I played the Explorer during a WHO song (couldn't) resist the urge to debut it in this way at Sunday nights gig (Doors closed at 7pm due to full house). I played it for about 5 songs. Man what great tone. I dont think I'm gonna bother swapping out the pups Uwe. These sound bloody fantastic
Needed to play the bass in a gig situation to get a true handle on how they sounded in the mix. They cut through very well and fill out those lower spaces without interfering with the other sounds from Drums and guitars. As is the way with Explorers, people either love the look or hate it. One of the guitarist hates its looks but admitted that it sounded fantastic. The sound gave me that "Yep I'm all here and I feel good and can do anything" Vibe. Still coming to terms with the feel of wearing it on my shoulder.
The back right (or top when playing) mounting screws on the rear pickup has a stripped head so I will need to get a new one. This caused the bad pup adjustment was the cause of the hollowed out E string sound.
I have a temporary nickel plated one in there at the moment and after adjusting the pup it now sounds great and doesn't get whacked with the string each time its played.