As every experienced Strat player knows, magnet pull is both a problem and a fact of life. Alnico 5 rod magnets exert a strong influence on guitar strings. If they get too close, you'll lose sustain and have tuning problems. Even so, Alnico 5 is part of the essential Strat sound of the 50s and 60s. We wanted to retain the sound and reduce the problem, and the VirtuAL 2® series is the result. All VirtuAL 2® models use a special precision-ground Alnico 2 alloy with 45% less magnet pull than Alnico 5 magnets and Virtual Vintage® technology to eliminate noise. The VirtuAL 2® Bridge model is the perfect compliment to the VirtuAL 2® neck and middle pickups if you like a tight, punchy sound with lots of cut. While Alnico 2 reduces string pull and increases sustain in the neck and middle positions, in the bridge position it enhances pick attack and definition, particularly on the low strings.

Recommended for: Rosewood fingerboards, alder, ash and basswood bodies.

Tech Talk: The VirtuAL 2® Bridge model has a very raw, aggressive sound, particularly when it's adjusted close to the strings. The low magnetic field creates an almost glassy tone quality, but the specific Alnico 2 alloy we've used adds warmth and body to the sound, so high notes don't get thin and brittle. The overall sound is very focused. If you'd prefer a bridge sound with more mids and lows, try the Virtual Vintage® Solo (DP404), which can also be effectively matched with the VirtuAL 2® neck and middle models.

Specifications:

Wiring Four Conductor
Magnet Alnico 2
Output 145mV
DC Resistance 9.11K
Year of introduction 1999
Patent # 4442749 & 5811710 & 5908998