Hey everybody,

So anyway, I have one of those really cool MIM 60th Anniversary Standard strats in the Blizzard Pearl finish, comes w/TexMex pickups. I was thinking about buying a new Strat (because you can never have too many guitars), but then thought I'd modify my MIM. From what I can tell, the TexMex pickups are okay, but I could do better. I've taken a look at any number of pickups (69 customs, SCNs, hot noiseless, Texas Specials) and I'm wondering what to do. Essentially, I'm wanting a set of single coils that have a good all around sound for rock/blues/jazz/indie rock, a touch of metal perhaps, maybe even a little bit of country. I'm throwing it out there - what do you guys think would be a good set? Is there even a set of pickups that cover such a broad range of styles? Do these pants make me look fat (oops - wrong forum). Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

P.S. Oh, and while I'm at it, my American Deluxe has the Vintage Noiseless pickups - they seem a bit sterile to me. What does the forum think about them? Thanks again.

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'10 Gibson LP Studio Faded
'09 Fender American Standard Stratocaster
'08 Fender Classic Player 60s Stratocaster
'07 Fender Classic Player Baja Telecaster
'05 Breedlove AC 25 SR Plus

Well, since no one else has addressed your question, I'll toss my $.02 worth in here...please don't spend it all at one place!

I'm going to address your last question first in regards to the VN's. First and foremost, the VN's aren't really "single coils"...basically they're stacked humbuckers (hence the term "noiseless") and as such, they don't really sound like single coils. Now that said, personally I think it -really- depends on the guitar they are in. I had 2 in my '96 MIM at one time along with a Duncan Performer and on that guitar the Duncan just really blew the VN's away...the Duncan had a much sweeter sound. In fact for that guitar, I ended up going with all Duncans (which are also stacked 'buckers). She doesn't really have a "vintage Strat sound" but she's my good, all around, general purpose guitar...she does well with everything from blues to classic rock to oldies and the bit of vintage metal that I do.

The VN's then migrated to my '08 Squier Standard and I just really didn't like how they sounded on that guitar at all...I ended up putting the stock Squier single coils back in there. They have finally found a home in my '85 Squier MIJ Strat...in that specific guitar, they sound pretty decent. So to me at least, I don't think the VN's really sound "sterile" as much as they only really sound good in certain bodies I guess.

Personally I agree with you that the Tex/Mex pickups do sound "ok" but they could be better. Now please remember...tone is very subjective. What may sound great to me or anyone else here, may sound like complete doo-doo to your ears. That said, from your description I would probably lean towards either a set of Duncan SSL-5's or 6's -or- perhaps a set of EMG SV's or SAV's (personally I -LOVE- EMG pickups...I just can't afford the damn things! LOL!). Granted, both are a bit pricey compared with some other brands out there but both are capable of some really great Strat sounds (at least in my always and ever so humble opinion) and I've never really known anyone who was dissatisfied with either.

If you really feel the need to stick with genuine Fender pickups, then my last suggestion would be to check out a set of the '57 reissues or the "Fat 50's"...I honestly haven't tried either myself but I have heard good things about them.

Ok...again just my own personal opinions there...please take them as such but I hope they help!

Peace,
Jim