Upgrading Bullet with MIM pickups

[SFSMAQE]

Hello guys!
I recently bought a COB bullet second hand and was considering upgrading it.
While searcing online I came across a very cheap set of 93 MIM Fender pickups. They are so cheap in fact that I am suspicious about them.

Could you guys confirm if they are real MIM pickups?
Do you think that the upgrade will make a significant impact on sound quality or should I look for better pickups?
Thanks in advance!!

 

[fattboyzz]

They look pretty crappy an grungy in a bad way

If you can afford a loaded pickguard ,it's an easier and better option

 

[SFSMAQE]

The seller says they are in perfect condition, but as I am quite new to modding guitars I dont really know how much rust affects their sound...
I think I'll steer away from them ! thanks

 

[TIMB]

They kinda look like MIM pups but it’s hard to say for sure. A lot of pick ups look like that. If in doubt.. pass on them. I’m not sure if MIM pups would be a huge improvement anyway. I have a 2016 Affinity Strat and the stock pickups sound better than the stock ones in my MIM.

 

[funkysoul]

i see no upgrade will be

 

[Ebidis]

What is "COB"?

 

[Guitarmageddon]

What is "COB"?

a Made in China Squier Bullet serial number prefix

 

[bgmacaw]

They look a lot like the original pickups from my '93 MIM Duosonic. They're OK but I wouldn't consider them much of an upgrade from the stock Bullet pickups. Unless the price is really, really, good, I'd recommend some newer Squier Alnico pickups or getting a set of new pickups from GFS or Guitar Madness.

 

[Vjerilood]

They kinda look like MIM pups but it’s hard to say for sure. A lot of pick ups look like that. If in doubt.. pass on them. I’m not sure if MIM pups would be a huge improvement anyway. I have a 2016 Affinity Strat and the stock pickups sound better than the stock ones in my MIM.

I have one of those 2016 Affinities and while I did upgrade it, it was pretty nice right off the rack.

 

[jvin248]

.

Those are the modern MIM pickups. Dual ceramic, very common. Squier uses single wide ceramic bars. I have some ceramic pickups that sound better than some Alnico.
Don't be afraid of ceramic magnets and don't let others frighten you off.

Get the Bourns/CTS pots and CRL/OakGrigsby switch, switchcraft jack and you'll have a good playing and sounding guitar. Watch the "Joe Walsh gibsonuk setup" youtube videos number 5 and 6 to set your pickups for tone.

MIM pickups tend to be targeted at modern rock so they will be hotter output than the regular Alnico 5 slug pickups (so lower them from the strings). If you need to mod the tone, focus on pots and caps measured values brighter/warmer change to a higher/lower measured volume pot.

Here is a Bullet Squire Tele loaded with MIM pickups (details). It gets a good amount of playing. It might get a regular 3 saddle bridge someday.

 

[johnnymg]

I think you would better off waiting and looking for a loaded pickguard.

FWIW, I sorta like the Bullet pups. They aren't the best pup around but they are pretty decent if not downright good.

 

[rich815]

They are so cheap in fact that I am suspicious about them.

How cheap? There are many people upgrading their MIM strats with new pickups that the stock MIM pickups are usually quite cheap and easily found used and in great condition. I’ve seen full sets go for $15-30 USD. That said they really are under-rated I think. People say they’re way too hot and such but they can sound quite good clean or with just some mild effects too: