Best Part On Guitar (2024 Update)

Better than any locking tuner, you just have to measure the string to the second peg above the one you're using, cut it and put it in. When you get to the unwound ones, clip a little shorter (can't tell you how to measure, I figured it out by trial and error. I would estimate 3 wraps by sort of wrapping it loosely, then cut). Perfect match to the vintage F tuners made on the great strats of yore, you can age them to match by fuming the finish with muriatic acid. Place the tuners on an upside down bowl in a piece of tuperware with an inch or so of acid. Seal the lid. Place in a bath of hot water, and the acid will heat and evaporate. After 10 – 15 minutes check the level of chrome removal. You can always do more, but you can't easy put chrome back on. Rinse with cold water when you're done. RAWK ON!!!!ki_jaybones

I build custom Strat/Tele's so this may not apply to all but…. Like others said this peg uses press-fit front bushing style similar to low cost Squire Strat. For standard diecast pegs I drill 10 mm diameter holes on peg head. I use aftermarket necks with 8 mm diameter hole (I remember it is same as low cost Squire). What I do on 8 mm holes for this peg is I drill 4 mm deep 23/64 (9.1 mm??) diameter counterbore holes to accommodate the bushings. I strongly recommend using drill press not hand drill for this. Also for a better support of peg shaft, I made Teflon sleeves to fill the peghead holes of 8 – 10 mm with silicone grease. One minor issue I have is peghead of some aftermarket Tele neck is a little undersized so I need to file the end peg (High E) a bit to fit.Basement Blues

I first discovered these when purchasing a Fender American Deluxe Strat. Fender only puts them on the American Deluxe Strats and Teles, so far as I know. Since then, I have purchased these and put them on three other of My Fender Teles and Strats. These are a perfect way to upgrade, if your Fender neck has the two-pin guide holes, like most of their modern necks (vintage style excluded). These really are the smoothest Fender machine heads/tuners I've ever found. The lower priced two pin tuners as used on the Player series just aren't as smooth and it seems like the gear ratio is different, too. maybe lower than the Player machine heads, like 18:1. Yes..more expensive, but even without the locking device, well worth it, IMO. The pic is a Tele I recently built with V-Mod pups and 12' radius fret board. I just installed the tuners the other day. The guitar deserved these and I love 'em!songs60s

Have had these new Fender locking tuners on my Stratocaster for a few weeks now, and I must say that I really like them! I think one of the big benefits of locking tuners on a Fender with a whammy bar is that there are no wraps of the string on the tuning pegs, the wraps dont always go back the same way after returning from a dive. Also the new tuners seem to have a little more weight to them than the original tuners. The added weight and mass seem to make the tone of the guitar a little more solid with possibly a bit more sustain. I definitely noticed a big improvement with tuning stability after the first time of doing some dives on the guitar. The feel of the tuners while actually tuning the guitar is very nice too, very smooth and precise. I would not hesitate to buy these tuners again to put on my other Fenders.stratm_88

I bought these for my American Performer Strat. I had no issues with tuning. The vintage tuners that came with it stayed in tune just fine. Had problems with strings slipping while changing them and it was very frustrating. At first I was concerned because they came with no installation instructions and I am not good mechanically at all. Found instructions on how to install them onto the guitar and how to install strings by looking on the internet. So,so easy! All you need is a pair of pliers. Loosen the nut, remove the old tuner and put the new one on. If you are installing on a Fender Strat the holes line up with the two pegs on the locking tuner and they pop right in and you tighten the nut. That simple. To install the string you just pull the string through the peg as tight as you can by hand, tighten the bottom knob which locks the string and cut the string and tune. So, so simple and efficient. I have no problem installing new strings any more! Quick and easy. Everyone should have these. Well worth the money by far!Morningdew

The included instructions in B&W aren't very useful but you can find the colored diagram via a Google search. If you have a normal Strat body you can still install this without any modification to the body: – the mid-boost circuit will fit at the bottom of the control cavity provided you clip couple of its corners. However you however no longer have clearance for the TBX tone pot, so you can either replace it by a normal 250K pot (or a no-load Fender pot) which is what Clapton himself uses, or you switch the positions of the TBX tone control vs mid-boost pot control. – the battery is trickier. You can, with proper insulation, fit it in-between the 5-way switch and volume pot. That's a very tight fit though, especially with the board already in the cavity, but it's also very inconvenient to replace the battery. Some have replaced their tremolo block for a much thinner one in order to fit the battery, or removed a few springs to fit it in there; either way the tremolo become unusable. However Fishman makes a 9V battery pack tremolo cover that is perfect for this midboost circuit (and any other active electronics), it's not cheap but it's a direct retrofit for the standard tremolo cover, provides days of playtime, and quickly recharges via USB.customized-guitars

I hear a lot of folks complimenting the sound, OK pre amps are pre amps and wiring mods are wiring mods, I just bought this as a kit not realizing it would be sorely lacking in basic key features yet loaded with um, dummy features? first off the way this unit is activated is way beyond my comprehension, you turn it on by plugging in your guitar jack, yup thats the "on" switch, so we all know what that means, more miles on the switch and a lot of dead batteries as the ONLY way to turn it off is to unplug the guitar? I have seen some of the loaded pick guards with this kit and WOW, they actually want you to out the battery UNDER the pick guard? UNREAL how long till someone has to use the bathroom and sets the guitar down, gets side tracked and the battery is DRAINED? you might think ah thats OK it sounds good in passive mode and I have pedals to so no biggie right? WRONG they DO NOT have a passive mode feature, thats right you read this right, a very simple radio shack switch, 12" of wire and 2" of solder and like 10 more minutes worth of labor to wire in a passive mode bypass switch, and hey guess what? while were already MODDING the MOD we may as well do a 2 bird one stone thing and when you SWITCH the guitar into passive mode you SHUT THE BATTERY power OFF, novel idea right? that way the REAL way to shut down the preamp is to simply FLIP it into passive mode!!! I know kind of a 60's thing but hey when your battery is under the pick guard you may want to have that ability to shut her down without having to add more wear and tear on your input and cables.. I'm considering going 90's with mine and adding a timeout mod, if there is no activity in a preset (user definable) amount of time it shuts itself off, and to reset it very easily you just roll the guitar sideways strings up or down and the small tiny mercury switch turns it back on for you, I know thats sort of a 2000's thing but hey it is 2015 rolling up onto 2016… lolEx; Jim the Runner

I put this into a pedal enclosure rather than my strat. It is very good and robust for what it is. Having said that it is just a boost. If you are looking for the Clapton mid boost then this is great. However there are other ways to achieve the same results. I think in a Strat it would be superb driving an old Fender tube amp. In a pedal, it is fun to try and not expensive.scarleftpimpler

These are beautiful and easy to install (installed on a Gibson Les Paul Studio) and the tuners are very smooth and accurate. However, as I have read in several other reviews, the high E and to a lesser extent the B string tuners will not lock properly with lighter gauge strings. If you are using 9's or 10's you will need to wrap those strings in order to get a proper lock. This somewhat defeats the purpose of having locking tuners. If it were not for the fact that these tuners are absolutely gorgeous, I would be hesitant to recommend them. The other issue is that the locking knobs do feel slightly flimsy to me – I say they feel because they may be perfectly robust, but compared to other brands of locking tuners that I use, they just don't seem solid enough. If you can live with these issues, then I think you will be happy with these tuners. They are definitely stunning in appearance – especially the open gear version – but time will tell if they hold up mechanically.greenback44

The tuners have a 10mm sleeve to make sure your guitar has the correct sized headstock or you will be reaming it to size. The included ump system did not work on my Yamaha Pacifica 012. The factory holes in the headstock were too far apart to mount more than 2 tuners at a time. They do come with screws and a mounting hole so that is how I had to attach them. It worked but it required drilling new pilot holes and screwing the tuners down. The tuners were staggered and I was able to remove the factory string tree. They are smooth and very precise so tuning to your desired pitch is easy. The locking pins made my string change a breeze. They hold the strings in tight without pinching the thinner strings like my Fender tuners do. High quality fit and finish as well. Beautiful tuners.bike-fi-guy

I bought these tuners for a guitar that I am having built. I'm usually a "chrome guy," but this time, I opted for the black finish. When manufacturers, even some top guitar builders, look for a way to cut corners, it is usually with hardware like machine heads. With Hipshot tuners, replacement is a non-invasive snap, as they include their "UMP" plates, making it a breeze to align and install their tuners with no holes drilled. And, with an 18:1 ratio, they give you great tuning accuracy. They come in cool finishes, and look absolutely super! Another great feature: They are compatible with and identical to the GT-series xtenders (Drop-D tuners) available for most guitars, both acoustic and electric. Hipshot also offers an array of replacement tuner buttons, allowing you to further customize the look of your "peghead." I cannot say enough about the quality of these tuners. No, I don't work for Hipshot. But I cannot think of a product I am more pleased with, and loyal to.popmidi

I bought this for a partscaster project I was working on since I had read that it will bolt directly to a Squier SE Special body. I am here to verify that it bolts onto the Squier SE body without issue but cannot say whether it fits other Squier models (although I did read that it is too deep to work on the thinner Squier "Affinity" model bodies). I like the stamped saddles and the high mass block compared to the Squier unit. Side Notes: The string and mounting bolt spacing is not the same as the "vintage" Fender models (i.e.: it would not work on my MIM Fender Road Worn 50's Strat for instance). You will also need a Standard Mexican Fender tremolo bar (PN 099-2310-100), since the import one has different threads. Also, the Fender Mexican spring claw is wider than the one mounted to the Squier SE, so I just kept the original SE one in place, which works fine. Anyway, if you want an inexpensive upgrade for your lower end import Strat, I can attest to the quality of the Fender Mexican Tremolo bridge assembly… Good Luck!danzprod

I purchased this to better my sustain and after installation. The sustain was lasting to long almost five seconds, very hard to intonate. I new something was wrong. I checked the cavity and found one corner touching and after removal l was able to clear that up. Now it's as it was meant to be. Great tone increase and actually added to my playing comfort. I have the claw spring adjusted one half inch out and even making my trem exactly at 1/8 above the guitar surface. It's how l have always setup my strats and all my bends are more comfortable than with the old block. My sustain is around three seconds now and allows my compressor sustainer pedal to work properly. It's a vast improvement to tone. I can actually use 1 through 5 and all sound great no more over the edge quack and the other end not as dark. Definitely recommend, just check before you button it up that the block isn't touching the body or your notes will wring out on top of one another and most compressor s can't keep up to fix it. Custom shop neck American vintage Clapton fender noisless and believe it or not l replaced my worn out body with a new squire standard same neck pocket size just basswood it's awesome body $60 and of course the block had to go. If you upgrade your body measure the back of the neck pocket thickness and make sure it matches and dump the block and go fender big. Thanksatexx

This replaced a TBX pot in my late 80's American Standard Telecaster. I have to admit, I never knew what the TBX was doing, but decided I wanted a simpler wiring arrangement for the 4-way switch I put in. I'm not missing the TBX at all. This has nice smooth operation, and a solid feel at the 10 position where the tone control is bypassed. That gives a bright, Tele twang from the bridge pickup, which may be a bit too twangy for some. My favorite is the neck pup with the tone bypassed, which gives a warm tone, perfect for slow blues solos. At low settings (below about 4 or 5) the neck gets muddy, but this setting certainly tames the bridge brightness. Bear in mind, I don't have a direct before and after comparison with the same pickups. One rainy day I may experiment with another TBX, just to do the back to back comparison, but overall I very happy with the swap.Mike

I tried other brands but trust the Fender Potentiometers to fit right and work. The enclosed cap works fine and have no hesitation in using it but tried and liked an upgrade to Orange Drop as I felt my tone did improve a little. I keep any other capacitor values same as the original Fender as I want to maintain original Fender tone. I have never had an issue and will use these as long as I own Strats or similar guitars needing 250K and shafts that fit the mounting locations. And a nice inexpensive upgrade for guitars with lower quality controls. Be sure it will fit!Pickorfish

Excellent service and a great price. The parts fitted perfectly and work as they should. I will use again and will recommend to others. Thank you.John N

These are beautiful and easy to install (installed on a Gibson Les Paul Studio) and the tuners are very smooth and accurate. However, as I have read in several other reviews, the high E and to a lesser extent the B string tuners will not lock properly with lighter gauge strings. If you are using 9's or 10's you will need to wrap those strings in order to get a proper lock. This somewhat defeats the purpose of having locking tuners. If it were not for the fact that these tuners are absolutely gorgeous, I would be hesitant to recommend them. The other issue is that the locking knobs do feel slightly flimsy to me – I say they feel because they may be perfectly robust, but compared to other brands of locking tuners that I use, they just don't seem solid enough. If you can live with these issues, then I think you will be happy with these tuners. They are definitely stunning in appearance – especially the open gear version – but time will tell if they hold up mechanically.greenback44

The tuners have a 10mm sleeve to make sure your guitar has the correct sized headstock or you will be reaming it to size. The included ump system did not work on my Yamaha Pacifica 012. The factory holes in the headstock were too far apart to mount more than 2 tuners at a time. They do come with screws and a mounting hole so that is how I had to attach them. It worked but it required drilling new pilot holes and screwing the tuners down. The tuners were staggered and I was able to remove the factory string tree. They are smooth and very precise so tuning to your desired pitch is easy. The locking pins made my string change a breeze. They hold the strings in tight without pinching the thinner strings like my Fender tuners do. High quality fit and finish as well. Beautiful tuners.bike-fi-guy

I bought these tuners for a guitar that I am having built. I'm usually a "chrome guy," but this time, I opted for the black finish. When manufacturers, even some top guitar builders, look for a way to cut corners, it is usually with hardware like machine heads. With Hipshot tuners, replacement is a non-invasive snap, as they include their "UMP" plates, making it a breeze to align and install their tuners with no holes drilled. And, with an 18:1 ratio, they give you great tuning accuracy. They come in cool finishes, and look absolutely super! Another great feature: They are compatible with and identical to the GT-series xtenders (Drop-D tuners) available for most guitars, both acoustic and electric. Hipshot also offers an array of replacement tuner buttons, allowing you to further customize the look of your "peghead." I cannot say enough about the quality of these tuners. No, I don't work for Hipshot. But I cannot think of a product I am more pleased with, and loyal to.popmidi

The Fender Dual pot solves the issue that arises with having both single coil and humbucking pickups in a guitar that only has one volume pot. It's obviously designed with Strats in mind, but I could see this being used in other style guitars. Keep in mind that this isn't designed to be used for a tone pot, but as a volume pot only, and with it basically being two pots stacked on each other you may encounter issues in guitars with shallow cavities. I bought this to use in my Super Strat conversion, with a rail humbucker in the bridge and a single coil in the neck. I'm sure this would be perfect for HSS as well.thecrimsondawn

These Genuine Fender Dome Knobs have a great solid feel, and look great too. They're a nice weight also. I actually bought them as replacement knobs for a newer G&L LB100 "P" bass. The knobs on there didn't feel as solid, weren't domed and the diamond cut pattern didn't have as smooth a finish. These are a real improvement.jag67jaguar

I have to say, I don't normally write reviews for product – but this little item changed my mind. I bought one to finish up a parts-o-caster home build, where it was matched with a different knob type. After mounting this one on the guitar, I immediately pulled off the other type and ordered another one of these domed nickel knobs. They are, simply put, the best Tele style knob I have ever used!jagoldtop

ORIGINAL fender parts are always the best way to go whether your replacing old ones or building your own new monster. You can feel it in your hands when you hold them. I buy all my parts from Guitar Audio. They are a fantastic company. Well priced and quick to deliver. Real happy with the knobs. My second build with genuine Fender parts from Guitar Audio and I'll use them on all to come.candelljr123

I got this neck to replace the one I had on my Squier FSR Bullet Telecaster (in Metallic Purple with Maple Fretboard). This telecaster has a Maple neck with a normal C shape and felt really unrefined for a "Fender" neck. I decided to get this Fender Telecaster Standard Replacement Neck with a Modern C shape neck. This new actual Fender neck was a drastic change in quality and performance. Here's just a quick Pros and Con of this product. PROS: Real Fender Product – Because this is an official Fender product, the neck replacement on my Squier was seamless and very simple. Modern C – Makes a better feeling guitar when playing compared to the normal C shape neck. Satin Neck Finish on back – The neck is very smooth feeling when playing. The finish on the back of the neck doesn't get in the way of you playing fast. This helps if you have sweaty hands when playing. Gloss fretboard – This makes a difference because if doesn't feel like your fingers are sticking to the fretboard. Medium Jumbo Frets – Just feels nice when moving around the fretboard. Bending strings feel nicer than my old Squier frets. Pre Drilled Holes for Tuners – I already had Fender locking tuners. So it was a simple swap with no mods needed. CONS: Nut not slotted – I don't understand why the NUT isn't slotted at least for common string size. It is very slightly to get you started but you would need a file. I just used the low E strong and used it like a file but it didn't come out too well and I've had to buy a new nut that comes preslotted. No predrilled String tree hold – This really wasn't too much of a problem but it's scary if you get it wrong. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase after two weeks of everyday playing with it. This was a much needed upgrade from my Squier telecaster neck I had.C. Barona

this is my 4th roasted neck and I can't recommend them enough. especially if you live on or near the water. I can pull out my strat or tele after not playing them for a few days and they are right in tune look at the quality that is put into them and you'd agree. when screwed to a sunburst or pastel colored body they just really enhance the look of your instrument. the cost of the roasted neck is something you gotta think about like do you really want to spend that kinda Ching on a neck? hell you can buy a standard neck for less or even buy an after market neck and play the same its all about the stability of the wood that closed the deal for me. dig down deep in yer pocket and pony up the Ching for one of these I'm pretty sure you be pleased you did. I have them mounted to Mexican fenders and American fenders all have mated up perfect and very little fret work was needed this is my experience with these necks and you will find the same. in short I dig mine and will in the future will only use these beautiesho-joe56

perfect fitment into a MIM fender body. finish was flawless and the dark maple is beautiful. mistake made on my part, not fender….. the roasted maple has so much less give than standard maple. I should have thought about that with all of the moisture being removed from the wood. I used fender press fit tuner bushings and installed them with a C-clamp as I always have. I heard the headstock crack as I was installing the D string bushing and my heart sank. Luckily, I was able to inject some wood glue and clamp it overnight to close it up, but I reamed out the G tuner bushing and learned my lesson. use care when installing the tuner bushings on anything roasted as the fibers in the wood simply will not compress the same way another neck would.Grey

These tuners were a drop-in replacement for the original tuners on my Squier Classic Vibe 60's Strat. I didn't need to replace the bushings – the tuners were an exact fit for the original bushings. However, this style of locking tuner is not as easy to use as the style that has the locking mechanism on the back of the tuner. With that style, you insert the string, tighten down the wheel on the back of the tuner, and then turn the tuning key a couple of turns to tune to pitch. To maintain the vintage appearance, which is a positive, these tuners do not have the wheel on the back of the tuners. Instead, to tighten the string, you turn the tuning key many, many times. There is so much turning required that it's not that much better than the standard vintage tuner. The end result is positive – at most 1 turn of the string around the post, which promotes tuning stability.bridsonb

Tuners are solid and work — not locking type, but stays in tune. Installation takes either a neck with the two little guide-holes all ready to go, or else some skill with a small drill bit. Put it into place and tighten down enough to leave two faint dents on the headstock, then remove and drill. Tape a stop guide so you don't drill too far through the neck, just deep enough for the wee pegs.zippinski

The only downside to these tuners is that they require two holes to be drilled in the back of the headstock alongside the 10mm hole to locate two pins extending from each tuner that prevent it twisting around under string tension. If your headstock is pre-drilled, no problem, but if it isn't you will have to do this yourself. I used a Dremel with a dentists' drill and a steady hand. Other than this they look great, very tidy and most importantly work well. They hold tune perfectly. Recommended.johthoma270

These are the tuners that came stock on my E4 Fender American Standard. They have a smooth feel, and stay in tune well. The tuners have worked reliably since I bought the guitar in 1985. I also have several other guitars with these tuners, and they all function perfectly. I think that the tuners improve the sound by making sure that the strings stay in tune. Also, these tuners make good contact with the neck, and don't vibrate like some marginally acceptable Chinese tuners, found on some Squiers (and other budget guitars), thereby better transferring vibration to and from the neck and strings. Just my two cents.Bill

Fender always puts out good products This is typical of Fender. Good product. And made is the USA. That explains why they are so expensive.bretttech

Genuine Fender, not China knockoffs made of soft metal. I watched a 45 minute video of inside the Fender factory. They make everything in-house and still use the original industrial size machine tools purchased by Leo Fender, and still use his manufacture process. The only CNC Macine in the plant was used to precision cut fretboards. Amazing. It's on YouTube.dj_us_ucjeve

Awesome screws, just about two threads too long for the outside E string saddle heights! Need 2 shorter screws for E string saddles! These are when using Rutters Broadcaster Saddles.descender2356

Ive owned and worked on countless Fenders, and this is by far the closest oem spot onspec part you can get for a 52 Telecaster, they differ in quality from a cheap brand, thickness and overall feel, weight and lookssph6461

When it comes to chrome or nickel plating, the cheap Chinese versions do not compare. I held this unit up to a knockoff and the difference was amazing. Deep, deep shine and thickness of chrome make all the difference. For the price, it's worth it. If your using this on a diy guitar kit, please be advised that your pickguard may need adjustments to fit this unit. If your planning on transforming a diy guitar kit to a good guitar, use the plate in combination with the correct pots and caps and a proper fender thre way switch. You won't regret itcolts93fan69

Good replacement for a USA/Mexican made Fender guitars. Make sure you compare dimensions of openings and spacing to your current control plate to ensure a perfect fit. Size/spacing of openings may not be suited for Asian made Telecaster-style guitars.sfarias56

I love the aged look of the pickup covers and knobs. I have ordered many over the years. The tremolo cover does not match at all and usually has a mint green color. That part of the kit is a waste. I have piles of them which I cannot use. The best look for your Strat is a W/B/W pickguard with matching tremolo cover and these pickup covers and knobs. I will continue to buy the kit. I have tried several others and they are always lacking.lawellness

Everything was fine except for the tremolo cover that fits on the back of the guitar. It was too small and the screw holes would not align with the factory drilled holes. My Stratocaster was a standard design made in Mexico. So it should have fitted.graleat-72

The Fender Dual pot solves the issue that arises with having both single coil and humbucking pickups in a guitar that only has one volume pot. It's obviously designed with Strats in mind, but I could see this being used in other style guitars. Keep in mind that this isn't designed to be used for a tone pot, but as a volume pot only, and with it basically being two pots stacked on each other you may encounter issues in guitars with shallow cavities. I bought this to use in my Super Strat conversion, with a rail humbucker in the bridge and a single coil in the neck. I'm sure this would be perfect for HSS as well.thecrimsondawn

The Highwood saddles not only provide a vintage feel and reduce hand injury, but also improve on the original design by including a notch for the string to rest on. The tone and feel are amazing. I intend to put them on all my Stratocasters!justjcguitar

I got this neck to replace the one I had on my Squier FSR Bullet Telecaster (in Metallic Purple with Maple Fretboard). This telecaster has a Maple neck with a normal C shape and felt really unrefined for a "Fender" neck. I decided to get this Fender Telecaster Standard Replacement Neck with a Modern C shape neck. This new actual Fender neck was a drastic change in quality and performance. Here's just a quick Pros and Con of this product. PROS: Real Fender Product – Because this is an official Fender product, the neck replacement on my Squier was seamless and very simple. Modern C – Makes a better feeling guitar when playing compared to the normal C shape neck. Satin Neck Finish on back – The neck is very smooth feeling when playing. The finish on the back of the neck doesn't get in the way of you playing fast. This helps if you have sweaty hands when playing. Gloss fretboard – This makes a difference because if doesn't feel like your fingers are sticking to the fretboard. Medium Jumbo Frets – Just feels nice when moving around the fretboard. Bending strings feel nicer than my old Squier frets. Pre Drilled Holes for Tuners – I already had Fender locking tuners. So it was a simple swap with no mods needed. CONS: Nut not slotted – I don't understand why the NUT isn't slotted at least for common string size. It is very slightly to get you started but you would need a file. I just used the low E strong and used it like a file but it didn't come out too well and I've had to buy a new nut that comes preslotted. No predrilled String tree hold – This really wasn't too much of a problem but it's scary if you get it wrong. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase after two weeks of everyday playing with it. This was a much needed upgrade from my Squier telecaster neck I had.C. Barona

this is my 4th roasted neck and I can't recommend them enough. especially if you live on or near the water. I can pull out my strat or tele after not playing them for a few days and they are right in tune look at the quality that is put into them and you'd agree. when screwed to a sunburst or pastel colored body they just really enhance the look of your instrument. the cost of the roasted neck is something you gotta think about like do you really want to spend that kinda Ching on a neck? hell you can buy a standard neck for less or even buy an after market neck and play the same its all about the stability of the wood that closed the deal for me. dig down deep in yer pocket and pony up the Ching for one of these I'm pretty sure you be pleased you did. I have them mounted to Mexican fenders and American fenders all have mated up perfect and very little fret work was needed this is my experience with these necks and you will find the same. in short I dig mine and will in the future will only use these beautiesho-joe56

perfect fitment into a MIM fender body. finish was flawless and the dark maple is beautiful. mistake made on my part, not fender….. the roasted maple has so much less give than standard maple. I should have thought about that with all of the moisture being removed from the wood. I used fender press fit tuner bushings and installed them with a C-clamp as I always have. I heard the headstock crack as I was installing the D string bushing and my heart sank. Luckily, I was able to inject some wood glue and clamp it overnight to close it up, but I reamed out the G tuner bushing and learned my lesson. use care when installing the tuner bushings on anything roasted as the fibers in the wood simply will not compress the same way another neck would.Grey

I'm experienced with building guitars and designing electronics and both pickups were dead when I wired it them up. They also hummed like crazy. I got the neck pickup to give great output but I had to add a jumper wire that was missing in the back. The bridge pickup only ever worked at half volume and I tried every possible wiring on the output with different jumpers and eventually the pickup wires that run out to the coils gave way from being reworked so many times. Way more work than they are worth.Clark

I wanted to like these pickups, but unfortunately they are too tall. The American Ultra guitars must have a deeper route to accommodate these or something. My vintage style MIM Fender body (purchased brand new as a replacement body from Fender/MF for a Partscaster) did not have enough depth in the pickup cavities to fit these. Fits standard single coils with tons of room to spare, so it's not a shallow route. These would go in if you bottom them all the way out, but then they're just barely under the strings, buzzing on the pole pieces, no room for adjustment. From what I heard, they do sound ok, but obviously need an adjustment, which I can't make. The noiseless aspect was good. They are pretty low output. Even with them near touching the strings they were significantly lower output than the Fender Tex Mex set I was trying to replace. I made recordings of before and after to compare, and they weren't any better than the Tex Mex – actually preferred the Tex Mex for tone and output. The Ultra Vintage had slightly less mids, less output, and no hum. that's about it. If you can fit them, I'm sure they'd be great, though I would opt for the Ultra Hot Noiseless instead for the increased output. For reference, from bottom of the PCB to top of the tallest pole piece they are roughly 0.984" tall or roughly 25mm. Also only available in aged white, so no color options either. Side note – the listing says they come with pots, switch, etc. They do not. This is just the pickups and mounting screws/rubber "springs" – that's it. The screws are different from typical single coils too, using threaded inserts instead of plastic screws directly into the bobbin. Keep that in mind.c00lkatz

I was a bit underwhelmed with the N3 noiseless set that came fitted to a 2013 Deluxe Strat I bought used. I noted the Gen4s had a higher output, but some forum comments suggested they weren't a worthwhile upgrade. They were wrong! More noticeable than the higher output is the improved tone the Gen4's provide. Far more 'stratty' than N3s, more touch sensitive, alive, present, and less compressed (most noticeable with the neck pick-up). Positions 2 and 4 give an authentic chimey sound. And, as a bonus,with the S1 switch activated there is less of an increase in volume than there was with the N3s. I now have 10 very usable tones! Brilliant purchase!greengoatster