New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

[dtdantanna]

Hi all,
I have spent quite some time looking through this forum, which is great. However, I can't quite boil the info down to answer my question, so hear it is in "Black and White".

What would be the best option for replacing the stock Fender pickups in my MIM Strat? It is a HSS setup, as I like the versatility. Rosewood fretboard. Alder body.

I have played mostly my trusty martin acoustic for years, and now this strat is my first serious electric. I am just getting up to speed on electronics, etc.

Now, I know better - the 1st question will be: what tone am I looking for?
Answer: I bought the HSS strat because of its versatility. I play everything from blues type Allman Brothers type stuff through to U2 to White Stripes and Smashing Pumpkins. My amp is a Marshall combo amp, I have got a POD and all in all, I can dial in some good tones.

BUT.... the sound is mushy at times (tuff to distinguish the high notes) and just sounds a bit "tinny".

So to summarize, what would be a good versatile replacment for the stock Fender pickups?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!!

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

Hi all, I have spent quite some time looking through this forum, which is great. However, I can't quite boil the info down to answer my question, so hear it is in "Black and White". What would be the best option for replacing the stock Fender pickups in my MIM Strat? It is a HSS setup, as I like the versatility. Rosewood fretboard. Alder body. I have played mostly my trusty martin acoustic for years, and now this strat is my first serious electric. I am just getting up to speed on electronics, etc. Now, I know better - the 1st question will be: what tone am I looking for? Answer: I bought the HSS strat because of its versatility. I play everything from blues type Allman Brothers type stuff through to U2 to White Stripes and Smashing Pumpkins. My amp is a Marshall combo amp, I have got a POD and all in all, I can dial in some good tones. BUT.... the sound is mushy at times (tuff to distinguish the high notes) and just sounds a bit "tinny". So to summarize, what would be a good versatile replacment for the stock Fender pickups? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!!

My 2 cents: Classic Stack neck, Classic Stack middle, JB Junior bridge.

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

My 2 cents: Classic Stack neck, Classic Stack middle, JB Junior bridge.

He said he has an HSS setup and the JB Jr. is a single coil sized pickup, so unless the pickguard gets replaced, thats not going to work.

The "Everything Axe" set is a great place to start looking.

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

He said he has an HSS setup and the JB Jr. is a single coil sized pickup, so unless the pickguard gets replaced, thats not going to work.

The "Everything Axe" set is a great place to start looking.

Yeah, my bad, probably a JB then if he needs metal, or A2P if he wants some Alnico II buttery goodness, or maybe '59 bridge.

 

[dtdantanna]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

Thanks guys. I am not opposed to getting a new pickgaurd, if the JB jr would be a good versatile replacement bridge humbucker. Not doing metal, just alot of everyday bluesy and rock, so a JB would not be appealing.

If i don't change the pickgaurd for Classic Stack neck, Classic Stack middle, JB Jr Bridge......

How about:
Classic Stack neck, Classic Stack middle, PearlyGates Bridge. Would a middle/PG combo work to get some rich tones, or would it sound like garbage!?

Thanks again, this noob pickup guy really appreciates it.

-tanna

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

Thanks guys. I am not opposed to getting a new pickgaurd, if the JB jr would be a good versatile replacement bridge humbucker. Not doing metal, just alot of everyday bluesy and rock, so a JB would not be appealing.

If i don't change the pickgaurd for Classic Stack neck, Classic Stack middle, JB Jr Bridge......

How about:
Classic Stack neck, Classic Stack middle, PearlyGates Bridge. Would a middle/PG combo work to get some rich tones, or would it sound like garbage!?

Thanks again, this noob pickup guy really appreciates it.

-tanna

I'm just saying the JB if you need metal, true. However, the JB is a good pickup and can do everything from blues to metal. I'd recommend it before the A2P and the '59 bridge, but if you are sure you want crystal clear clean tones from the bridge then I'd go with the A2P or '59 bridge (both will work great for country, jazz, blues, classic rock, etc). Using the A2P for hard rock (ala Guns'n'Roses or Velvet Revolver) is possible as well.

 

[DCLP88]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

Hey, I'm interested in your progress with the pup swap!? What did you end up doing? Hows it sound?
I have the same guitar and configuration (HSS)
I'm looking to switch mine out and would like to here some feed back.
Thanks

"Were only gonna die from our own arrogance, so we might as well take our time"

 

[jeremy]

Re: New Pickups to Replace MIM Stratocaster?

welcome to the forum!

this is a pretty old thread, i doubt youll get the original poster to comment.

what are you looking for out of this guitar?