The Electra Forums

Hey guys, can anyone help me identify the model of this Electra I bought recently? I enjoy playing it. The pickups aren't great though, I'm looking for some suggestions for a swap.

Any info or comments appreciated!

Hello and welcome to the site. Not sure of the model but looks to be a PCM (west coast Electra). From the neck ( the stickers- dont take them off) I can tell it came from the same factory in Korea that made the Hondo brands. We have found here that different factorys were used to make some models and some were made to customer order from the factory catalogs. I dont know the factory name but I have 6 guitars from there of another brand with the same necks and they are solid sounding, playing guitars I play a lot. The PCM line did not have any catalog or model numbers to that we know of. This is good info. One of the members here has more info on the PCM models.
Does it have the solid tremolo block and bridge plate or the plate bolted to the block with 3 screws? The solid block gives more tone, a lot more tone. A new set of pick ups would most likely wake up that 30 yr old axe. Save the old ones cause you never know.

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SlmGuy

Hey, thanks so much for the info! Cool. I was browsing around the forum and didn't see any other strat type models.

Here are some images of the block I believe you are talking about, not sure which one it is?

Also, any pickup suggestions?

My main motivation was having a strat for a really good price. So far I love the way it plays.

Thanks!

Yes that looks like the solid block. They are chromed top to bottom. As long as the screw pivot holes aren't worn to bad you can set it to float. The maple finger boards are great to play, I don't know why they are different from rose wood but the are faster.
As for pick ups if you have an idea what sound you're going for there are some comfortable price ranges for most brands. If your not sure go to Guitar Fetish .com and go to the pick up section. They have sound demo's on all types. They always have some cheaper buy outs that are some times hotter. Check that out and then check the other manufacturer's for the sound you want.

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SlmGuy

Well that's good news! I love the feel of the fretboard, smoothest one I've ever played.

I'm really liking the sound of the Premium Alnico Strat Pickups on GuitarFetish, I'm going to keep poking around.

Thanks for the info!

I have had good luck getting used pups on e-bay. I got a set of Lace Sensors for around $40 plus shipping a couple of years back. They did marvels for a Strat copy I have.

Your welcome my friend. Keep us posted on your progress with any changes. Love the color with that finger board.
And remember, Electras are like those potato chips, you cant have just one.

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SlmGuy