I wanted to replace some lacklustre DiMarzio HS-3 Strat pickups. After looking around and thinking about what I wanted out of a Strat sound, I decided to go for these. I have a 1987 Japanese Fender 1954 reissue and knew I wanted something I felt was in keeping with a vintage tone, but not necessarily the full “54” brightness.
I am absolutely blown away! Yes, there’s brightness but there’s fullness and a creaminess I have never heard out of a Strat before. These pickups SING! They are beautifully touch sensitive, aren’t too noisy and are very well made. I pretty much haven’t put the guitar since! Stepping through presets on my GT-1000, they work with almost every tone. I’m not sure they’ll do death metal but for a gigging guitarist who wants a beautiful but versatile tone, I cannot rate these highly enough.
The middle pickup - one I tend to skip (don’t judge me!) - is a beauty. In fact this is really the first time I’ve played a Strat and found all positions, not just usable, but inspiring!
If I had to pick one slight con, the documentation was basic, but you can find any amount of wiring diagrams on line.
I’d love you all to see the smile on my face while using these pickups! They are awesome!
