EMG Pickups brings you two passive prewired Stratocaster pickguards, the ST-54 and ST-65. The two systems come in both vintage & classic styles and are the newest passive additions to EMG’s SRO Series. Both Feature EMG’s solderless technology and are drop in ready for a seamless install. The EMG ST-54 pickguard is loaded with pickups featuring Alnico 2 magnets for an alternative to classic Strat tone. Alnico 2 magnets provide a warmer and fatter low frequency response. They also have a more pronounced mid-range for a smoother flow from the lows to mids. Although Alnico 2 features a lower resonance, it has a higher Q resulting in a sharper high end. Alnico 2 also gives a different feel and attack. They have half the magnetism of a typical Alnico 5 magnet giving the Strat player a nice “squish”. The ST-65 pickguard is loaded with pickups featuring Alnico 5 magnets for a classic Strat tone. Alnico 5 magnets have a magnetism of 1, 000 Gauss giving the pickup a much more direct attack. Overall, the tone could be described as more classic. The low frequency response has a brightness to it that is carried through the mid-range. Alnico 5 results in a higher resonant frequency for a bright & clear response typical of Stratocaster pickups. Both the Alnico 2 & Alnico 5 pickups are built in the traditional fashion with original style construction but feature a two pin connector for easy installation & tinkering. Made in California, both passive pickguards are designed in traditional style on a three ply, 11 hole pickguard, with a 5 position switch, master volume and tone controls on the neck and middle positions. The pickguards are available in black on black or white on white, giving them a classic and clean look that matches their tone.