Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

[FenderBender03]

Hey everyone... I just wanted to find out what "straight-ahead-vintage" pickups would match the Duncan STR-1 vintage rhythm pickup that i have. I have an '03 MIM Standard Telecaster that I mainly play classic country stuff on (Cash, Waylon, Haggard), and I'm gonna do a full electronics upgrade on it. I love everything about this guitar, but i'm not fully satisfied with their thinner "lack of balls" stock pickups. I've had this STR-1 in a 50's Classic tele that i used to have and really really dug its big ballsy full sound. I also had a Duncan Broadcaster, but wasn't really satisfied with it in the '50s Tele, in this MIM it might have a totally different sound. I know that the two pickups that match the STR-1 are the Broadcaster and the vintage '54 lead, but i wanted to weigh any other options that i have, based on your experiences.

How does the vintage '54 differ from the Broadcaster? Any vintage Fender pickups that would match this neck pickup, as far as output and tone?

Thanks up front for any advice and/or recommendations!!



FenderBender

 

[Curly]

Re: Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

I'd give the Broadcaster another try. It's a great match for the STR-1.

My next choice would be a JD. It's modelled on Jerry Donahue's '52 tele bridge pickup - warm, smooth, but punchy.

The '54 has staggered poles, smaller magnets, and a brighter tone than the Broadcaster. More twang than the other two mentioned.

 

[gripweed]

Re: Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

I'd give the Broadcaster another try. It's a great match for the STR-1.

My next choice would be a JD. It's modelled on Jerry Donahue's '52 tele bridge pickup - warm, smooth, but punchy.

The '54 has staggered poles, smaller magnets, and a brighter tone than the Broadcaster. More twang than the other two mentioned.

I almost said the JD, but I don't know how well it would match with the STR-1 as I've never used that pickup. I'd guess that the output would match fairly close, as it is a vintage style pickup. The JD is a great pickup and anything but thin.

 

[FenderBender03]

Re: Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

Hmm, never really gave the JD much thought. Does its output resemble that of the STR-1 that i have? It that the one with the A2 magnets or is it the ones with the 5/2 magnets? I am leaning towards another Broadcaster though. IMHO, this MIM Telecaster has better natural sustain and better string balance than the '50s Classic Tele that i had it in before. Plus, with its modern six-saddle bridge, overall tuning and intonation maybe help me with my final sound overall. I really wish i could find one at MusiciansFriend though, the music stores here have ungodly prices on stuff like that. Seems like i paid $70-$80 for the last Broadcaster i had. Not sure what their going for nowadays though.

Thanks for the comments Curly!


FenderBender

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

I had the 54 for a while and it is fantastic for country. If you want something a bit fatter, I'd say the Broadcaster would do the trick. The JD is also really good, but I personally don't like using alnico V pickups in the neck when using an alnico II pickup in the bridge.

 

[FenderBender03]

Re: Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

Yeah, i didn't think A2 and A5 pickups would compliment each other all that well. I think a Broadcaster would really wake up this MIM Telecaster. Maybe if i'm really happy with these new pickups, i'll have a guitar that i'm fully satisfied with for once!!



FenderBender

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Telecaster Pickup Recommendation (Lew??)

Yeah, i didn't think A2 and A5 pickups would compliment each other all that well. I think a Broadcaster would really wake up this MIM Telecaster. Maybe if i'm really happy with these new pickups, i'll have a guitar that i'm fully satisfied with for once!!
FenderBender

The broadcaster seems to be favored by far over the Vintage 54 due to the slightly hotter wind and punchier sound. As for using the JD with an Alnico 5 nbeck pickup I'll tell you this...I have a Cusotm Shop set in my Tele and the neck is Alnico 5 and the bridge pickup is Alnico II it's a great set!