Chris Downing
Active member
I posted a comment, more to myself than anyone else, a few days ago when I was considering selling my 1984 Goldstar Sunburst - but I just can't get around to actually selling this guitar. It's so nice in terms of how it feel and plays, and the general sound of it suggests that I should be considering new pickups and electrics. The current pickups (which actually have black fibre bases - so what are they?) are just not quite there compared to a couple of Fenders I get to hear when I'm teaching. So I'm considering something like a '54 set of replacements from Fralin / SD / DiMarzio or even a set of same but stacked HB's. So many pros use stacked HB's there must be something in it - it's got to be more than just quieter. And maybe a hotter bridge PU like the DiMarzio V Vintage Solo stack.
As I could keep the current PU /electircs and none of this would much change the guitar's basic construction (I'm not about to put a full size HB at the bridge). I'm really considering building a complete pickguard drop-in with new switch and pots as these are definately worse on this guitar than a USA Strat.
Is this all heresy guys or does someone out there know the route - I'm thinking quiet, classic 54 and hotter bridge and better pots and switch - I can make a scratchplate that will exactly match the screwholes (been there with a jazz bass, drilling new holes and all that!) Anyone tried Fralin, SD, and DiMarzio - or other options (build your own PUs?)
As I could keep the current PU /electircs and none of this would much change the guitar's basic construction (I'm not about to put a full size HB at the bridge). I'm really considering building a complete pickguard drop-in with new switch and pots as these are definately worse on this guitar than a USA Strat.
Is this all heresy guys or does someone out there know the route - I'm thinking quiet, classic 54 and hotter bridge and better pots and switch - I can make a scratchplate that will exactly match the screwholes (been there with a jazz bass, drilling new holes and all that!) Anyone tried Fralin, SD, and DiMarzio - or other options (build your own PUs?)