Finally wired up my Strat w/ Antiquities

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Tonight I spent some time on my trusty 50th Anniversary Strat and did a complete overhaul of the electronics. I replaced the pots with CTS 250K's, a new Switchcraft 3-way switch, and a new Mallory .047 cap. Of course, the stock pickups had to go, so I replaced them with Antiquity Texas Hots (with a RWRP middle and a Custom Bridge).

I can't believe how much better this guitar sounds. I knew the Antiquities would be great, but I wasn't expecting such a drastic improvement. Its truly a night and day difference. For the first time, I actually like the middle pickup in a Strat. The neck is also wonderfull. Its got a real "woody" sound to it. Warm, and sweet.

I've got it wired up so that the Tones control only the neck and middle pickup, since I rarely change the tone knob for the bridge pup.

I couldn't be more pleased...

[dani]

nice to hear that! i myself will be getting a set pretty soon. do enjoy your new baby.

[tone4days]

cool - glad to hear it!!

what amp do you play the strat through?

t4d

[ArtieToo]

Yup . . . sounds like a killer axe.

You will be posting clips . . . right?

[hacker]

Which 50th anniversary did you have? I have the ash-bodied model with the custom '54 pickups, and I cant imagine anyone wanting to change those out...

[Lewguitar]

The first set of Antiquitys I owned was the Texas Hot Strat set. Blew me away! After that I converted most of my Strats and one Tele to Antiquitys. The Antiquitys have more vibe than almost any pickups I can think of. They sound old and soulful, as if someone has been playing heart felt music through them for decades. The Texas Hots have alot of "chewy" "plucky" mids compared to the Surfers which are brighter and sparklier. Love 'em both! Congrats!

[Luke Duke]

Tonight I spent some time on my trusty 50th Anniversary Strat and did a complete overhaul of the electronics. I replaced the pots with CTS 250K's, a new Switchcraft 3-way switch, and a new Mallory .047 cap. Of course, the stock pickups had to go, so I replaced them with Antiquity Texas Hots (with a RWRP middle and a Custom Bridge).

I can't believe how much better this guitar sounds. I knew the Antiquities would be great, but I wasn't expecting such a drastic improvement. Its truly a night and day difference. For the first time, I actually like the middle pickup in a Strat. The neck is also wonderfull. Its got a real "woody" sound to it. Warm, and sweet.

I've got it wired up so that the Tones control only the neck and middle pickup, since I rarely change the tone knob for the bridge pup.

I couldn't be more pleased...

Sounds like a fantastic guitar!

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Thanks guys. I'm really pleased with it. I'm playing it through my THD Uni-Valve.

Lew, your right on the mark about sounding soulful. I couldn't ask for more in a Strat pup and I've tried a bunch. I did like my calibrated set of APS-1's, but they just aren't in the same ballpark as the Antiquities (IMHO

I do find the Custom Bridge a bit on the bright side, but not enough that I want to wire back a tone control to it. The tone controls are wired to the neck and middle and work wonderfully for those positions.

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Which 50th anniversary did you have? I have the ash-bodied model with the custom '54 pickups, and I cant imagine anyone wanting to change those out...

Mines the 50th Anv. American Standard. I honestly can't remember what pickups they used stock. The stock ones sounded good, but the Antiquities sound unbelievable!