Telecaster pickup balancing

[qbertsoul]

I generally like reading from both pickups on a Tele as the two pickups are very complementary in terms of sound and design, HOWEVER, the neck pickup is way louder than the bridge most of them time - even after I raised the bridge pickup substantially and lowered the neck pickup.

I understand the physics behind this - the guitar is acoustically louder at the neck than the bridge. This is not my question.

Question:

I've been thinking about installing '54 Vintage Tele pickups - are the outputs in these pickups compromised such that the bridge pickup can still be heard? I've heard with Fralin pickups, they wire the bridge pickup a bit hotter so the two can still be balanced. Is this the same with the Duncan pickups?

 

[ES350]

Re: Telecaster pickup balancing

Usually, the bridge pu on a Tele whomps the neck pu and the problem with most sets is getting a usable tone and level out of the neck pu. Hence, Strat pickups, P90's, HB's in Tele neck position...

 

[jeremy]

Re: Telecaster pickup balancing

what tele pups do you have right now?

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Telecaster pickup balancing

Usually, the bridge pu on a Tele whomps the neck pu and the problem with most sets is getting a usable tone and level out of the neck pu. Hence, Strat pickups, P90's, HB's in Tele neck position...

I agree. Must be an amazingly weak bridge pu, or the magnets got partially demagnetized.

 

[qbertsoul]

Re: Telecaster pickup balancing

I'm just using the stock pickups. It's a 2001 MIM Tele.

Thanks for the info! I've always noticed that my bridge pickup acted kind of funny. It sounds really stale and brittle compared to the ones on other guitars. Now it's apparent just how badly it needs to be replaced.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Telecaster pickup balancing

Have you been able to measure the DCR on them?