Strat question..

[Twang Thang]

Hi folks, new member saying hello for the first time.

I currently have a set of BK yardbirds in my 62 Japanese tele, brilliant pickups, well pleased.
I'm now thinking of upgrading my 50's classic MIM strat to a set of Apache's.

I'm wondering if I supply my own eight hole pickguard can I have my pickups added to that?
I'm also a little unclear as to the differences with rw/rp pickups.

Any help greatfully received!

[PhilKing]

Yes, BK will fit your pickups to your pickguard.  RW/RP gives a more pronounced 'quack' in positions 2 & 4, and is also hum cancelling.  With a standard iddle pickup, I think you get smother sound in positions 2 & 4, still with the mid-cut that the parallel wiring gives you.

[AndyR]

Hi, I have Yardbirds and Apaches. If you like what the Yardbirds do, I think you'll love the Apaches.

Mine are standard middle and they quack plenty for me (and I tend to like the 2 and 4 positions).

I have ITs with RW/RP - they were my first ones, I ordered RW/RP because I thought "quack! I want maximum quack!".

To be honest, I don't think I did. And the hum-cancelling in 2 and 4 annoys me rather than improving anything (I switch pickups a lot. 1, 3, and 5 still have the familiar old strat-noise, which I don't mind anyway. Silence in just 2 and 4 feels a bit artificial to me - but I'm just an old git! :lol:)

So I've gone for standard middle ever since - I can get all the quack I need out of adjusting the pickups heights and how I play. (Actually, the Apache middle pickup on it's own can sound quite quacky in my hands - I'm almost tempted to put a 3-way switch in!)

[38thBeatle]

Another thumbs aloft for Apaches. Can't fault them- I never tire of the sumptuous Strattyness that ensues.

[Telerocker]

The Apaches will do great in that guitar, I think. Heard so many good clips here.