If you've been looking at solutions for single-coil pickup hum, you may have come across discussions about "dummy coils."
While both BzzzzKill and conventional dummy coils aim to reduce that annoying 60Hz buzz (50 Hz buzz in the UK and other 230-volt regions), they're fundamentally differing approaches with vastly different results.
Let's break down why BzzzzKill is the superior solution — and answer to the usual comparisons right here.
Massive Difference: RWRP Compatibility
Here's the most important fact that often gets buried in technical discussions while the experts get lost in their pontification: dummy coils simply don't work with most Stratocasters made since the mid-1980s.
It's a fact. Since around 1985, Fender has manufactured Stratocasters with RWRP (Reverse Wound, Reverse Polarity) middle pickups. This configuration allows positions 2 and 4 on your pickup selector to be somewhat more hum-canceling, creating those iconic "quack" tones while eliminating noise.
What's the problem? Well, if you want a dummy coil to work at all, your pickups have to be the same wind and magnet direction — like vintage style pickups. But sets with an RWRP middle won't work with a dummy coil. Full stop.
This single compatibility issue eliminates dummy coils as a viable solution for the vast majority of Stratocasters in existence today.
BzzzzKill works with both vintage-style and RWRP configurations, making it universally compatible with the majority of Strat-style guitars.
Tone Preservation: Night and Day Difference
The tone impact between conventional dummy coils and BzzzzKill is also substantial:
Dummy Coils and Tone Problems
A frustrating problem with traditional dummy coils is how much they add to the impedance of the pickup and thus tend to mess up the tone. Guitar forum discussions consistently mention that you end up with something that sounds entirely too weak/thin to be useful, even for ultra-twangy hillbilly music.
The technical reason is straightforward: you end up filtering some of the signal that you want out of the first coil by running it through the second coil, which doesn't have the opposite signal in it, but still has an impedance to it that will restrict current flow below some frequency.
BzzzzKill's Honest Approach to Tone
Let us be completely forthright: ANY device you add to your guitar's signal path technically changes the tone to some extent. We don't claim 100% original tone because that would be misleading. What we CAN say is that most players and many music industry professionals tell us they can't discern any difference in their sound—just the absence of that annoying buzz.
More importantly, those who can notice a subtle change often prefer it. Chris Church, a professional amplifier technician with over 30 years of experience as a live sound engineer, amp tech, and guitar player, independently installed BzzzzKill in his own 1983 Squier Japan Strat and reported:
"It does slightly alter tone but actually I find in a good way—takes some of the harshness out of a pickup around 4-6kHz... this affects tone in a good way. It smooths things out... Anyone telling you different is lying to you. But this affects tone in a good way... For $200 it's a bargain."
Other professional testers include renowned recording artist Tim Butler and sound engineer Howard Klopak (who has worked with Sass Jordan, Blue Rodeo and Loverboy among numerous other legends), confirmed that BzzzzKill eliminates hum with minimal impact on their instruments' character.
Engineering: Purpose-Built vs. Makeshift
The Conventional Dummy Coil Approach
Most standard dummy coil implementations are essentially DIY solutions using repurposed guitar pickups with the magnets removed. This makeshift approach creates multiple problems:
Physical Issues:
- Not designed to fit properly in control cavities, causing rattling and movement
- Risk of electrical shorts in the control circuit if not secured properly
- Potential internal damage from loose components
Performance Problems:
- Complex wiring issues that many DIYers struggle with
- Risk of actually increasing hum
- Tone becomes "sterile" with significant high-frequency loss
- Increased resistance and inductance that loads your signal
- You'll notice reduced output (a Strat set to 10 sounds like it's turned down to 8-9)
BzzzzKill's Professional Engineering
BzzzzKill was designed from the ground up specifically for Stratocaster-style guitars. Our founder developed over 200 prototypes to perfect the solution, resulting in:
- Perfect fit: Engineered to nest securely between your guitar's internal components
- Optimized winding: Individually hand-wound and tested specifically for your guitar's performance, not repurposed from existing components
- Professional materials: Built in Canada from quality components, including precision-cut metal posts and flatwork designed to outlast your guitar
The Performance Reality
Now let's be clear about what you actually get with each approach:
Dummy Coil Results
- Only works with vintage-style (non-RWRP) pickup sets
- You WILL notice a reduction in overall output volume. A Strat set to 10 on the volume knob will sound more like it has been turned to 8-9
- Tone becomes "thin" and "weak"
- Potential for rattling and internal damage
- Inconsistent results due to DIY nature
BzzzzKill Results
- Works with ALL Stratocaster SSS pickup configurations (vintage and RWRP) Note: does NOT currently support HSS Strats or other humbucking pickups
- Comprehensive noise elimination in all pickup positions
- Minimal tone impact that most players can't detect—and those who can usually prefer it
- Professional installation with secure, semi-permanent mounting (non-invasive with no screws or drilling)
- Consistent, repeatable results with excellent value at much lower cost than alternatives
Why All This Matters for Your Music
As guitarists, we don't usually want to slightly reduce hum—we want to eliminate it nearly completely while preserving everything we love about our Stratocaster's tone. Whether you're recording in the studio, performing live, or just playing at home, you deserve a solution that actually solves the problem without creating new ones.
Many guitarists have found traditional "noiseless" single coils to be "sterile" and lacking dynamics, which is WHY they seek alternatives. BzzzzKill gives you the best of both worlds: the authentic, dynamic tone of real single-coils with professional-level noise reduction.
The Bottom Line
While dummy coils represent a crafty DIY approach to a widespread problem, they're ultimately a homemade workaround, re-jigging parts built for something else, and face major limitations.
BzzzzKill is a purpose-built, engineered solution that really does solve the Stratocaster hum problem without compromise.
And so, the choice is clear: you can TRY to make a vintage-era workaround function through trial and error, or you can use a solution engineered, designed and handcrafted specifically to stop the single-coil buzz in your Strat.
Ready to experience your Stratocaster the way it was meant to sound? BzzzzKill eliminates the buzz while preserving everything you love about single-coil tone.
Because after 70+ years of dealing with this problem, isn't it time for a real solution?
Want to learn more about how BzzzzKill works or see installation video? It's all on the Installation page.
