“Gray Gypsy”

Gray Gypsy™ Stratocaster Pickup Set

Inspired by the late-1960s Stratocaster. Open, airy, and unmistakably expressive.

The Gray Gypsy™ is my interpretation of the late-1960s gray-bottom Stratocaster pickups that introduced a slightly different voice to the Strat's evolution. Lower in output than earlier designs, these pickups became known for their expansive clarity, deep piano-like bass, scooped midrange, and airy and almost feathery bell-like highs.

Built with vintage-correct 42 AWG Plain Enamel magnet wire and Alnico 5 rod magnets, the Gray Gypsy™ captures the unmistakable openness and dynamic response that made these later Stratocasters favorites among players seeking exceptional clean tones and articulate overdriven sounds.

The Gray Gypsy™ is the lowest output Strat set in my Alnico 5 lineup. However, that lower output isn't a compromise. It's actually the source of its character. With less compression and outstanding note separation, every nuance of your playing comes through with remarkable clarity. The result is a pickup that feels lively, responsive, and effortlessly expressive.

Dig in and you'll hear tight, thumping lows paired with shimmering, crystalline highs. Roll back your volume and the Gray Gypsy™ gives you glassy cleans that remain full and musical. Whether you're exploring blues, classic rock, funk, country, surf, or atmospheric clean tones, these pickups preserve the unmistakable sparkle and articulation that have made late-'60s Stratocasters so inspiring and unique.

Rather than simply reproducing vintage specifications, I spent years studying what made the finest original examples special. Every aspect of the Gray Gypsy™ was carefully refined through extensive research, listening, and development to create a pickup that honors the character of the originals while delivering the consistency expected from a modern boutique pickup.

Features

• Inspired by late-1960s gray-bottom Stratocaster pickups

• Hand-built one pickup at a time in the USA

• Gray vulcanized fiber bottoms with black vulcanized fiber tops

• Vintage-correct 42 AWG Plain Enamel copper magnet wire

• Hand-beveled Alnico 5 rod magnets

• Lowest-output Strat set in the Rumpelstiltskin Alnico 5 lineup

• Exceptional clarity, dynamic response, and note separation

• Available with Vintage Stagger, Low-G Stagger, or Flat Pole options

Specifications

Bobbin Material
Gray Vulcanized Fiber Bottoms / Black Vulcanized Fiber Tops

Magnet Wire
42 AWG Plain Enamel Copper

Magnet Grade
Alnico 5

DC Resistance (±5%)

Bridge: 6.2kΩ

Middle: 5.6kΩ

Neck: 5.6kΩ

As with all hand-made pickups, DC resistance is provided as a reference only and should not be interpreted as a direct measure of tone or output.

Pricing

Strat Singles - $120

Full Sets - $360