What happens if you play totally clean? Like the intro to under the bridge. Is everything nice and clear and defined? If it is, your pickups are fine and you need to look to your amp and/or effects. I'm sure the pickups could stand to be upgraded, but they might not be the priority...
On cost, I hear good things about the digitech rp80 for instance, which at $80 I would think is about the same ballpark as new pickups?
Oh, and welcome to GT... :D
Check out my music, video, lessons & backing tracks here![br]https://www.renhimself.com