Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

[dr.barlo]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

Yeah! A2P is Duncan's Blackguard I suppose while JD is for me the "real" Broadcaster; and JD bridge A2P neck, a nice 51 set.

I have to confess that I could not like that Duncan's a5 Broadcaster, not my cup of tea. Too trebly for me. Anyways...

B

 

[pskorz]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

If you're budget-minded, I've been very happy with the Fender Tex-Mex tele set. can be found used for about $30. I don't know if that would be a major step up from the CV stock pickups, though. They're hot-ish but not in your face. What I've noticed about them is that they are very responsive to the vol/tone controls. Moreso than any of my other guitars, I find myself using damn near the full range of the pots on my tele with Tex Mex set.

 

[spi]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

I appreciate the suggestion. I’m looking to keep it relatively traditional (i.e. 2 single coils). I wish Fender would allow you to mix and match pickup sets because a Nocaster bridge/Twisted Tele Neck combo or a Twisted Tele bridge/Nocaster neck combo would probably have been my first choices.

I have Nocaster bridge/TT neck. Great combo! I had to buy the TT neck separately though.

Still have the Nocaster neck somewhere, and one day I may swap it back. As I recall the change between TT and Nocaster neck wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be, so I've been figuring I may restore back to the original set. The straight Nocaster set is pretty nice as-is. and I would recommend that.

 

[RobJGolde]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

I have Nocaster bridge/TT neck. Great combo! I had to buy the TT neck separately though.

Still have the Nocaster neck somewhere, and one day I may swap it back. As I recall the change between TT and Nocaster neck wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be, so I've been figuring I may restore back to the original set. The straight Nocaster set is pretty nice as-is. and I would recommend that.

Nice! Yeah, I’ve Read nothing but good things about the Nocaster set. Plus I read somewhere that the lead singer from The Gaslight Anthem was using them a few years back in one of his Teles, and I saw I live video of them from that time, and his tone was fantastic. So that set is pretty high on my list. But a lot of the suggestions in this thread are giving me a lot to consider.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

Blues, funk, r&b, pop, rock/hard rock, punk and indie.

I'd think that a Tele set can't really do all of that well. But at least start with a bright-ish vintage output set. It won't be able to do it all as well as PAFs or Strat pickups, but that is as close as you will get. A Custom Shop Rhythm for Tele with Strat Tone, and a Little 59 would be my choice if we were sticking to Tele-shaped pickups.

I did all that for 10+ years using a Duncan Broadcaster and Antiquity '55 Tele neck. The neck was ok but slightly disappointing - Fender Twisted Tele neck or Fender TexMex neck were better, more Strat like. But the Broadcaster and working the tone controls did all that. Sounded humbuckery when needed, had twang when needed - working the tones and changing amps made it work.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

I got a lot of mileage out of a SD Broadcaster/Fralin Blues Special and a 4-way switch. The Fralin added a Stratty vibe, and taming the Broadcaster with the tone control allowed me to cover a lot of ground, especially when in the series position.

I now use a Five-Two bridge with a Psyclone Vintage neck and a 3-way switch, no tone on the Psyclone. It's my go to guitar for the current band stuff.

 

[RobJGolde]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

After watching a bunch of demos and listening to sound clips on here, I think I’m going with the JD bridge/Vintage Tele combo. From everything I’ve read and heard so far, that pairing seems to tick all the boxes. Vintage-hot output, alnico 2 magnets in the bridge, the neck tone isn’t muddy. The bridge has that classic Tele twang, but it’s beefier than your typical vintage Tele pickup. Can’t wait to see how they sound hooked up to an4 way switch

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

 

[pskorz]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

After watching a bunch of demos and listening to sound clips on here, I think IÂ’m going with the JD bridge/Vintage Tele combo. From everything IÂ’ve read and heard so far, that pairing seems to tick all the boxes. Vintage-hot output, alnico 2 magnets in the bridge, the neck tone isnÂ’t muddy. The bridge has that classic Tele twang, but itÂ’s beefier than your typical vintage Tele pickup. CanÂ’t wait to see how they sound hooked up to an4 way switch

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

Solid choice. I bet you'll be happy with it!!!

 

[Rampant Pony]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

After watching a bunch of demos and listening to sound clips on here, I think I’m going with the JD bridge/Vintage Tele combo. From everything I’ve read and heard so far, that pairing seems to tick all the boxes. Vintage-hot output, alnico 2 magnets in the bridge, the neck tone isn’t muddy. The bridge has that classic Tele twang, but it’s beefier than your typical vintage Tele pickup. Can’t wait to see how they sound hooked up to an4 way switch

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

I put a 4 way switch in my American Performer Tele, and all I can say is that Teles should just come with that switch from factory.

 

[RobJGolde]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

I put a 4 way switch in my American Performer Tele, and all I can say is that Teles should just come with that switch from factory.

Nice! How does that 4th position sound with the stock Yosemite pickups? I really like the sound you can get from them on a regular 3-way switch.

 

[Rampant Pony]

Re: Most Versatile Tele Pickup Set

Nice! How does that 4th position sound with the stock Yosemite pickups? I really like the sound you can get from them on a regular 3-way switch.

I love it.

I find myself either playing the bridge for tele sounds, or playing that 4th position for what I'd best equate to a humbucker sound. I also reversed the control plate because I found myself constantly hitting the switch, which is another thing I'd probably do to any tele I get.