Which pups for my Tele ?

[Johannn]

Hello,
I'm the owner of a Tele MIA purchased in 1996 and I'd like to replace the original pups, because I'm not happy at all with the sound.
Imho my Tele sounds really thin' and the 3 high strings (G-B-E) sound really harsh ie: "icepick-in-the-ear") , especially around the 2000Khz range.

I'm not looking for a ' fat humbucking' sound but more for a rounder, warmer and 'mellow' tone.
Can anyone tell me which pick-ups can improve my sound?
Thank you very much,
with regards,
Johan.
The Netherlands.

 

[mrfjones]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

if you are looking for smooth try the alnico II set but if you are looking for smooth vintage sounds go for the antiquities, thats what i have in one of my teles and I love the tones i get out of them. Good Luck and welcome to the forum

 

[Dave]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

Hi Johann-

If you haven't already done this, lower the treble sides of your pickups and that will noticeably take the edge off the highs and smooth things out. Whether they're new pickups or the same ones the guitar came with, adjusting the pickup height will help you bring out the best to your ears.

Uncovered neck pickups can really open your sound as well.

Enjoy the forum!

Dave

 

[Ice Man]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

I just put a set of Rio Grande Muy Grandes in my Tele. Very warm, balanced...mellow with the volume down a touch, really kicks the dirt turned up.

 

[rhmcfarland]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

The Alnico II would be a good choice. The Jerry Donahue might also work for you. Antiquity pickups are excellant all around, but a little more pricey.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

QP Tele would be my suggestion, unless you want to go with a humbucker. Then I'd use a JB or maybe a 59. That'll warm it up.

 

[Johannn]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

Sorry for the late response,
my internet has been shutted down for a while.
Thanks for the feedback guys!
Johannn

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Which pups for my Tele ?

I'll tell you the truth: the Jerry Donahue lead pickup, adjusted close and to within 1/16" of the strings, reminds me of my favorite hot Duncan Humbucking pickup, the Custom Custom. It's not as hot as the Custom Custom of course, but the tone curve seems similar.

It reminds me of those rare '51 or '52 Teles that have a bridge pickup that sounds almost like a really sweet 50's Gibson P90.

The Jerry Donahue sounds like the pickup in my original '51 Tele: the best sounding old Tele I ever owned.

I can mold the tone like clay and squeeze off pinch harmonics and growly Jeff Beck and Roy Buchanan type barks and moans by adjusting my picking attack.

The Duncan Jerry Donahue and Lindy Fralin Blues Specials are my favorite Tele pickups...and the Antiquity is right in there too tho I have to refresh my memory of it.

I'll be installing the Tele Antiquitys and comparing them next week...really looking forward to hearing how they compare to the Jerry Donahue.

Lew