Telecaster PUP recomendations

[dagobert]

I have a MIM Telecaster that I am considering to mod and would like to start with the pick ups.

I would like something that will be a little more creamy/rich on the neck, still retain that Tele Twang with a hair more grit on the bridge.

I play the Telecaster through either:

Fender Vaporizer
Ibanez TSA15 Combo
No pedals

Thanks

[zabdart]

Try some Texas Tele Specials from the Fender Custom Shop. They deliver just what you're asking.

[ataylor]

I love the pickups in my Baja Telecaster. Twisted Tele neck pickup, and Broadcaster bridge pickup. To me they fit the description of what you're looking for.

[guitararmy]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prewi...0tele&index=10

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prewi...20tele&index=3

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/telec...20tele&index=2

I've read some nice reviews of the Twang King set, as well as the noiseless Area T set. If you want a hotter bridge pu, the Chopper might do the trick.

[muscmp]

there are so many pickups and their sound is very subjective. perhaps you could go to your local big box store and play a bunch with different pickups in them. may help you make a choice. otherwise, it is a shot in the dark and i don't believe you can return them if you don't like them. if the above is not workable, you may have to pick a popular brand name and go for one of theirs.

play music!

[dagobert]

Has anyone used Lollar pick ups?

[Steel and wood]

It's mostly about the bridge pickup with Telecaster players. Having said that, something half decent in the neck is preferable especially for any type of rhythm playing. (Personally, I find my bridge pickup is too bright for simple rhythm purposes).

[gracecovenant]

Here's a couple of sites that will let you listen to some sound clips. I don't know how reliable sound clips are, but it's interesting to listen.

http://www.rocketfireguitars.com/pickups.html

http://www.seymourduncan.com/compari...ter=Telecaster


*********Sorry.......these links are evidently not working correctly.

[funkymonk#9]

Check out Klein Pickups, they make many variations on the Fender vintage to contemporary single coil.

[dagobert]

Dang.....should never have started down this rabbit hole....so many choices.

Maybe I should look at pedals.....

[Rudy4]

I did a few mods to my MIM Tele.

I'm very satisfied with a pair of Texas Specials. I also went with 4 way switching, did a new control plate to arrange the lever switch, volume, tone, and output jack to be where I wanted them. I also made a custom blue-stained flame maple thinline body to drop some of the weight, fabricated a stainless bridge plate and went with a three piece saddle upgrade, too. Lastly, added recessed Dunlop Straplocs at upper horn and body end.

Well, I didn't touch the MIM neck, though. Plays like butter!

[zabdart]

Originally Posted by dagobert

Has anyone used Lollar pick ups?

Didn't Sherm Lollar catch forever and ever for the White Sox back in the 50s, 60s and 70s?

[Steel and wood]

Wilkinson make a great range of pickups at pretty affordable prices also.

[jomaynor]

Originally Posted by dagobert

Has anyone used Lollar pick ups?

Lollar pickups are grade-A.

Here are some comparisons of two of Lollar's Telecaster sets.





Another great, and less pricey alternative for replacing stock MIMs are the (Wilde) Bill Lawrence Keystones, which is what I replaced my MIM Tele pickups with.
This clip compares the stock MIMs with the Keystones. The difference is night and day. Can't beat 'em for the price.

[Scotso]

I do not own a Tele anymore. But when I did, I liked Keystones the best in it. I tried the Texas specials as well and they were not bad.