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Post subject: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 6:20 pm
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I am thinking about changing the pickups on my MIM stratocaster (2009). I have always felt that they just sound very weak. Almost like a toy. Most of the time I practice with either my LP Traditional or my el cheapo Dean EVO.

Don't get me wrong. The Strat feels absolutely wonderful in my hands, but I just don't like the sound. I am wondering if maybe some hotter pickups or maybe turning it into a fat strat would be worth the expense? Not to sound cheap but I wouldn't mind spending about $150 US, if it would get me a stronger output.

I would appreciate your opinions in the matter.

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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 7:10 pm
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My first reaction is that instead of upgrading pickups to hotter ones, upgrade the amp or get a booster pedal (like the TC Spark), and it will affect all your guitars, when you want it to.
That said, there's certainly room for improvement, but remember there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Hotter means less detail. The more compression, the less information there is in the resulting signal. But there are quality differences too, of course. And you should definitely be able to get a good set for $150. Or change just the bridge pup to a really good one.


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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 7:14 pm
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Have you tried adjusting the height of the pickups? Many times that's all that is necessary and you might be surprised what a difference it makes.
Hope this helps.

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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 7:29 pm
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You wanna really rip and crank with that thing?

Try some DiMarzio's: a Virtually Vintage Heavy Blues II at the bridge, an Area 61 in the middle, and a Heavy Blues at the neck. They're totally noiseless, retain the traditional Fender "strattiness", and you can use your guitar's existing volume and tone pots.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 8:21 pm
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socal323 wrote:
Have you tried adjusting the height of the pickups? Many times that's all that is necessary and you might be surprised what a difference it makes.
Hope this helps.


I have been thinking about the pickup height for a while. I need to clean the frets tomorrow when I do a string change, so I think that I will see if changing the height will help...


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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 9:17 pm
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I think you're on the right track replacing the pickups. I was never happy with the sound of my MIM until I put some new ones in. A set of Custom Shop Texas Specials are right in your price range and are definitely hotter and well-loved by many on this forum.


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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 10:31 pm
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Hi trublupower, What year is your MIM Strat? My 2000 Strat and my nephew's 2011 and 1995 sound incredible but there are exceptions to the rule in guitars too. The Tex-Mex pickups in my Jimmie Vaughn Strat have a really full tone and are especially good for blues and classic rock even heavy classic rock but they can sound pretty tame too. The 57/62 pickups are really exceptional and have a bell like chime and the beautiful sparkle of the early to mid 60s "L" series Strats that so many guitarists find so addictive.I believe that they retail for about $150 a set.

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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 4:32 am
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Highline wrote:
I think you're on the right track replacing the pickups. I was never happy with the sound of my MIM until I put some new ones in. A set of Custom Shop Texas Specials are right in your price range and are definitely hotter and well-loved by many on this forum.

agreed- put them in my 2009 mim strat and dig it. I found a loaded pickguard on ebay for just over a hundred bucks, so you should find some within your budget


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Post subject: Re: Changing pickups on a MIM stratocaster
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:48 am
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The MIM pickups are a bit hotter than the Standard American Alnico's. The "problem" is that your used to hearing the darker humbucker tones.

Texas Specials are a tiny bit darker than the MIM's regular pickups. You may need some hotter Rails to get in the tone neighborhood your ears are looking for.


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