Fender: MG77 (2)

If you are looking forward to purchase a Fender Mustang & invest in some replacement pickups, this is fair warning to you. Seen here, the cavities of the said guitar which are strictly single coil-sized. You'd think a stacked humbucker (eg: Duncan's Classic Stack +) or a single coil-sized humbucker (eg: Duncan Hot Rails) will fit- yes they will by virtue of dimensions BUT the accompanying wires won't. Unless you don't mind gouging out some wood to accommodate just that, the Mustang, to date, was conceived to house single coil pickups. However, the manufacturer has some humbucking models out there so fret not (forgive the pun).

Schecter: Omen 6... mine (2)

This is how the pickup cavities of the (Schecter) Omen 6 look like. The surface wasn't sanded down to manifest a smooth feel but shielding paint was applied so that's how much effort/ consideration was put in.

These are the default Schecter humbuckers in the Omen 6, made by the G & B pickup company; they make pickups for other brand names as well (LTD is one of them). They are to me, 'get-by' units; appealing only in certain applications, so out they went. If you are interested in them (pickups only, I'm currently using the screws/ springs) you can have them both for $35...

Inside info

I'm in the midst of reviving my Fender ST-72 which is suffering from electronics deterioration. Yes, we do take meticulous care of our guitars, we practise exterior maintenance but the internal components are deteriorating. Because they are not as conveniently accessible as the extenal counterparts, they receive less cleaning & would eventually give way. The above 5-way switch was the default model in the ST-72; it's the VLX53. These are also equipped in the Japanese Ibanez selections so what's the catch here? Answer: They are from the same Fujigen factory. My VLX53 had to go because the contacts were ineffective despite countless spraying of contact cleaners on many occasions.

This is how the ST-72 looks like under the pickguard; unlike the American Standard, the Japanese cavities cater for an all single coils affair. The cavities are also much deeper compared to some American makes which is a good thing for those of us who purchased switches with extended measurements; fitting is not an issue. Do note the finished cavity surfaces as well; the workmanship here is impressive to say the least.