Inspired by the unmistakable tones associated with Eric Clapton’s legendary “Blackie” Stratocaster®, the Eternal “Blackjack” S-Style Pickup Set, part of our Timeless Series, captures the bright clarity, sweet articulation and punchy dynamics that helped define one of the most iconic electric guitar sounds ever recorded.
While building our own tribute instrument inspired by “Blackie”, we uncovered an intriguing detail: the pickups in Clapton’s famous guitar were not mid-’50s examples as often assumed, but grey-bottom single coils from the mid-to-late 1960s. That discovery led us down a fascinating path of experimentation, listening and refinement.
The result is the Blackjack Set — a trio of pickups that shimmer with vintage clarity, snap with punchy presence and sing with the sweetness and definition players associate with Clapton’s celebrated tones.
Vintage-Inspired Materials & Handcrafted Character
Each pickup is constructed using materials associated with mid-to-late-1960s Stratocaster® pickups, including grey-bottom fibre flatwork, purple plain enamel coil wire and hand-bevelled Alnico 5 magnets.
Every coil is scatter-wound by hand, introducing subtle variations that contribute to the lively harmonic complexity players expect from vintage-style single coils.
Rather than traditional wax potting, the Blackjack set uses light nitrocellulose lacquer potting, similar to that found in some late-1960s pickups. This process stabilises the outer windings while leaving the inner coil slightly more responsive, enhancing touch sensitivity, openness and the “alive under your fingers” feel that great vintage pickups are known for.
Available Only as a Complete Set
To preserve the tonal balance and character of the design, the Blackjack set is available exclusively as a calibrated set of three pickups.
Each pickup contributes to the bright, articulate and expressive personality of the set — ideal for shimmering cleans, dynamic edge-of-breakup tones and singing blues-rock leads.
Choose either aged or unaged finishes to match the aesthetic of your instrument.
Key Features
Grey-Bottom Flatwork
Period-inspired construction associated with late-1960s Stratocaster® pickups.
Hand-Bevelled Alnico 5 Magnets
Custom-voiced for the ideal blend of sweetness and punch.
Purple Plain Enamel Coil Wire
Distinctive winding wire used in many mid-to-late-1960s pickups.
Hand Scatter-Wound Coils
Each pickup individually wound for harmonic complexity and dynamic response.
Nitrocellulose Lacquer Potting
Preserves vintage openness and microphonic liveliness.
Calibrated Set of Three
Balanced output and tone across all positions.
Aged or Unaged Options
Choose a pristine appearance or subtle vintage patina.
Non-RW/RP Middle Pickup
Vintage-style configuration retaining classic phase relationships.
Tonal Profile
Lows
Tight and defined with just a hint of warmth.
Mids
Open and articulate without becoming boxy.
Highs
Sweet, bright and glassy with just enough bite to cut through a mix.
Overall
A dynamic fusion of bright chime, responsive touch sensitivity and harmonically rich character — ideal for clean tones, edge-of-breakup blues and singing lead work.
Specifications
DC Resistance
~5.7kΩ – 6.0kΩ
Magnets
Hand-Bevelled Alnico 5
Wire
42 AWG Purple Plain Enamel
Flatwork
Grey Bottom Fibre
Potting
Light Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Lead Wires
Vintage Cloth Push-Back
Polarity
All pickups wound in the same direction (no RW/RP)
The Spirit of “Blackie”, Brought to Life
The Eternal Blackjack S-Style Pickup Set channels the character of one of the most famous Stratocaster® tones ever recorded — delivering sparkling clarity, expressive dynamics and singing lead voices with the touch sensitivity and organic response only hand-wound boutique pickups can provide.
Trademark Notice
Fender®, Stratocaster®, Telecaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
Any reference to these names is used solely to describe compatibility or tonal inspiration. Eternal Guitars is not affiliated with or endorsed by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
