Last one for sure?

[fender3x]

BTW, I saw this on YT recently...



The answer to his question is "not necessarily". Stamps from famous makers do not mean the pickup from a cheap Asian factory is actually an expensive US pickup. How do I know? I bought no-name pickup on eBay that had the SD logo stamped on the bottom which was visible in the pic. It is possible that the baseplates were made in the same factory as ones for SD...but that was the only resemblance. The rest of the pickup was definitely not SD. I am guessing the same is true for bobbins. They might just buy their parts from the same place. Unless you know that the mfg makes pickups or other parts for a name-brand, this is a bad bet IMHO.

[Tgraham]

Very interesting

[Tgraham]

Thanks mate great info, esp about how to make a paperweight

[fender3x]

Ha! One of a number of failed experiments on my desk ;-)

[Trevor Davies]

I’m thinking of upgrading pickups on this build, hopefully without breaking the budget, what have others used and or recommendations please.

I have used the Tonerider pups from PBG and are very happy with them!

[Tgraham]

Thanks Trevor, there are so many options ranging from almost no $ to omg so much. Tim suggested I start a new post on pickups for more discussion which I nearly did but then thought there would be so many ideas I would be totally confused.
On another matter why do bugs always find my spray jobs so fast, the little shites are frustrating.

[fender3x]

I like Tim's idea. Going down the rabbit hole is all part of the fun ;-)

I narrowed the field somewhat by thinking about players I liked, and looking into what they had in their guitars. Then I looked for a cheaper alternative with similar specs.

With regard to the bugs... I think it's to convince you that you need a spray booth.

[Tgraham]

Hmm converting a shower recess to a spray booth - that’s going to be popular
Yes I will start the pickup hunt post

[Trevor Davies]

...
On another matter why do bugs always find my spray jobs so fast, the little shites are frustrating.

Yes, little bugs in spray jobs - is a common problem. And dust! Some folks use a cheap "toilet tent", which protects the paint job, and also reduces the overspray going everywhere. I used a cheap unwanted "play" tent for a couple of my early builds. It was suspended above a work bench - which worked quite well.
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...l=1#post213641.

https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...l=1#post223218.

[Tgraham]

Got my final clear coat on today bug free - phew. But seriously thinking of covering the spare shower to use for a spray booth next time.