I don't know if anyone else has noticed this or if I'm just crazy but, MIM Strats sound amazing to me at low volume with their stock pickups. Very sweet with lots of quack and a full, smooth, tone. But when you crank 'em up to gig volume, they seem to lose their shine and become somewhat harsh and unfocused.
Could they be designed this way? Is it a product of Fender designing pickups that will sound great at home and jamming in the basement where a lot of MIM Strats will be found?
This isn't a slam against MIM Strats, just an observation.
It seems to me that the best pickups out there, all of my Duncans included, have superior "high volume" traits and maintain their sonic character when the volume goes up. But in particular, the MIM pickups I've played often sound better at low volume.
It would make sense to me that consumer grade pickups are engineered to sound their best in their intended environment, whereas professional quality pickups will shine in their respective place.
Does this make any sense?
Could they be designed this way? Is it a product of Fender designing pickups that will sound great at home and jamming in the basement where a lot of MIM Strats will be found?
This isn't a slam against MIM Strats, just an observation.
It seems to me that the best pickups out there, all of my Duncans included, have superior "high volume" traits and maintain their sonic character when the volume goes up. But in particular, the MIM pickups I've played often sound better at low volume.
It would make sense to me that consumer grade pickups are engineered to sound their best in their intended environment, whereas professional quality pickups will shine in their respective place.
Does this make any sense?