Guitar mod

[scratman]

I have a Fender Strat Electric guitar. Model is ST57-53

It is Japanese made.

I have had it for about 15 years and it is still in pretty good condition

I've noticed recently that the pick ups seem to be getting noisy.

I don't know if it is normal for this type of single coil pickup when they get old.

I guess these are Japanese made but whether that makes any difference or not I don't know.

I was thinking of replacing them with new ones or putting on humbuckers to get a different sound

Is this a job that can be done at home? I am not so hot on the electronics side.

I don't want to have to pay out a lot for such modification.

Anyone have advice on what is the best course of action in such a case?

Thanks

[Strungup]

I have a Fender Strat Electric guitar. Model is ST57-53

It is Japanese made.

I have had it for about 15 years and it is still in pretty good condition

I've noticed recently that the pick ups seem to be getting noisy.

I don't know if it is normal for this type of single coil pickup when they get old.

I guess these are Japanese made but whether that makes any difference or not I don't know.

I was thinking of replacing them with new ones or putting on humbuckers to get a different sound

Is this a job that can be done at home? I am not so hot on the electronics side.

I don't want to have to pay out a lot for such modification.

Anyone have advice on what is the best course of action in such a case?

Thanks

Take a look at my name ,...... I am the Guy to answer this , If you know how to solder , you can do this , and you can make it sound a LOT better than it did .

first off , you wont want to try and "fix" a cheap pickup , the Japanese strat is just a basic upgrade of the Squire series , It isnt a USA .

So replacing the pickup is what you want to do , There are TWO ways of doing that , one is to replace just the one pickup , Bad idea , because then you have one GOod sounding pickup and two Not so good sounding ones ........ I am sure you get my point .

Buying a SET of pickups will ensure you get a balanced sound , and will actually be easier to do . ( you will see why in a minute )

first open this link in a seperate browser or Tab if you have a Tabbed browser

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups.html

from there when you look at the links among other things you will see this

This is the fastest way and the pickups are about the same quality as the Japanese strat , not bad , but not great .

You will notice a Name on that page " Lindy Fralin " he is a freind of mine , and one of the BEST pickup makers on the planet , you tell him what sound your looking for , he will nail it . And not for a LOT of dough , in comparison to what a set of Duncans , or Lace sensor , of Fender Custom sets .

Also there is on the left side of that page "Free Information " a Yellow Box with links , Including some articles by Lindy himself .

Go thru ," Understanding Guitar Wiring " the first link there .

There I just saved you 45 dollars bench fee , ............ You owe me a Beer .

[scratman]

Wow ..what a super quick reply

I guess I chose the right forum to post

I will take a look at the stuff you suggested

Cheers

( and if you have any other gems please pass them on.... )