Expensive but true, the best way to get a variety of sounds is through a variety of guitars! My first guitar was a Mexican Strat, and about a year later I changed to the Les Paul which I've been happy with since. But while it was being repaired, I borrowed a friend's Telecaster and really grew to like it (the repair took a long time due to unusually high humidity). Previously I had never really been interested in even trying one, perhaps because I was turned off by the shape of the headstock (silly, but true). If and when I can afford another electric, it would probably be a Tele.

I guess I'll try to choose a couple of pickups, install them, and figure out the wiring from there. Thanks everyone, this seems to be a really helpful, friendly forum.

Eben Bull