Jaguar Pickup Options

GeorgeF

Hey there, I have a re-issue Jaguar and I'd like to get newer and brighter pickups. Because of the lack of Jaguar specific models on the market, I was wondering if Strat or Tele pickups would fit?

Also, does anyone know of a decent retailer of Jaguar parts in Europe? Preferably in the UK.

Malik

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/guitar_index.htm

They ship worldwide for just $6.95.

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/pickups_sdjag.htm

There are plenty of Jaguar pickups out there. Strat pickups won't fit without modification, I don't think.

Spencer

I've also been thinking about changing both the pickups in my jaguar. I've been leaning towards getting the american vintage ones but I was wondering if i will notice much of a change over the japanese pickups. I just want to make the guitar sound as good as possible.

Malik

Spencer said: I've also been thinking about changing both the pickups in my jaguar. I've been leaning towards getting the american vintage ones but I was wondering if i will notice much of a change over the japanese pickups. I just want to make the guitar sound as good as possible.

"Good" all depends on what sound you're looking for. There is no set "good" and "bad" sounds, you have to choose what you like. Just because everyone likes a particular pickup, doesn't make that the pickup for you. Try some stuff out, do some research.

GeorgeF

Thanks a bunch Malik!

Awesome website. Really well priced products and shipping.

Bought:

_________

Trem-arm

Mint pickguard

Seymour Duncan "Hot" Jag pickup for the bridge

New Lead/Rhythm switch

Gibson glass slide

& a Roadie Rench

__________________

Total:

Spencer

yeah, sorry about that "good" is a bit subjective lol. What I actually mean is while I like the sound of the pickups on my jag at the moment, they feedback and can be quite harsh and noisy sometimes. I want something that sounds quite bright and jangly but not so harsh or brittle sounding as what I have now.

Rick

GeorgeF said: I was wondering if Strat or Tele pickups would fit?

most strat pups from seymour duncan will fit. with flat bobbins. like seymour duncan SSL-3, SSL-4, SSL-5, SSL-6, SSL-7 etc etc etc

GeorgeF

Cheers, I wanted to replace the stock pickups because they feedback harshly in a really high-pitched way when played at high volume or gain. I've decided to get a "hot" Duncan pickup but should really have checked this first:

Would the feedback be because of the pickups or something else to do with the guitar? I dunno, like tonal variation, dodgy wiring etc?

Spencer

unlike the american vintage jaguars, the japanese stock pickups aren't wax potted, this is the reason they squeal at high gain. you can do it yourself and theres guides on the internet on how to do it, but basically it involves dipping the whole pickup in heated wax which seals it and stops all movement of the pickup components.

GeorgeF

I can't believe how much I've learnt since I clicked on this site! It really is crazy. After reading reviews on Jaguars it seems that Mustang saddles are better than Jaguar ones for various reasons such as string tension and slippage. Can you use whole Mustang bridges or do you have to use the Mustang saddles screwed into a Jag bridge?

Sorry I'm asking so many questions guys. I just really want to get my Jag up to gig standard and want do it properly so I won't have to keep buying stuff for it.

Malik

GeorgeF said: I can't believe how much I've learnt since I clicked on this site! It really is crazy. After reading reviews on Jaguars it seems that Mustang saddles are better than Jaguar ones for various reasons such as string tension and slippage. Can you use whole Mustang bridges or do you have to use the Mustang saddles screwed into a Jag bridge?
Sorry I'm asking so many questions guys. I just really want to get my Jag up to gig standard and want do it properly so I won't have to keep buying stuff for it.

If you've taken your strings off, you'll know that the whole Jaguar bracket just pulls out, complete with the saddles in. Well, that's exactly the same as the Mustang assembly, they're totally interchangeable, though I've never heard of anybody putting Jag saddles on a Mustang!

GeorgeF

Yeah, I can't blame them! I'm sick of the Jag scew-like saddles. Apart from having no definite middle they used to slide all over the place until I went to heavier gauge strings, and now the very tension of the strings keeps them in place. But even now the bottom E still slides down after a hefty riff. Also, the strings have now filed away the saddles slightly because of earlier string issues and it's become irreversible damage. Luckily it's a re-issue otherwise I think I'd cry!

Just secured a Mustang bridge on ebay by the way. I wasn't sure if the post distances matched so had to check. should be clear sailing from now on!

P.S. Are there any other modifications you guys might suggest for a re-issue Jag? So far I've got a new Mustang bridge, Duncan pickups and a trem-arm (and some cosmetic and maintenance stuff)...

echelon

GeorgeF said: Thanks a bunch Malik!
Awesome website. Really well priced products and shipping.
Bought:

Trem-arm
Mint pickguard
Seymour Duncan "Hot" Jag pickup for the bridge
New Lead/Rhythm switch
Gibson glass slide
& a Roadie Rench

Total:

GeorgeF

That would suck but a 17.5% VAT charge on the whole thing would put it up to about

Tweez

You could request the seller sent any item as a 'Gift', it's illegal (unless it is a gift) but it avoids any import charges or VAT. That said a friend of mine bought a Japanese Strat from America for

GeorgeF

You guys really aren't settling my nerves... But uh, thanks anyway.

I'll tell you what, I have an idea. When it gets delivered I'll let you guys know what taxes and duties I get smacked with for now we can each make a guess of it. It'll be like a little experiment where I stand to lose a lot of money!

I did TWO orders:

_____________________________________

1) Six small item in one parcel costing

echelon

GeorgeF said:
I did TWO orders:

1) Six small item in one parcel costing

Malik

GeorgeF said:
I did TWO orders:

1) Six small item in one parcel costing

Rick

it all depends what value the person who sends it marks it as. 'gifts' don't work, because the threshold is only a little higher than normal items anyway

GeorgeF

Hey guys!

New update.

This morning I recieved my new fangled Mustang bridge in the post (it's a mod for my Jaguar incase you don't know what I'm blabbering about) and it's an absolute beaut! I lowered the action whilst putting it in which I've been meaning to do for ages. The new bridge has vastly improved the playability and it has even improved my tone! A real joy to play, a lot more versatile now the strings stay in their nooks. It's slowly becoming my new gigging guitar. There's still intonation to be done but it's good enough for a test run. I highly recommend this mod it to all Jag players who want a more reliable set up.

Anyway, the important bit...

I got away scot free! No duty or taxes. The dude I ebay'd it off marked it down as "PART FOR REPAIR". This is only the first of two packages however, and the latter that I ordered which isn't promising. I'm not off the hook yet...

I'm gonna do "before and after" photos and post 'em here so you can all see it when it's ready. Fingers crossed!