Apaches questions; wiring and polepiece recomendations.

[Fourth Feline]

Hi folks,

I am currently saving for a set of 'Apaches' for my Fender MIJ Strat '57 re-issue. Two big questions come to mind:

1 ) Should I have the middle pickup Rw/rp for hum cancelling in switch positions 2 and 4, or have it straight wired as I think I recall Tim saying that the 'quack' is much better if you forego the hum cancelling effect.

2) The fingerboard radius is 7.25, should I order the '54 stagger or a straight polepiece set ? I am only put off the '54 stagger as I read that it has  much lower polepieces underneath the top e and b strings - the very two strings I want to 'cut through'  better.

Before I ring Tim and ask what all you good people are tending to order, I wondered if you would give me some direct feedback/recomendations yourself.  

Thanks in anticipation.      :D

Regards,

Derek.

[38thBeatle]

If it is a 57 reissue, it presumably has a vintage neck in which case I would go for the vintage stagger. In all honesty I dont think the stagger makes a great deal of difference but would suit the guitar.
As for the RW polarity thing, I would ask myself how important the "in between" tones are- some players  never use them others do.Sorry it is not a helpful answer.

[Fourth Feline]

Just to clarify a point on the importance to me of the 'in between' sounds, I tend to almost live on the combined bridge / middle position.

Ta.

[HJM]

If you like RWRP in between tones and you're used to them, get a RWRP set. Stock has a different tone, more balls but looses a bit of the slightly hollow in-between sound that some people love.

[PhilKing]

There are 2 vintage staggers.  The 54 and the regular vintage.  The vintage stagger makes the top E & B lowest, then the bottom E & A, with the D & G tallest. The 54 has the G magnet lower and A higher.

If you get the regular vintage stagger you will be OK.

[Fourth Feline]

Thanks Phil and HJM, invaluable advice you have both given there. It is the " slightly hollowed out in between tones " that I love. The Telecaster and Gibsons can handle the rest...   Thanks for the experienced input.

HJM, I was pleasantly surprised to see a 'BKP meister'  here in West Yorkshire - there is chance for us tykes to yet become a cultural force then !
Also what type of guitar do you have your SMs in ? are they the Alnico II type ?

 :D

Regards,

Derek.

[Elliot]

Just to reiterate Apaches come in 54 or 56 vintage stagger - I think you want 56 if you are playing it safe to the 1957 strat spec.

[Fourth Feline]

Thanks for the timely warning Elliot, much appreciated.  :)