Pickups w/pickguard sets - any good?

[Nuclear Vampire]

Hey all,

This isn't related to Charvel or Jackson, but I have a tech-type question.

I have a crappy old Hondo strat that I wouldn't mind fixing up to have as a backup axe.

I was wondering if those Fender sets with the pickups and pickguards that are all pre-wired are any good? I play mostly metal (Children Of Bodom, Slayer, Arch Enemy style).

Any recommendations on brands? I know EMG has some sets like that but they're like $700.00 ! I'd like to keep the cost under $100.00.


Thanks

[etaeniura]

Re: Pickups w/pickguard sets - any good?

You could probably replace the stock singles with hot rails type pickups for around that to get a heavier sound. I have a Carvin TBH in my HM strat and it sounds very good, and they are not as expensive as Duncan or dimarzio. Try Ebay if you are willing to go used, sometimes you can get them pretty cheap.