I put a set of EMG SA pickups into my 2005 MIM 60s strat today. I picked up the guitar a few months ago for $300 and I had been looking at getting the Gilmour loaded pickguard, but I decided to just purchase the pickup set and drop them in myself.

This was my first ever attempt at modding a guitar (and soldering) and I have to say that the instructions provided were excellent! The pickups came with the pots pre-wired and quick connections to the pickups themselves, so it was very easy. The ivory color covers go nicely with the 60s mint green pickguard. I also routed the battery leads to the trem spring cavity on the back of the guitar. There was no way I was going to want to remove the pickguard every time the battery goes dead. I was able to use 3 trem springs, and I don't play with the tremolo anyway. I also put some new graph-tech bridge saddles in while I was at it and put new copper shielding tape under the pickguard by the pots and switch.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE ...this thing sounds amazingly sweet. I got rid of the hum and the guitar has sustain for days. I play through a Line6 75w SpiderJam amp. This is my first experience with active pickups and these things are loud, but also crisp and clean!! I can't believe the number of different tones I can now dial in. You can really get some Gilmour-esque sound from this setup. The clean blues settings sound very sweet as well. I play mostly rock and blues...

I went with GHS Boomer 9 gauge strings, but they sound a little weak, I think I'm going to try the Gilmour Signature 10 gauge strings next, which I believe will give the guitar more b--ls.

I could not be more happy with this purchase. I absolutely love these EMGs and I think I'm going to put EMG 81-85s in my Epi Les Paul now (the stock pu's are very muddy).

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Very Cool! Congrats!

There is one problem that I see though........



You did not post pictures!!!

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Ask and you shall receive.

Before and after

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Excellent!!! Looks great.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
Authorized WD Music Products Dealer
F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Nice work man. Looks great.

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Custom Shop '59 Strat with John Cruz Master Design Pickups
Vibro King
Fulltone Clyde>Deja-Vibe>TS-808>TS-9>Boss Tuner