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Post subject: Powerhouse strat pickup upgrade question
Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2014 10:37 am
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I have a powerhouse strat that was mfr'd in 1997. I got it in 2001. I want a more hot blues sound so I bought CS Tex Specials. I did some research and found an older forum where someone stated that the dummy coil needs to be removed before the Tex Specials will work correctly since the mid pickup is reverse wound for noise cancelling in the 2 and 4 switch position. I'm taking the guitar to an experienced tech for the install, but can anyone confirm that the dummy coil must be removed and a jumper wire installed between the 5 way switch and the tone pot to keep the tone pot functioning? I'm not experienced with the electronics and I want to know that that tech is doing the install correctly. Also, am I okay with putting the Tex Specials in the Powerhouse model, or should I be upgrading to a different set of pickups? Any problems that anyone knows of that I might encounter? I got the guitar for free so I don't mind paying to any mods to get the sound I want. Thanks in advance for any advice.


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Post subject: Re: Powerhouse strat pickup upgrade question
Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2014 7:00 pm
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Location: In the Land of "Stratocaster"
Frankly, would leave those pups just the way they are. Nothing wrong w/ a reverse wound middle pup. Have ones like that... great to have the noise cancellation in 2 &4. They sound outstanding... love em.

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Post subject: Re: Powerhouse strat pickup upgrade question
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:53 am
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You can put the Texas Specials in the Powerhouse. Keep the dummy coil to reduce the noise from the active circuit. Clip the two resistors from the MDX pot to unlock the 25dB boost (Clapton mod).

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If you decide to remove the dummy coil drop two Lace Emeralds in the neck & middle and a Lace Purple in the bridge.

Texas Specials can be noisy when the boost is cranked up without the dummy coil.


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Post subject: Re: Powerhouse strat pickup upgrade question
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:58 am
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Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I'll leave the dummy pickup in place and see what happens.


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Post subject: Re: Powerhouse strat pickup upgrade question
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:16 pm
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Emerald Sensors are supposed to emulate that gritty roadhouse blues tone without the noise.

Emeralds are available only for the neck & middle positions.

With the Purple Sensor in the bridge you'll get a fat, smoky Lonestar blues/rock sound that really cuts into the mix!


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