HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

[MikeS]

The hotrails for tele isn’t cutting it for me… I find it too harsh and too heavy on the upper mids (as well as a bit too hot for my liking. I should have known since I never cared for the HR for strat, but the guitar came with the HR in the bridge). I know what I want is something more along the lines of a Cool Rails… it just isn’t available for a Tele. So, for those of you familiar with telecaster pickups and the Cool Rails, is there something that could put me in the same ballpark? Something not as hot with a more even EQ would be great. Hum cancelling in this particular axe is ideal but not required.

My first thought was the lil 59, but on paper it’s higher output than the hotrails, so that scares me a little. Any confirmation.

As always, thanks to those who can help.

Mike

 

[Telesexual]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

hot stack maybe? ive heard of strat pickups in the bridge of Teles. I think the lil 59 has higher output on paper but its a whole different tone, alot more mellow.

 

[saladin]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

Lil 59 or maybe one of the GFS rail pickups.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

Dimarzio Fast Track for Tele.

 

[MikeS]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

Thanks guys.

Benjy, I checked out the fast track on DiMarzio's website and Harmony Central (whatever that was worth). I got some information, but can you maybe give a mini review if you've used it? That'd be much appreciated.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

I haven't tried it in a Tele, but I did have one in a Strat.

The strat version is very, very similar to a CR. The main difference I noticed was that the FT was a bit brighter and cleaner than the CR but had about the same output. It blende really well with the Fender CS 62's tonewise, but was about twice as loud.

The mids are a bit pulled back and it has strong highs with tight, chunky lows.

It twanged pretty well when clean and absolutely threw down with gain.

I know it's not an exact comparison, but I hope it helps you a bit.

 

[MikeS]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

Hey, every little bit helps. Thanks!

I tend to be a more moderate output guy when it comes to pickups (expection being the QP). Never been a fan of the hot rails and the Duncan line for tele seems to go from vintage output to high output, with nothing in between. I've got some more looking to do, but you've definitely given me a suggestion that I never would have considered. Thanks again.

So that's one option. If anyone else has a suggest I'm still listening.

 

[teleblooz]

Re: HR for tele is not my thing, what next?

Have you considered the Dimarzio Virtual Vintage Hot T? I've been though quite a few bridge pups trying to find a balance between twang, snap and girthier tones. I realize Dimarzio is not the name one thinks of when it comes to tele pups, but in all honesty, this one has sent many others packing down the road. Just something to consider. The Harmonic Design S-90 and SK T-90 are a couple other good ones.

If you want more buckerish tone, the Tone Zone T is a fine pickup. Chooper, Fast Track also.