Vintage White Strat with CBS Goncalo Alves/Pau Ferro Neck

[ozyonum]

Just ordered this baby from showcase. It will have parchment pickguard and parchment knobs and chrome hardware, did not decide on pickups yet although i am slightly inclined to DiMarzio DP409 Heavy Blues set.

http://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/strat/hum-canceling-strat/virtual-vintage-heavy-blues-2

Special thanks to my wife who gave the blessing to a new project as long as it's a vintage white color strat  :blob7:

 

[Schidakov]

Body exactly like mine Nice color

 

[lafromla1]

Just ordered this baby from showcase. It will have parchment pickguard and parchment knobs and chrome hardware, did not decide on pickups yet although i am slightly inclined to DiMarzio DP409 Heavy Blues set.

http://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/strat/hum-canceling-strat/virtual-vintage-heavy-blues-2

Special thanks to my wife who gave the blessing to a new project as long as it's a vintage white color strat  :blob7:

Very nice combo, I have a vintage white one as well, but with a one-piece maple neck.

Make sure you hear those pickups first, if possible.  I have a buddy who had them in a strat and they sounded kinda muddy.

 

[ozyonum]

Make sure you hear those pickups first, if possible. 

Agreed and noted, will try to.

I have a buddy who had them in a strat and they sounded kinda muddy.

I don't know if it's a good or bad thing for a vintage built strat  :icon_scratch:

 

[Cagey]

I agree with the guy from LA. Try to hear some before you plunk down yer munny. I have some of those in one of my Strats, and while I wouldn't call them "muddy", I don't think the glowing mittenful of adjectives they use to describe them is quite as matter-of-fact as they'd have you believe. Don't get me wrong - they do sound good - but they don't sound like they describe at all. They're just... different. Not that there's anything wrong that. If I had to apply an adjective to them, I'd say "non-descript". They sound good, but aren't outstanding in any way other than they're noiseless. Kinda like the original Lace sensors, but not as empty and lifeless.

 

[ozyonum]

Thanks guys for all the feedback. It's almost impossible here to find those installed on a guitar so I have been reading reviews and it seems they are not the best choice.
Cagey, In general Di Marzio's have a well defined, powerful and balanced tone but i think they somehow miss - how do i say - "character" - as you have very nicely explained. 

I will read more and will not hurry on the selection as I own 2 more Fenders, one loaded with SD SSL1's and other one with stock Fender SCN set so i will not be looking for a wide tonal range, I want this one to have a unique tone, differing it from the others..

Will post pictures as soon as my new baby arrives  :headbang:

 

[spauldingrules]

I had the heavy blues and they sucked.  I have the area 58 58 61 set and it rules so much I put them in both my strats.

 

[Tipperman]

Personally for a strat I would go with Bare Knuckle Pickups or Lindy Fralins. Great pickups if you've got the coin.

 

[llmtelecaster]

Go with Callaham Special Winds.....the thumpiest, bitey-est, clearest pickups you'll ever hear. I love them so much I'm in the process of putting them in all three of my strats.

 

[Tipperman]

The Callaham Special Winds are great. I really like the BKP PAT Pend '59 Slab Board set myself. Great tone. Callahams are definitely a great option, for sure. My friend has one in his strat, definitely some amazing tone from them.

 

[Cagey]

+1 on the Area series. I have an Area 61, Area 58, and Hot Rails in the neck/middle/bridge positions respectively on one of my Strats, and the whole setup is very satisfying for me.

But, I'll tell ya, I have a set of GHS "Power Rock" Neovins in my white Strat, and those are my favorites. It's been a long time since I've been so happy with the sound as I am with these. And for icing on the cake, you can buy a whole set for what a single pickup costs from many manufacturers.

Anybody who needs a full set of pickups, don't let the price fool you. These are high-quality parts that sound great.

They also make a new series they call the "True Coils" which are supposed to be even better still, but I haven't tried any yet. Might be a fun experiment for someone. A full set is only in the $90 range.

 

[ozyonum]

Many thanks for the suggestions, I have been checking all the posted and believe me a guitar players feedback on pickups is more worthy than all those shiny descriptions on their websites, god bless this forum.

Quick question to all; Klein pickups - more specifically S5 set, does anyone have any experience?

http://www.kleinpickups.com/c-2-stratocaster-pickups.aspx

 

[Corey P.]

I've always wanted to try Lace Sensors, but haven't.  FYI.

 

[partialdoctor]

If you want to go the boutique route, you should talk to Aaron at http://www.rumpelstiltskinpickups.com/. He is a great guy and will custom wind you a set of great pups for close to what you'll pay for the bigger manufacturers.  I have a set in my tele and they are unbelievable. Better than Fralins and Van Zandts I've owned in the past.

 

[lafromla1]

I have the Area 58 and the virtual vintage 54 (along with a PAF Joe) in a strat and they sound really nice.

Also, (cough) Ken at Roadhouse Pickups (cough)  :icon_thumright:

 

[ozyonum]

I ended up ordering Roadhouse Special set from Ken based on ultimately positive reviews and suggestions.

Ken was very helpful, he promptly responded to my questions, understood what i was looking for and actually stepped outside boundaries to get them delivered to me in the same shipment from Warmoth. Doing business with him was nothing but a pleasure ride - Ken if you ever visit Dubai the beer is on me!  ccasion14: 

Pictures next week when the shipment arrives!

 

[dNA]

good choice. Looking forward to seeing how this looks assembled

 

[Patrick from Davis]

Yeah, the Big W, Ken, and the folks at Best Bass Gear are my top three for working with you to get what you want.  I suppose that it doesn't hurt that they all are/have great products.
Patrick

 

[Corey P.]

Yeah, the Big W, Ken, and the folks at Best Bass Gear are my top three for working with you to get what you want.  I suppose that it doesn't hurt that they all are/have great products.
Patrick

Agreed, I love Best Bass Gear!

 

[ozyonum]

Got the new member of the house today, as usual, stunning job from Warmoth both on neck and body. Love the stainless steel frets!