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Post subject: MIM Tele Upgrades
Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:14 pm
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Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 1:37 pm
Posts: 46
Location: Long Island
Finally completed the upgrades on my 09 MIM Tele Standard. I'll post some pics later, but it's white on white, maple neck, you get the idea.

Step 1 - Replaced the pickups with Bare Knuckle Pickups Blackguard Flat 50s. MIM's weren't the worst thing in the world but when I replaced them...what a difference! These pups were recommended to me by the guys at BKP after describing exactly what I wanted, and they delivered with these. Crystal clear, screams when I turn on the OD. Nobody seems to talk about Bare Knuckle Pickups on here, they are among the best on the market and are used by many major artists.

Step 2 - Replaced the bridge with a Callaham Vintage T Model with stainless steel saddles. Dramatic increase in sustain and resonance. You can tell the difference without even plugging it in.

Step 3 - Replaced the electronics with this prewired control plate from Acme Guitar Works. Upgraded all the crappy wires to cloth covering and changed the pots out. I also added the four way switch giving me the ability to run the pickups in series, adding a fat humbucker like sound for whenever I need it. Not something a Tele purist or more country oriented player would want, but it really makes it more diverse.

These three simple upgrades have transformed this guitar into a beast. I've also found the MIMs are easier to upgrade as the bridges are the standard four holes instead of the MIA threes. Even better would have been a Japanese one but I think I found a good Mexican. Plus, if you're planning to upgrade whatever you're going to buy, you may as well by the MIM (if you find a nice one), cause if you buy the American you'll just be replacing more expensive parts. IMO, Fender makes great guitars but even their American series stuff does not equal boutique options out there. Especially not when it comes to pickups.

All that being said, I'm considering replacing the neck with a MIA one, but I actually really enjoy the MIM one for now. I definitely found a great playing standard model. Maybe if I really want to go crazy I'll order a warmoth body too, and reassemble the old mexican one!

_________________
1992 MIJ 70s RI Stratocaster Natural w/CS69s
1996 CIJ Jazzmaster Sunburst w/Jason Lollars
2001 Hot Rod Deluxe
2008 Mustang Bass CIJ
2008 Precision Bass FSR Natural Ash w/DiMarzios
2009 Telecaster, Callaham bridge & Bare Knuckle Pickups


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