Vintage sound for Tele

[dizthewiz]

I'm trying to find a bridge pickup that would give me a classic "vintage sound" for my tele (by this i mean that clanky bright sound of early 60's rock)

I know someone who's willing to sell me a Hot Lead Stack for Tele for cheap; could someone tell me if this is suitable for the "vintage sound", if not, what kind of sound does it make?

 

[59paul]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

I'm not sure the Hot Lead Stack is what you're after. The STL-1B Vintage for Broadcaster sounds like a much better choice for you. I had one in an old Tele, and just Loved it !!! ...........

 

[Twang Man]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

A Hot Lead Stack is hotter than vintage. A Vintage Lead Stack would be closer to vintage and pretty bright. Stacks will be hum-cancelling.
The Antiquity is my favorite vintage Tele pup. To me it has the perfect balance of vintage character, twangy, but smooth and still bright enough with good dynamics, cut and breakup. If you want extra bright you might try the Vintage 54 Tele Lead. Its a bit cheaper. Also the Antiquity II might be your ticket but I haven't heard them. They would probably also be brighter than the Antiquity and have better dynamics than the Vintage 54. The Antiquitys and Antiquity II's are a little pricier but in my opinion they are worth every penny.
Also in the vintage category would be the Broadacaster, 5-2 Nashville Studios and Alnico Pros & the Jerry Donahue, but I don't know if those last 4 models would be bright enough for you. Read the info about the Tele vintage pups on the Products Page and Antiquity page of the main Seymour Duncan site. Also there are some sound clips you can listen to.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

The Broadcaster Lead model does old school rawk very well. It matches very nicely with a mini 'bucker at the neck.

 

[mrfjones]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

i would go with an antiquity (1955 bridge or antiquity II for a brighter jangly sound) if you want a real vintage sound, if you don't want to go with the antiquity then a broadcaster would do just fine

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

JD rules!

B

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

JD rules!

B

I play (and compare) my Tele with the Antiquity set to my Tele with the Jerry Donahue everyday...love 'em both. The JD is louder & and has alot more "quack" to the mids....and the Antiquity is brighter and livlier.

Those are my two favorite Tele pickups...haven't tried the Ant II's, but I have tried the Duncan Broadcaster and it's great, but not as much vibe or complexity to the tone as the Antiquitys.

The Antiquitys really remind me of Roy Buchanan's tone...but smoother and not quite so ice picky.

Lew

 

[mongrollo]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

I just have the 54' set and it is fantastic for clarity and dinamics. Probabely there are better things out there but i can tell you this are very good.

Why is the 54' it isn't so wide spread use? People doesn't mention it so often here...

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

I just have the 54' set and it is fantastic for clarity and dinamics. Probabely there are better things out there but i can tell you this are very good.

Why is the 54' it isn't so wide spread use? People doesn't mention it so often here...

Some people feel that the '54 has a brighter, thinner tone than the Broadcaster, JD and Antiquity models. I feel that way about the Fender originals...so I never tried the Duncan version. However, Jimmy Page sure got a great sound out of the '54 style Tele pickup in his early 60's Tele...he made it sound like a Les Paul on Led Zep's first album. Lew

 

[Kelsey]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

The suggestions above are excellent, but you also might want to consider the Fender CS Nocaster set for a fairly full and bright vintage sound at a good price. The best choice for a given guitar is never a sure bet -- see the ultimate tele tone thread for a lesson in that respect. Nevertheless, you should give some thought in your decision-making to the neck pickup, body wood and weight, and fingerboard wood. Good luck!

 

[mongrollo]

Re: Vintage sound for Tele

Some people feel that the '54 has a brighter, thinner tone than the Broadcaster, JD and Antiquity models. I feel that way about the Fender originals...so I never tried the Duncan version. However, Jimmy Page sure got a great sound out of the '54 style Tele pickup in his early 60's Tele...he made it sound like a Les Paul on Led Zep's first album. Lew

I bought the '54 set to replace two humbuckers in a cheap strat Ibanez I have. I made the custom pickguard with my father. I just wanted a typical tele sound so that is why i bought the '54. I guess that if you already have a Tele you don't want to buy a pickup that it is close of what you already have...