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Post subject: Re: Tex Mex Pick ups
Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 9:00 am
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jeffo46 wrote:
Are the Tex Mex pups a vast improvement over the standard pups in the 2006 and up MIM standard Strats? I have been considering putting a set in my 2006 MIM Strat and I would like to hear some feedback as to how good they are.


From what I perceive, the Tex Mex pickups are the exact same coil windings as the MIM standard pickups, with the only difference between the two models being the magnets: The Tex Mex have alnico polepiece magnets whereas the 'standard' MIM ones have a ceramic bar underneath each pickup attached to steel polepieces. Granted, the Tex Mex do give you a sweeter type sound because of the alnico magnets but by no means would I call them a, "vast improvement". It could also be argued that the MIM 'standard' pickups yield a crisper sound because of the ceramic magnets.

The closest thing I can compare the Tex Mex pickups to are OEM Strat pickups from the 1970s. By this I mean, there's really nothing singular about them. So, by switching to a Tex Mex set, you're essentially going from one 'generic' Strat sound to another. Frankly, I think you'd be infinitely more satisfied in choosing a replacement set which pinpoints the exact Strat tonality which you are after.

Note that the aforementioned is merely my opinion where YMMV.

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Post subject: Re: Tex Mex Pick ups
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 2:24 pm
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Martian wrote:
... Granted, the Tex Mex do give you a sweeter type sound because of the alnico magnets but by no means would I call them a, "vast improvement". It could also be argued that the MIM 'standard' pickups yield a crisper sound because of the ceramic magnets ...

With all due respect, I completely disagree... Maybe the above analysis was based on what martian thought the difference would be?

The fact is going from MIM ceramic to Tex Mex is a drastic difference. I made this change. The ceramics are a bit flat, yet nicely warm and very balanced. Tex Mex offer lot more dynamics, and are much more bright across the entire low-to-high spectrum. The Tex Mex have a serious "Stratty" tone, making all 5 positions of the pup selector switch a completely different palatte (with the ceramic, I would either use only pos 1 or 5; now with Tex Mex I use 1-5). Also, there is the sustain... My git had excellent sustain with the ceramics, but went off the charts with Tex Mex. Ridiculously huge sustain. I think Tex Mex would be bad pup choice for only hardcore metal, but excellent for Halen/ Trower playing and blues. They're great ... and a bargain.

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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:29 am
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I have a MIM Strat with Dragonfire Texas Specials along with heavier guage strings . Although their not the Tex-Mex pups your asking about they made a big difference in the tone. It has that SRV warm tone to it. Pick ups have a big effect on the guitar, my 08 Am. Standard has Alnico V`s and their much brighter.

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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:20 am
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I know Tex-Mex pups dont get much respect around here,,But I have'em on my MIA. HSS strat along with the diamondback bucker at the bridge,,and i think thier decent pups , not my favorite but certainly better sounding than MIM ceramics.



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Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:54 am
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I have a MIM with Tex-Mex at neck and middle and I like them better than standard MIM PUs. Higher output, very Strat sound and pretty quiet because middle is reverse wound.


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