Fender CS 54's and 57/62's

[dave robinson]

There is one fact that leaps out in this discussion about pickups and I'm going to stand up for the expensive end of the Fender market here. My own two really expensive Strats', the USA '62 vintage reissue and the Masterbuilt '54 50th Anniversary each have fantastic sounding pickups, as described by Alan Bakewell on his own two expensive Strats'.
I know that David Martin has a '54 Masterbuilt that sounds fantastic as I have heard it, Colin Pryce Jones likewise with his '62 USA Vintage reissue - there's a pattern here, don't you think?

The pickup replacements I have made, are to less expensive Fender Strats' and they are as follows.
Japanese MIJ Premium model that came fitted with Texas Specials, firstly replaced with 57/62's and used at Shadowmania in 2006, later to be replaced with Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II's which are still on there. Each of these sets sound better than the MIJ supplied Texas Specials.

At one time I had a fiesta red Strat (I forget the model name) with normal Lace Sensors that I replaced with Custom Shop 54's and they didn't sound anywhere near as good as the Lace sensors. I regret selling that one.

I have an old '63 Strat and stupidly threw away my pickups years ago because they howled and screamed (I hadn't heard of wax potting at that time) and replaced them with some Seventies pickups and it sounded good. I foolishly sold those to Malc when I made the biggest mistake ever by fitting Kinmans - later when I saw the light I switched to 57/62's which sound great. I tried CS54''s before I tried the 57/62's which I prefer as they are 'fuller ' sounding.
Malc still uses those 70's pickups on one of his Strats' and they sound great. He also has a Strat fitted with FAT 50'swhich again sound great.

I have a USA Deluxe with Fender Vintage Noiseless which sounds great, as well as a Mexican '57 Classic Player which is equipped with factory fitted 57/62's - again a great vintage sound.

I also bought and tried Toneriders which are now on my budget PRS - also great sounding. . . . . Yer pays yer money, yer make yer choice . . . it's all in the lugholes !

[David Martin]

To David Martin. Thank you for your support, I'll wash it get it back to you by Tuesday.

Thanks Al... please don't put cheese cobs in the pocket at the front like you did last time. That's not what it's for!

[asimmd]

Hi Dave

Yes,I will own up to being a gear head at one time and yes,I have been through the buying - selling - wishing I hadn't done that
phase that I think we all go through at some point in our quest to find that golden Strat Sound.

You and I have had many good natured words regarding my buying another piece of kit,or not.
Do you remember when I offerred to loan you my Gretsch?

Anyway,reading your piece in defense of expensive Fenders I was interested to note that
you are more than happy with their sound but I couldn't help wondering how your Masterbuilt
would sound with a set of 57/62's instead of the pickups that it comes with.

No I am not suggesting you try it,I think it's another one of those sum of the parts making all the difference.

Thanks for your honest comments.

Alan

[dave robinson]

I certainly do remember your offer Alan, I think I went and bought a 1960 Country Gent to join in the experiment and prove that although it was close, it wasn't it. I since bought myself a 6122 junior to which I fitted TV Jones pickups because the Jap pickups didn't impress, as well as a 6120 in the Eddie Cochran configuration, one Duane Eddy Dearmond pickup and one Lindy Fralin dog ear P90. I love those two Gretsch guitars to bits. As far as the 57/62 pickups on the '54 Masterbuilt goes - who knows? On the Classic player they sound equally good to me, even though that instrument is £3500 cheaper to buy new.

[asimmd]

Thanks Dave, yes you did go and buy a Country Gent,and although we didn't make it exactly,we got damn close.

I also have Classic Player,the pickups are superb.

My NOS 56 now has a set of custom wound 59's courtesy of Tim @ Bareknuckle,
they sound excellent as well.

I am hoping they will all soundbetter through my newly acquired Vox Heritage.

As you know,I also tried Kinmans,but they were consigned to the scrapheap a long time ago.

Ah well,enough chat,back to the music.

Best Wishes

Alan

[ecca]

I put Kinmans on my Mex HM strat and they were a big improvement.

[tony parnham]

Thanks to everyone for their input and with all the very interesting information that has emerged I have decided to go for the 57/62's, their description most replies seem to favour sounds that they would suite my particular taste fine.
Regards Tony
( Alan B...have PM'd you)

[dave robinson]

Tony, If you would like to hear some 57/62's, or any others for that matter, you know where I am.

[tony parnham]

Hi Dave,
Yes I would like to, I'll make contact beginning of the week.
Thanks mate.
Tony

[tony parnham]

Hi Jim,
Thanks for that, very interesting. I am actually testing some 57/62's as we speak and I will post the results shortly for anyone interested in the result of the thread.
Regards Tony