I bought a '00 - '01 MIM standard this week. I am upgrading the trem block to a callahan, and changing the pick guard.

I was wondering if I should change the pickups while I have it apart.

I have a set of pickups that I took off of a '04 - '05 MIM 60s series. Would these be better than the stock ones that are already in the standard? I know the 60s series is considered a higher end guitar than that standard, but I'm not sure of the differences electronically speaking.

I'm interested in your opinions if anyone has got one.

thanks,
~Kong

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Well the 60s classic has alnico magnets and the Stock MIM has ceramic, generally when it comes to strats Alnico is what you want, but there are better alnico pickups out there than the ones that come stock in a Classic 60s.

If my understanding is correct, then the MIM standard uses ceramic pickups and the '60s uses AlNiCo V pickups. The latter ones are generally regarded as higher end, and considerably 'better.' Unless you're a metalhead, or just prefer the extra midrange of ceramics.

I'd say AlNiCo's are generally better all around; that's why they're expensive (and also cause cobalt is becoming rare). So I would say yes, do it, I think you will notice an improvement.

-The Screamin' J

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CURRENT RIG:
2008 Squier bullet stratocaster modified with Rumpelstiltskin pickups -> Dunlop GCB-95 Original Crybaby -> Fender Vibro Champ XD

"Could you take the stain from this pair of pants, and put in on this pair of pants?"

Thanks for the info guys...

Yogi, I hear ya, but this is pretty much a free upgrade since I have them laying around. Maybe later on I'll shell out for better pickups.

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And don't forget to let us know what you think..

I've often thought of changing the pickups in my Classic 60s, but just can't seem to do it. Actually they have a lovely warm tone - quite heavy on the midrange. Don't sound like alnico at all to me really. I have wondered before if they were actually ceramic. Guess I'll just leave it alone - if in doubt, do nowt - as they say

I swapped in the 60s pickups and I'm very happy. There is a noticeable difference. The 60s have a lot more range and you can really hear the difference between the different pickup settings. The stocks really didn't change much when the selector switch was changed. I just posted before and after pics in another thread.

By the way, I originally removed the pickups from my 60s series because I wanted to try EMG SAs. I had gotten the guitar for little money so I wasn't worried about modding it.

I love the SAs, but I wanted to keep my standard more strat sounding. I can't wait until my upgrade trem-block arrives. .

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