The Monoprice Indo Series ash-body electric guitar has been making waves in the budget guitar market, promising quality and tone without breaking the bank. Out of the box, this guitar comes equipped with Wilkinson M-series Nashville Sound ‘Low Gauss’ ceramic pickups. Like many, I initially assumed these were alnico, a common expectation for guitars aiming for a vintage vibe. However, a closer inspection revealed the ceramic magnets. This led to an exploration of just how much tone could be unlocked with a simple pickup swap.
The stock ceramic pickups, while functional, presented a higher output and a different tonal character than anticipated. Seeking a more classic, bell-like tone, a Wilkinson M-series original vintage alnico 5 neck pickup was chosen as an initial upgrade. Installation was straightforward, taking mere minutes. Frankly, expectations were modest. The assumption was that any difference would be subtle at best.
However, the change was immediately noticeable and significant. The alnico 5 neck pickup, with a DCR of 6.67k compared to the ceramic’s 7.48k, delivered a distinctly more bell-like and articulate tone. The ceramic bridge pickup, interestingly, shared a similar DCR to the original ceramic neck pickup. The new neck pickup offered a clarity and nuance that the higher output ceramic lacked. The middle position, combining the alnico neck and ceramic bridge pickups, produced a unique and intriguing sound, a departure from the dual-ceramic setup. This tonal variation was unexpected and welcomed, showcasing a blend of modern and vintage sonic characteristics.
Encouraged by the neck pickup transformation, a matching Wilkinson alnico bridge pickup was subsequently ordered. While the plan is to eventually install a Fender ’52 Broadcaster bridge pickup, currently on sale, the immediate improvement from just the neck pickup swap highlights the potential of this Monoprice guitar as a modding platform.
Beyond pickups, attention was also turned to the guitar’s setup. Neck shimming was performed to optimize the break angle over the saddles. This adjustment improved saddle height and overall playability, further enhancing the guitar’s performance and feel.
In conclusion, the Monoprice Indo Series ash-body electric guitar, while starting with budget-oriented ceramic pickups, proves to be a surprisingly versatile instrument with significant upgrade potential. The simple swap to an alnico neck pickup unveiled a richer, more vintage-inspired tone, drastically improving the guitar’s sonic character. Combined with setup adjustments like neck shimming, this guitar offers a fantastic foundation for players looking to explore tones and personalize their instrument without a hefty price tag. For those seeking a modifiable and affordable ash-body electric guitar, the Monoprice Indo Series deserves serious consideration.
