Pickup options for MIM Stratocaster

[nvosmeier]

I have never messed around with modifying guitars in the past, but after reading posts by others here and on some other boards, I thought I would give it a try. I have a MIM Sunburst Strat that I am going to try some different options.

I have bought a mint green pickguard, switch, knobs and pickkup covers. I also bought some Custom Shop Texas Specials from Guitar Center pickkups.

I have never thought that just changing pickups in the guitar would be a drastic improvement, I think that it is more of a combination of everything that contributes to the overall sound. I can hardly wait to hear them after I install them.

Has anyone else installed them in a MIM guitar? Do you feel that they are better than the TexMex pickups that are going around. I have read many mixed reviews over the Tex Mex pickups. So I have decided to give them a try as well, to see what they sound like.

For those who have tried them, of the two pickups CS Texas Specials or the TexMex, which pickups do you prefer?

Should I stay with the MIM Standard pickups that came with the guitar? I don't really care for them, they definitely do not sound as good as any of my American Strats.

[spjoker]

No man don't settle for stock pups if your not happy with them. First don't be afraid to try and sell several before you choose. There are just too many choices on the market that all sound reasonable good if you believe their tech-speek. FIrst-determine what body wood, neck, rosewood,maple etc, and output on stock pups then read and investigate and try.
Look at warmoth for info on wood types to match your guitar...then
Try:
1. Lollar
2. Fralin
3. Custom shop fenders
4. Dimarzio areas????
5. Bill lawarence
on and on
If you find one you like keep it.Have fun and enjoy the search. Sell what you don't like on ebay or this site or gearpage.

[stratnewbie]

Hi. Newbie here. I bought my first ever guitar this christmass, a MIM Strat in red with rosewood fret board.
I am by no means a musician (I can mamage to twang out a few riffs)
I just changed the stock PUP's to the tex mex (Fender Custom shop) and changed the strings to 10's and got a off white pick guard. it gives it a sweet vintage look.
Am I pleased with the change in tone, yes very much so.
Would the texas specials be better, Maybe I dont know. I guess it depends on what sound your looking for and that is very subjective.

Cheers guys and gals, back to practicing............

[spjoker]

I heard some Texas specials and they sound good...especially the bridge and middle...the neck? Maybe something else for the bridge. But they do sound good. See my statements about neck,body etc above for determining what pups to put in.

[spjoker]

My bad...I got it backwards...the neck and middle sound good. the bridge is a little thin/weak.