Shayne - start with stock - if you're happy with the sound - great - save for a new kit instead. Generally they're not too bad. If you've got it all up and running and you're not quite happy - then you can look into a new set. Unfortunately the Ric pickups are a little smaller than a standard 'bucker, so you'll need to consider that as well as you shop. Changing out a set of pups is not too hard. I'd personally be focussing on changing out the pots and caps for some decent Bournes and Orange Drops - will be heaps cheaper and probably give better bang for buck.