frequency in the fat 50's.

[@Paul-D]

They really do. Your completely right - mad how accurate it seems to have come across on youtube. Usually im frustrated its not right haha.

[@ramencurry6672]

Pick up heights can also play a factor too. Ultimately the pick up that sounds good in your system not on a KZbin video should be the one to choose. Also a pick up with more high frequencies might possibly sound better in a song mix.

[@lescaster2179]

I was back and forth on the two as, to my ears and with good headphones (limited, of course, by YT sound quality), the 50's and 57/62's were REALLY close to one another. Same tonal character, to me, with the 50's maybe having a tad more output that accounts for the differences I heard? But in a mix I don't think anyone would pick them out from each other, not honestly anyways. ;-) I swapped my Fender Gen 4 Noiseless in my 2017 Elite with the 57/62's. It turned what was some subtle stratty sounds into iconic ones. The noiseless are 'good pickups' in their own right, but to my ear they lack some harmonic richness vs. a conventional single coil AND they have muted strat qualities in the 2nd and 4th positions... I guess some would refer to this a quackiness, but I would just say classic strat tones your ears would expect from those positions, call it what you like. It was a worthwhile swap and really brought the Elite sonically to life in a way that's now equal to it's great construction and feature set. I can't speak to the latest gen Fender noiseless, but I can say that a strat with the Gen 4's will noticeably appreciate a pickup swap to the 57/62's and I'm confident the same would be true of the Fat 50's.

[@Paul-D]

Your ears heard pretty much exactly what mine heard in the room and over a longer time then a video. These are the closest 2 fender sets ive heard to date for sure.

[@mikej6565]

The 57/62 are good. I have permanently fallen in love with the custom shop 57 pickups. I've even A/B'ed a few sets and they all sound slightly different (the technique of whoever's guiding the wire is causing slight differences in tone). They even compare favorably to my favorite pre-CBS strat.

[@chiman360]

I know I’m a little late to the game, but I like the 57/62 in the neck and middle and the fat 50s for the bridge. I may do this exact setup. That being said, if you lower the height of the fat 50s slightly, they may be just about the same all over or the 50s may even be better. Thanks for the video!

[@Paul-D]

Late is always welcome here hahaha. Yeh a combo of both sets in that way would be getting that extra squeeze out of them, but damnn need some good budget haha.

[@chiman360]

@@Paul-D I wish you could buy individual pickups from fender and not the whole set. That’s why last year I bought Seymour Duncan SSL-1s for my HSS Strat because I only needed two pickups. They sound very similar to the fat 50s. Love your playing by the way

[@Paul-D]

For sure, would be a lot better - and makes sense to offer the option to tailer make your own set. The fender mod shop online is hilariously shite for that sort of thing haha. Im back in the pickup rabit hole atm with my gold top P90. Thanks man, appreciated.

[@chiman360]

Is the sunburst fat 50s Strat a black label traditional Strat from 95 or 96?

[@Paul-D]

No its just a mim from 2016 with the pups and pots swapped

[@HumanThoughtExpression]

Listening on Focal CMS65 monitors and I hear a very significant difference in sound between the two except the crunch tones were much closer. Found myself preferring the 57/62 in every example, 50s are way brighter and have much less bottom end. FWIW I have sensitive ears (and Misophonia) and am easily irritated by harsh treble / high volume treble.

[@pablorioz5698]

Love boht! I heared maple vs rosewood more. Nice demo

[@TwangThang57]

What I mostly heard was the spankiness of the maple fretboard over the warmth of the rosewood board.

[@MisterBurtonshaw]

there did seem to be a bit of that going on.

[@BreadandFaxes]

57/62s appear to be more dynamic in pretty much every scenario. They seem to pick up nuance better and are more percussive. I'm sold on the set being the most well rounded great sounding off the shelf strat pickups you can buy, and have been for a long time. I have had 2 strats with them and they both were my favorite strats ever. I deduced that it had less to do with the playability, as I own other strats that play just as well, but the ones with 57/62s just sonically blow away the others.

[@Paul-D]

Still my favourite too 🤟

[@davidallen346]

Vintage 60s and Texas Special my favorite Fender single coil pickups

[@riiings]

I forgot to ask, are the middle pickups on the '57/62s reverse wound as well?

[@Paul-D]

No i dont think they are on that set. True to vintage spec.

[@PeteHoward777]

My new 2004 strat has the fat 50’s . I part exchanged my other American Pro 2 Strat for the new strat I bought. I prefer everything about it tbh . Medium jumbo frets rather than tall/ narrow vintage ones . Mine looks very much like the one in this video tbh Paul . Slightly thinner neck too . Great video, cheers 👍🏻

[@Paul-D]

I much prefer the medium jumbos, Ive tried to just 'get over it' but hey... you like what you like!

[@MrCarama]

Very nice sounds. I feel the neck is very important part of the sound. I put my 57/62 to maple neck strat and I could not be happier. They are not quite as magical as my Fullerton Grey Bobbins from 1982.

[@Paul-D]

Funny enough, Just recently I also swapped them over to a maple neck. You can hear them on my latest video on my new amp if interested :) I still haven't come across Strat pickups I like quite as much as the 57/62s although theres many that are close. There'll be some out there somewhere that I like more im sure!

[@Davedarave6661]

Hi Paul I keep coming back at this vid, I was reading Squier Classic Vibe have toneriders pickups in them the CV 50s has Tonerider Safari ones, I have secound hand Obsidian Wiring ST Blender 250k and Tonerider Pure Vintage Strat Set which sound like fender customshop fat 50s maybe bit 57/62s you should try them if people like squier CV? and please check out the Artist Signature Electric Guitars they are the as good as squier CV WOULD MAKE A GREAT VID? that's if your still one of us?

[@Paul-D]

Yeh the first few years from 2008 on CVs had tone riders. Havent had them now for years though sadly 😪 part of what makes the earlier ones so much better. Got a link the the other guitars you mentioned?

[@Davedarave6661]

thats good to know cheers.

[@conorfurlong]

I think the Fat 50s sound sweeter.

[@alistairpraet9108]

maybe im weird but i love the sound of the 50s ! epic

[@jmpOut]

Thank you so much for the review. Actually, they are so close! The red one is the best!))) Could you please compare 57/62 and Fat 50s with Ultra Vintage noiseless?

[@Paul-D]

Thanks dude - the only noiseless ones ive done so far were on a tele

[@duck_5150]

First off..great playing. Whoa. My vote,having had both sets myself; is the 57/62s

[@Paul-D]

Is there anything out there you think beats the 5762?

[@duck_5150]

@@Paul-D not at all...I remember a couple yrs ago the 57s were cheap af; price wise.

[@ConditionZero76]

Interesting, first off, you're a great player so they both aound amazing !!. But after listening to this now for the 3rd time, Im kinda leaning towards the Fat 50s. Unfortunately, I already ordered the 57/62s, and they'll be delivered tomorrow, lol. So for me its gonna be the 57/62 going forward, I'm sure I'll be happy ........Thanks

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for the kind words, ill keep playing 😆 You wont be disappointed, the 57/62 set is still as good to me as any level of strat pickups ive ever heard. Theres plenty of decent more budget options too so its not a case of gear snobbyness… but there just a great set of pups for everything other then maybe VERY high gain.

[@Dreamdancer11]

Those two are two of the best sets fender has ever made anyway so whatever someone chooses its a win..having said that..nothing can beat a set of kinmans...all the strattiness zero noise...perfection...

[@Paul-D]

Never tried kinmans but these 2 are the best sets of many many from fender ive tried too

[@Dreamdancer11]

@@Paul-D They are....i think if you add The set eric johnson has on his strat you have the 3 best ones that fender makes....cant go wrong with any of them.....

[@youmisterrob]

Wow difficult to choose, have them both, they do sound like what they look like,great demo.

[@Paul-D]

They are really that close, definitely a little more drive to get out the FAt 50s and abit more of that top end but SO close! 2 strats is the answer haaha. whod of thought more guitars was the answer, wait.....

[@ramencurry6672]

If you can only choose one, flip a coin. Work with the tones and make them sound like you. Remember, David Gilmour and many big name guitarists had no choice and just used stock pickups. They manipulated their fingers and amp settings to get the nuances to their taste.

[@jasonwelsh417]

I've got a set of 57/62s on the way to go in my Player II Strat. Sounds like I made a good choice.

[@Paul-D]

Great choice 🤘

[@steveindorset]

I gotta say I didn't notice any differences in the clean tones, but I sort of noticed the very very slightest of difference in the crunch sounds. I totally agree with what you said, Im still leaning towards the 57/62's and thanks to your videos will definitely be putting them in my 91' Strat. I was was never really on the fence about it, but you've helped me make that decision by giving me the extra info I needed with all theses comparisons, so thanks mate. 👍👍👍 Oh and yet again more great playing, top stuff. 👍

[@Gandhi4055]

Both great. Your playing was great too. I prefer the fuller sound of the fat 50s. But that’s just me

[@ntsms69]

Totally agree, very, very close with both sounding brilliant. I started to think that I couldn't tell the difference if I had not the visual to help, but then noticed slightly more 'chime' in the 50s. I could easily live with any of those two. A great comparison, done with playing that brought out the best of a 'Strat'. If I had to decide, I would go '50s', for the potential in a more punchy/driven use.

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for checking it out 🤘

[@ramencurry6672]

If Hendrix had both pickups they would both sound like him so ultimately it’s your rig adjustment and fingers. If you’re torn between both models, then choose the Fat 50s since it’s hum canceling in position 2 and 4.

[@Blueguitar007]

​@@ramencurry6672 that's because he'd be playing through an ice pick Marshall amp. .. live that is

[@mrmelon708]

This helped me pull the trigger on the 57/62s

[@riiings]

I'm fairly new to playing electric guitars but I've been playing bass for quite a while now. The '57/62 sounds better to my ears, a lot more cleaner sound more balanced and leaves room for a bass guitar to fill in. When effects are heavy it's not that noticeable, but as you get cleaner the examples you used for RHCP songs and Dire Straits really show the difference especially in Can't Stop bridge part. It's definitely not just in your head, I can see why you prefer these pickups. Great playing man! Inspired me to keep at it haha.

[@Paul-D]

Cheers man 🤘🤘

[@joshualewis8572]

I dig the 57/62 but the middle pickup from the fat 50s.... thank you you've given me a lot to think about... and buy lol

[@Paul-D]

Have fun my dude

[@3hcland]

Hello 🙏🏼 This is amazing!! Can u try Texas Special vs Fender OG 57/62 please

[@Paul-D]

I don't have any Texas specials anymore, but I have compared them so can share my thoughts.... If you want a hotter flavour in your Strat sound, something that handles drive nicer, get Texas specials or other more overwound/hotter pickups. If you want very early classic Strat tones on the cleaner/pushed side, get the 57/62

[@3hcland]

@@Paul-D thank you so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@thanosp.8140]

Even at this point the fat 50's sounded cleaner and richer to me. Imagine if you actually paired them with the better electronics as the other ones. Thanks for the comparison video!

[@Paul-D]

Yeh would be nice if i had same electrics in both for sure

[@GCKelloch]

All that really matters in the other components are the values. Pots of equal value all have the same effect on the sound unless there is something nearly shorting or not adequately grounded. A cheap "dime" size pot measuring 250k will have the same effect as a vintage CTS pot measuring the same. It's just a resistance value of Carbon, and the tone cap value makes no difference when the tone knob is up. I heard what you did b4 reading your description. There is likely some difference in the pickup heights, but the pickup sets are actually very close to the same spec with the 57/52 set being slightly higher inductance. The 57/62 set just shows ~1/2dB lower peak under the same resistance load in the GuitarFreak.xls file. Lacquered Maple FB's tend to damp less highs than bare Indian RW. It makes sense that the lacquer (polyurethane) stiffens the entire surface fiber/fret structure, which might otherwise absorb more highs. It's true of every comparison like this I've heard, and guitar neck I've owned, over the last 4+ decades.

[@luizalbertokoehler4904]

I think the difference in sound is mainly due to the different types of wood on the fingerboard, maple and rosewood. When in doubt, I suggest using pickup models that match, or as closely as possible, the original Fender configuration. Fat 50 for maple fingerboard and 57/62 for rosewood fingerboard.

[@Paul-D]

Its not. I promise. Ive swapped them since and made no real difference

[@mrtumnusmusic]

Great demo. Both sound great but the 57/62s are more what I'm after at the moment.

[@Paul-D]

I still prefer them :) in either maple or rosewood fingerboard.

[@JeremyMcCollum]

Excellent demo. I think I prefer the 50s sound a little fatter and fuller, very close though

[@Paul-D]

They are super close. Maybe the fats 50s bridge is more useful but they dont sell a mixed set haha

[@ekisoderqvist]

This was incredibly useful. I'm starting a strat build and wanted to put Suhr pickups in it first, but since with electronics that would set me back closer to 600€ whereas a fender preloaded pickguard is only about 350€ I wanted to decide which fenders would be best. The fat 50's seem to have a whole lot of color and more rounded tones, but there's also a harshness to the top end that's off-putting. The 57/62 sound like everything you could hope for in a strat: lots of responsive dynamic range, percussiveness for all those funk & RnB rhythm tones plus lots of color for solos. I'm sold

[@Paul-D]

The 57/62 set just seems to be pretty much unbeatable for any kind of strat application i could ever want. Glad the video was useful ☺️

[@beauxjames1419]

Going back and forth depending on clean/ dirty and position

[@TsarBomb]

Los 50's son super dulces. Los 57/62 tienen más brillo y mordida. Para mí los 2 son geniales, pero en gusto personal los 57/62 (que son los que tengo actualmente) pero una strato con 50's sería una gran opcion como alternativa para cuando uno se aburre. Saludos !

[@nicolasrk]

Besides the mics, really nice tones there.

[@andreetje1964]

Hi mate, After listening several times I agree to your opinion about prefering the 57/62 The Fat 50’s are really close and would be a good second choice, they’re a bit “Lollar” to me The real difference that the 57/62 made was with “the Sultans of Swing” , (RW/RP????? Or as the original 3 pickups, no RW/RP middle pickup The Fat 50’s became rough💪 at the low- mid section and the 57/62’s stay clean🫣👍 Thank you thank you thank you for this video now I had made my decision and I could hear loud and clear the difference you played very well!!!!!! when you’re in Holland we go have some nice things 🫣🫣🫣🫣⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@TheAmphibic]

I might be imagining it, but i think the mim without the rosewood might have provided some extra chime. I am a big lover of rosewood fretboards though. Maybe i'm giving it too much weight. I liked both. What's important for me is that the bridge pickup gets hooked up to a tone pot.

[@Paul-D]

It can make a difference and i did swap the loaded guards later on - but the difference was absolutely tiny

[@Paul-D]

And totally agree on the bridge having tone control haha

[@TheAmphibic]

@@Paul-D Cheers mate!

[@sparkyguitar0058]

Ever have a L Sensor set in 1 of these comparisons? I got a 93 deluxe plus Strat with the 3 color set and have always been happy with all the sounds. But it's also got a TBX tone for middle (s) and bridge (r).

[@Paul-D]

No closest i got to L sensors was a video we did on EMG Dave Gilmour style set up

[@Tstdycgyr]

Great video, I prefer the fat 50’s , in the red strat they would be ideal.

[@hajjcomb]

Great demo- thanks for putting this together! Very helpful in my decision making process. I think the Fat 50’s sound better across the board, to me anyway and my preference. Sounded more “classic Strat chime” IMHO.

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching. The fat 50s do have a little more top end on them. Some sounds that works in its favour some it can be a little brash. Even here in comments you see that which i find interesting 😀

[@cgb1394]

Great vid man liked and subscribed. Can you do a comparison between the 57/62 and teh Pure Vintage 65? Thanks!!!

[@Paul-D]

The only vid ive got on those pups is when we compared the silversky SE to an american original series back when the se silversky first came out

[@hrshorty6676]

Hi your comments on set up are interesting. You are right. You should do a video on the difference in tone by set up only 😉.

[@Paul-D]

It would be huge difference, im very very fussy about the height of my pickups for that reason haha

[@jeffpratt6355]

For cleans, I tended to prefer the Fat 50s, though there wasn't much to separate the neck pickups on that. For crunchy tones, I preferred the 57/62s for every position except bridge, which is interesting. So for me, maybe a Fat 50 in the bridge, but 57/62s for middle and neck?

[@Paul-D]

That would be a sweet combination for sure. Fender should sell them that way save scratching around for 2 different sets haha

[@It_is_now]

I had both of those pick up. Fat 50s has a really percussive articulation feel, which is good but! The frequency range is narrow and very squashed together which resulted in very little string separation. 57/62 is low out put more generic strat sound but its not full sounding. When playing single note it does not bloom. Also doesn’t have percussive property like Fat 50s. Fender El Diablo pick ups is hotter and have Fender Characteristic. You should try one. :)

[@Paul-D]

Weirdly timed comment, ive actually began to move away from these pickups in search of something a little hotter and fuller (as a result of preferring humbuckers the last year or so). Ill check them out thanks

[@It_is_now]

@ Sounds like we are in the same boat. I would like to share my 2 cents if you are in search of Strat pick ups. Fender hottest pick ups are Deluxe Drive (As what they have stated in their website). Seymour Duncan hottest are quarter pounder with larger diameter magnet pole (They responded to my question). However I have never heard bigger sounding single coil than Suhr V60lp, they deliver deep round bass and thick highs. At the same time though, they don’t have the spongy articulation that Fender have. So to me the sweet spot is Fender El Diablo, Seymour Duncan Custom Shops (Cradle Rock model, doesn’t sound like Fender but Hot and bigger than Lollar Special S). But what ever you choose Capacitor value is important too. My Fender El Diablo Strat came with .1 Capacitor which deliver darker tone. Anyways happy hunting!

[@Emulator_Crossing]

wish you also played some power chord hard rock/metal to hear what suit it best...

[@19P77]

Great video, thank you!

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching

[@javierf55]

Great video. Conclusion, if your guitar has Fat 50's you might want the 57/62 and viceversa...

[@Paul-D]

There really very close. Regardless of the fretboard wood honestly haha. The bridge of the fat 50s arguably is favourable for abit of gain but.... they don't sell a mixed set lol

[@pablotoo]

Great review, good tones & thoughtful choice of demo pieces. Totally surprising results for me. Been a fan & have owned/fitted many of both pickups but never did an A/B comparison. If I’d listened blind, to this test, I’d have guessed 100% wrong. What do I know eh🥴? It’s a reminder why the 57/62 have been in production for so long. Someone commented that the Fat 50s do dirty up better than the 57/62s, I have to agree on that one but as ever, all this is subjective. We all have an idea of that perfect Strat sound, whatever that is?!

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for watching, I have put the fat 50s in E flat tuning now and run them abit dirtier and very happy, but for me the 57/62 still rule the day. One thing I regret not putting in the video is the 57/62 do tend to be a TINY bit noisier on 'idol' as it were, but noisy single coils have never ever bothered me so it skipped my mind haha.

[@onwithandoverwith]

EXCELLENT! Both are ridiculously lovely....no substitute for having both guitars, hahahahahaha

[@Paul-D]

Both is better 99% of the time haahha

[@Pegasus4213]

I'm Les Paul guy looking for a strat and have a liking for the fat 50s pickups. But this demo splits me into liking both, very close in likability. They don't beat the FFs though, so I'll stick with them. Good demo!!!

[@Paul-D]

Thanks, I think the fat 50s do handle more drive abit better. And if your a humbucker guy that will be appreciated im sure haha. Ive recently been alot more won over by humbuckers too and sometimes struggle to go back to the strats 😅

[@Pegasus4213]

@@Paul-D Right! Thanks for that! It's odd, I always loved Hendrix playing!

[@Paul-D]

I think its a weird thing us guitarists do. Theres loads of players and songs i love but have never even wanted to try and play them on guitar or get those tones myself hahaa.

[@TheNalo14]

They sound very similar to me. That John Mayer riff sounded so much better with the fat 50's though, so I would probably go with those. Awesome playing btw! Question: Is it worth putting these types of pickups in a Squier Strat?

[@Paul-D]

They are very close especially compared to my other shootouts. RE squire question - if you have one you like the feel and playing of then yeh for sure - remember youll need to upgrade the pots and caps along with the pickups though to make it fully worth it.

[@michaelmay9059]

I would say yes. Tons of people who don't wanna drop $1600+ on a guitar will buy a Squire or Mexican strat and replace the pickups as well as the electronics. You get a guitar that sounds just as good as Am made for much cheaper

[@elianmusic7452]

Pauly, 9 months later have you decided on which you like more? To me the main difference seems to be that the fat 50's are a smidge more mellow, theres more of a low mid bloom to the notes, whereas the 57 62s have that top end attack and cluckiness more than the fat 50's. But theyre both so incredibly similar. Would love to hear your thoughts

[@Paul-D]

The 57/62 ultimately still my favourite, These are still the closest to them ive come across though - and that's playing and listening in real life and I did swap them round to get rid of the maple/rosewood difference (which didn't make any real odds at all)

[@elianmusic7452]

@@Paul-D Yes. I dont believe in wood affecting the tone. I used to very much, but iv seen enough tests to tell me the difference is either not there or negligible. Thanks so much, will purchase the 57/62 soon cause of you!

[@Paul-D]

Sweet! Enjoy them, I think there's a good argument for putting a slightly hotter pickup in the bridge if you reallllly want but for pure classic Strat tone the 57/62 full set can't go wrong.

[@user-jb4um9tl8d]

Well here it is, 2025, and my favorites (57/62's) have been upped by Seymour's 'Cradle Rock 63's) Another Bonamossa endevour to get Rory's sound down pat. They succeded!

[@JeremyMcCollum]

Excellent demo. I think I prefer the 50s sound a little fatter.

[@graycolors2879]

If people stop listening with their eyes, there is NO DIFFERENCE. It's about, how you feel about your playing abilities, if you are satisfied, with what and how you can play. Anyway, there is always a good reason to have 2 strats ;) I listened to his video on good set of speakers, with eyes closed and heard no noticeable difference across. Then both neck pickups clean sounded 100% the same for me (if you can measure sound "similarity"). Great playing! I'm sure you would get the best of 15$ no name pickups as well ;)

[@Paul-D]

Thanks man, and yeh there is verry little difference between these sets in person too. Ive even swapped the necks to be 100% certain the fingerboards aren’t doing anything - i wasn’t surprised when it made no difference haha.

[@ericclefstad8112]

I’ve had the fat 50s in my strat for roughly 10 years. I closed my eyes and randomly picked a spot in the video. I could tell the difference between them, every single time. Now I have 10 years playing time on the fat 50s to get familiar, but there is definitely a distinct difference. I’m actually thinking of switching to 57/62s.

[@Epiwater11]

I have modified a lot on one of my cheap guitar from china. Reason being i find the tone too prickly bright and lack of bottom end. My conclusion( not fact) , the things that affect the guitar tone most ,are 1. Frets. As soon as i changed the fret to those thick lead-like frets, the characteristics of the tone change completely. The tone became warmer and rounder. The original was aluminium like material, very light in weight. 2. Bridge and nut, this affect the open strings more, i changed out these a few times( especially the bridge), i seems to get the tone i want when i strummed open strings. but as soon as i started fretting or soloing, the bright cheap guitar sound seens to return. Thus i changed the frets after these. 3. Pick ups, while some pick up like SD full shred seems to vary a lot( very heavy bottom end)from other pick up, it can't get rids of the cheap bright aluminium sound coming from fretting.

[@MDN1505]

Fat 50s have that shrill. 57/62 sounds ear friendly. Could be maple neck produce brighter tone?

[@Paul-D]

When the pickups are so close the neck wood definitely comes into it, but only when your already in a very close tonal place I think

[@ldelcors]

Love the “Bad Penny,” riff!!

[@Paul-D]

Forever a work in progress haha

[@denbodg9311]

Have you tried the Vintage 2 1961 Strat or the Pure Vintage ‘61 pickups ? I’d be interested to know your opinion. I have ‘57 and ‘62 AVRI Strats, and a V2 ‘61. The ‘57/62 pickups certainly have the edge but I still like the ‘61.

[@Paul-D]

Ive tried the pure vintage 61 - nothing to complain about but i do prefer the 57/62 set still. Not tried a vintage 2 or the new mcready out of mexico yet.

[@34scot]

Sorry my friend I think the 57 get a better tone, that being said they are on different guitar's. I have a Mexican stratocaster from around 95. It has a great tone and a few years ago I put a Fender tremola bridge on it and the difference was crazy. It keeps turning a lot better. Now that I saw your video I'm definitely ordering the fat 50's. Oh yea the Mexican fender bridge underside looked like it was leveled out by a 15 year old with a grinder.

[@mrmelon708]

Hi pauly, i was wondering if you knew the difference between the pure vintage 57/62 vs pure vintage 61. They sound pretty similair to me through youtube and there's no direct comparisons

[@Paul-D]

Do the pure 61s have RWRP? Might be a difference to consider?

[@mrmelon708]

@@Paul-D I don't believe they do, not from anything I've read

[@Paul-D]

It could be they are very similar sounding pickups, it's not one ive really tried. Ive tried the pure 65s.... I think the pure 61s came in the new Vintage IIs didn't they?

[@mrmelon708]

@@Paul-D yes they do I think

[@matteogambarelli1120]

Could someone advice pickups to play Nile Rodgers stuffs and cheap as a plus skill? 😊

[@Paul-D]

Low output tonerider pickups be perfect and a set for under £100

[@matteogambarelli1120]

@@Paul-D could you advice the exact model?

[@888jimm]

It's a great public service you do mate 😎

[@denisfaes7017]

In the in between postions I like the Fat 50's better, 1 - 3 - 5 the 57/62 pickups

[@sacredhighway1]

Fabulous pickups either way!

[@Paul-D]

I agree

[@hepgeoff]

Thanks for this! I love the 57/62s in my MIM Strat, but was curious about the Fat 50s. Would you mind sharing the pickup heights on your Strats?

[@Paul-D]

Dont have exact measurements to hand but they were set as good as identical, which is the bass side only slightly above the scratch plate and the treble side slightly higher then that. Any time ive tried any strat pickups set higher i dont like the sound at all haha

[@melvilleallemang7837]

Those are custom shop fat 50's right...they sound better

[@steveindorset]

Hi Paul just watched the video again and Im stuffed again. Those fat 50s are really very good I really, am beginning to warm to them more and more. What amp were you playing them through? Also the Fat 50 middle pickup is reverse wound for noise reduction, where as the 62s aren't. Did you notice any difference in the noise? Were the 62's noisier?

[@Paul-D]

No difference in noise to me, personally i never get the bother of single coil hum its just part of the sound to me, as long as it goes away when playing it dont matter just turn volume down when not playing lol. The amp was my jubilee 20w head on this one :)

[@steveindorset]

@@Paul-DNice one me either bud. But the way some are talking about the 62's they make em sound like there's a gaggle of magpies sqwarking in the back garden!! I used to rehearse with an original 50w jubilee, man that thing used to sing and wail!! Ok thanks again..... I'm still undecided....but those 50's do sound sweet....

[@Paul-D]

haha I guess to some people small things are a big deal, and conversely bigger issues aren't a problem lol. Truth is you cant go wrong either way with these 2 pickup sets in particular

[@steveindorset]

@@Paul-D that's what I'm thinking!!....Hmm maybe a self build vintage strat for the 62's?🤔 I feel a project coming on...😆

[@Jesse_Pinkman_whatup]

nice comparison!! love your playing

[@Jesse_Pinkman_whatup]

What's the title of the song when you play the driven neck pickup?

[@Paul-D]

Yellow ledbetter Pearl Jam. You can play it an infinite number of ways always my go to tester for neck pup on a strat haha

[@Jesse_Pinkman_whatup]

@@Paul-D oh I see!! I forgot it's title hahaha thanks a lot for title and tips!

[@H20Pickups]

The 57/62’s they are smoother in the top end and bottom end. A rounder tone. The fat 50’s are a bit brittle IMHO.

[@bpabustan]

I have a '95 Rosewood board Mexican Standard Strat modified with 57/62 set. The cleans are IMMACULATE! I will not change it! The drawbacks are they are not hum cancelling, all pickups are wired identically, and if you play with distortion, the set should be placed farther from the strings or you'll get this irritating screeching overtones. Compared to the Fat '50s set they almost sound very identical. But the 57/62 has more dynamics and more balanced tone. The Fat '50s advantage however is it is hum cancelling and probably the bridge pickup is wound slightly higher. Had the bridge pickup of the Fat 50s has warmer sound, I could have considered switching models.

[@Paul-D]

Yup you picked up very accurately exactly the differences and characteristics of the sets. The non rw middle has never bothered me too much but yeh you can definitely set them against you haha

[@lambo831]

I’m think the 57/62 take it, but the overdrive with the fat 50s is way better. Just depends on what you’re playing. Wonder if you could add a fat 50 on the 57/62 configuration.

[@Paul-D]

A Fat 50 in the bridge (with tone control) would be the PERFECT set. But it wouldn't be cheap haha

[@lambo831]

Thanks for replying! I am new to the electric game, but have been playing acoustic for many years. I’ve been going down the rabbit hole and I appreciate all your content! Very helpful. Cheers!

[@Paul-D]

Thanks for stopping by. Im in the market for an acoustic about now funnily enough. A Eastman E10SS in particular (Kind of similar to a J45)

[@dominbuleto]

I love 57/62, they're the ones I have on my own Japanese strat. But I don't consider them necessarily better than fat 50s. One thing is quite clear to me. Fender has been doing great pickups for a while and cheaper than others. I fitted my g&l tele with yosemite pickups and they're an awesome value for the money

[@Paul-D]

I was surprised how much I liked the Yosemite pickups in fairness. Underrated pickup set I think

[@Davedarave6661]

WoW I always like 57/62s but some reason liked 50s only a tiny bit richer if i'm right? But if you can help are the Squier classic vibes 50s 60s and 70s do they all sound the same and do they have same pickup cheers.

[@Paul-D]

They are a tiny bit hotter then the 57/62 so take better to abit of dirt. But in this case it is very subtle between them. The squire classic vibes for the most part sound pretty similar and if your in the market for one. Try and find a good used one from 2008-2014ish. They were far better.

[@Davedarave6661]

@@Paul-D cool thanks I knew you put me right cheers

[@Davedarave6661]

So if your still there? what's a good fender cheap medel to buy if I can get a good second hand one cheers I like the 50s classic style and like the same songs you do?

[@Paul-D]

If it was fender i always search out the classic player Mexico guitars. They are some of the best fender ever did to come out of mexico. The best was the early roadworn versions but the cats out the bag with those and i see them sell for well over £1,000 now. You should be able to get a classic series (think they run to 2016/17) for around £450-£500. Very similar specs and sounds to the old roadworns but poly finish over the nitro. I have vids of all these guitars across the channel 😁 All that being said, if your not a rosewood board guy like i am, the new MAPLE neck player series is a fine guitar. Just avoid the pau ferro ones haha

[@renanbos]

I did the blind test on myself asking for someone to randomly choose one of them each time and guess what: I cannot tell which one is which. I don't know if you did it in your self, but it is very interesting how the look of the guitars change what we hear while seeing the video and we're sure that there are differences, but when the visual clue is hidden from us, the differences simply disappear. I strongly believe that the differences are much more about psychology than something human ears alone can really hear. The pickups have slightly different specs, but I really doubt that someone can tell the difference in a blind test.

[@Paul-D]

Totally agree with these 2 sets in particular. You could definitely tell 2 completely different output pickups apart on a blind test id of said though

[@renanbos]

@@Paul-D Yes, for sure. When the output is significantly different, such as, let's say CS69 and 57/62, the difference is clear. In the present case the output is very similar and things became harder.

[@CarsGuitarsAudio]

Just bought CS Fat 50 s for a MIM 2015 Strat. I think they are even better than the stock American Ultras Noiseless P U ..The Loaded Pickguard for fat 50s cost me $369

[@wvillatoro]

It seems quite similar to me... I have a performer hss stratocaster with rosewood fingerboard and I want to change it to sss and I'm between these two sets... which one do you recommend, what gauge of strings you use in the two stratocasters?

[@Paul-D]

They are very similar, I do prefer the 57/62 still but for sure its splitting hairs in this case. I use 9 - 46

[@MelodyCarroll-rx8tk]

Do you have any experience with the pv61 pickups? How might they compare to the 57/62 set?

[@Paul-D]

I have since yeh - nothing to dislike about them really - but for me the 57/62 set are still my favourite. I never stop trying different ones but at this point a Stratocaster just sounds like that set of pickups to my ears haha.