Hey guys! I play an '02 American Standard Strat, I love it! Lately I've been thinking about maybe getting some hotter pickups? Just wanted some input, maybe some of ya'll play em already? I play Blues, Jazz and Black Gospel. I'm thinking Texas Specials? or the 57/62's? Let me know friends.......Peace!

The Texas Specials rock! I put some in my Squier and now honestly, it beats some (not all, but some) American Strats as far as tone is concerned. I decided on the Texas Specials after watching a bunch of youtube clips. Even hearing them on the computer, you can tell they sound really good.
I like the Texas Specials so much that I'm going to replace the Vintage Noiseless pickups in my Fender Strat with Custom Shop '69s. Custom Shop pickups from now on for me.

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Those are both great choices of pickups I think you will be happy with either.. I think you will find as many varied opinions on pick up choice here in this forum as you could passably imagine. Her is one thing I have found in my quest for a set on my new axe.. My buddy turned me on to a pick up booster pedal by Seymoure Duncan… It boosts to that hotter stage and I can still turn it off to keep that classic strat sound when needed….i say try out a few different pickups and see what sounds good to you; that is the only way you gonna’ know. Also for whatever it is worth I am a big fan of the Texas specials…..cheers Bill...

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The 57/62 aren't really hotter than the Am Stds, especially the bridge pickup. They are always a good lateral choice though if you just want something a little different and they will have no trouble covering all three of your stated types of music.

The neck and middle pickups of the Texas Specials are slightly more powerful than the Am Stds with the bridge pickups being just about equal. IMO, the Texas Specials might not give you the best string separation for Jazz. This set will not have as much high end as the Am Stds and the 57/62s do either.

Of note: If you use an unwound G string, that string will be louder than usual by comparison due to the elevated height of the G string polepiece with either model.

I wouldn't, "pull the trigger" just yet. Keep researching.

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Get in touch with Jason Lollar. He will pretty much custom a set of the correct pickups to suit your style of playing. He is kind of like a oickup guru or monk that just knows what will work. I have a set on my nashville tele and it wails. When I met him, he even played it and was impresseed with how well it sounded. It's worth a call. www.lollarguitars.com

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Lite Ash Tele, Partcaster Black Nashville Tele with Jason Lollars, Blues DeVille 410, Lunchbox 200 Watt Amp, Martin RTGE 00016 Acoustic

My input? I say keep it stock. Save the cash you'd spend on new pickups and put it towards a better amplifier.

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My other guitar is a Strat.

+1

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I can't disagree with any of the posters who have all given you great advice. Just a thought, the cost of the Lollars, DiMarzio's, Duncans, Lawrences, Bardens, aren't much more than a set of stock Fender's.

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Lite Ash Tele, Partcaster Black Nashville Tele with Jason Lollars, Blues DeVille 410, Lunchbox 200 Watt Amp, Martin RTGE 00016 Acoustic