MIJ jag pickups --- Bought it!

[jbruin]

Hi,

At the moment I´m seriously considering buying a RI 2005 MIJ jaguar. But before trying it and for justification, I´d like to hear your opinions concerning the Japanese pick ups. I already own a 65 RI mustang, so how would the pick ups compare? I've heard both being likened to strat pickups (might be a lazy comparison), but how do they differ tone-wise (if they do).

And how many would say the Japanese pick ups had best be replaced? I've heard stories about squeals etc, or are these people just squares?

Thanks!

[vincel]

I've always thought the CIJ pickups sound rather thin. But, to be fair, I wasn't particularly impressed with the pickups on my AVRI Jaguar either.

On my last CIJ Jaguar, I replaced them with Seymour Duncans (SJAG-1/neck, SJAG-2/bridge).

[othomas2]

I really like the neck CIJ pickup, but outed out the bridge for a Quarter Pounder - 3

I did have a problems with mircrophonic feedback but that was all resolved when I removed the claws, which i highly recommend for those in the same position. Was just as bad with the SDs as well. The only down side from an aesthetic point of view, is that you're missing the claws.

[jbruin]

Thanks for the replies, hopefully I get to have a go on it this week, see how it works out. Apparently the stock bridge has been replaced by a TOM (it´s definately not a CP), do these even fit the jag radius very well?

[robert(original)]

you will want to groove the saddles a bit to fit the radius better.
the jap jag pups are sad.
truly sad.
the isn't too bad, i guess, but it still sucks balls, im actually a fan of the avri jag pups, i am on the same hunt for a better replacement as well.

[jbruin]

you will want to groove the saddles a bit to fit the radius better.

I´m thinking about putting the original bridge back on and attempt to set it up according to what I´ve read here I guess. Would an AVRI trem unit improve the bridge situation since the string spacing at the tail piece actually lines up with the bridge instead of the Jap ones?

[Fran]

They are almost identical to Strat pickups but the pot values and claw change the sound considerably. they are not wax potted either so expect fairly trebly microphonic sounds with high gain. They shine quite well with a Tubescreamer level of overdrive but beyond that they are problematic.
Most people upgrade sooner or later, especially the bridge pup.

[jbruin]

Just got it today!



It sounded well on my champ 600 amp 5 watt amp so I'll just have to wait till rehearsal this weekend to really test the pick ups at high volume. It plays super, but I'm not familiar with the replacement bridge. It came with the stock bridge but the posts were soldered off and soldered to the new bridge (!), so I guess buying an american one would be the way to go. Anyone familiar with this one??



The stock bridge..



The trem doesn't seem to "pop" in, then again it doesn't widen at the end or anything



I feel like an incredible noob now (but a happy one at that).

Is an AVRI trem unit compatible with a MIJ body? Is it worth replacing in the first place?

[Ty]

Lefty? or the pics flipped?

[Fran]

Now then, young man.

That looks smashing! Well done.

[jbruin]

Lefty? or the pics flipped?

No, it's not a lefty, my webcam flipped the images.

[jamieb]

I replaced the bridge pup in mine with an SD Little '59 for Strat if that helps.

Does rock.

[dots]

avri jag pickups are superior from what i've heard/experienced.