What's your opinion of AmSeries Strat pickups?

[endzone]

I've been questioning, lately, whether or not I should change pickups on my American Series Strat. I've always thought they sounded pretty good...a nice classic Strat tone in all positions except the bridge. I know the bridge pup is pretty hot (which I like) but, all in all, I've felt like I never really needed to change them. Then I happen to see on Ebay that you can buy these pickups for practically nothing, like $15 each. It just got me thinking if maybe I haven't really paid close enough attention and they're not good pickups. What's the general opinion out there on these pickups? Would love to hear some feedback.

[rangercaster]

trust your own ears ... if you like them they are fine ... who cares about others who follow the crowd and dismiss a perfectly fine product ???

[endzone]

Originally Posted by rangercaster

trust your own ears ... if you like them they are fine ... who cares about others who follow the crowd and dismiss a perfectly fine product ???

I agree and I'm not one to care too much about what others do or think. But sometimes it's foolish to not consider other's opinions, especially if they're knowledgeable people. I haven't A/B'd my Strat against another one and I'm just entertaining the possiblity that I could be "use to" my guitar and not hearing what is really coming out of it.

[tazzboy]

The American Series Stratocaster pickups I known to read 5.9K ohms on the Neck and Middle Pickups and 7.25K Ohms on the bridge Pickups.

[frogger]

The old American Standard pups sound more balanced than the new version. I find the new version to be too bright and harsh sounding. Don't know what year guitar you have so if you like them don't listen to anyone.

[Radspin]

I have 1994 American Standard pickups in my Strat and think they're excellent and have never felt the need to change them.

[endzone]

I realize I didn't mention that my Strat is an '05. I don't when they made pickup changes in the various American Standard and American Series versions

[beep.click]

American Standard pickups just sound "middle of the road" to me. You like 'em or you don't, ultimately.

My 50s Strat pickups are much brighter and tighter. My blue flower Strat sounds darker and looser.

But that's why I have the different guitars -- depends what you want, at a given moment.

[Stratsrgood]

I sold my American Standard a couple of years back but I think it was one of the better sounding Strats that I've ever played. I know that over the years I've changed out quite a few P/U's for "something better" and eventually ended up putting the originals back in.
If you like the sound stick with them.

[boris bubbanov]

We usually buy guitars we like the sound of, at the heart.

Just because others get restless and choose to experiment; that doesn't change the basic quality of what you have.

So, if nothing else, when you decide to try something else, build an entire second pickguard and just swap the whole thing out. And do not sell your originals. If someone only offered me $ 15 apiece for mine I'd just keep them anyway.