Tele Pickup Selection

I have a Jap Tele that I love to play - superb action - but, recently I was loaned a USA Tele by a friend. While I really do prefer the set-up and action of my machine, I have to admit the tone and volume of the USA guitar was better. Same amp, so is it better pickups? If so, what would you suggest as replacements? I don't want to lose the classic Tele sound.

could be the pickups or the guitar as a whole. Did you compare the two unplugged? You can't improve the sound of an unplugged guitar with the pickups - only make it worse so it's a good indicator. cb

was loaned a USA Tele by a admit the tone and volume

I use Harmonic Design '54 specials and a 4 way switch (which gives an extra 'series' position), I highly recommend them.

<http://www.harmonicdesign.net/allpages/teles.html>

Unfortunately not cheap

Whatever the pickups you fit, the classic Tele sound will remain. The PUs can't alter the harmonic structure of the sound. But they can pickup a better 'fidelity' of sound than the stock PUs the guitar came with.

Most budget PUs are wound on a plastic bobbin and this pushes the windings away from the magnets, giving a duller. They often have bar magnets instead of magnetic 'slugs' like real Fender pickups. However, these magnet *do not* alter the tone that much, if at all... they are just magnets which do not have a tone. They are also often stronger than the magnetic slugs, giving a higher output.

The tone improvement comes from the closeness of the windings to the magetic slugs (Alnico types) and the way it is wound. Try to avoid 'machine' wound PUs and go for the handwound variety as offered by Andy Blake at Wizzard Pickups - 01570 422 499.

I have no interest in this business, other than being a user and fan of his pickups. They are as good or better than SDs or any other make. He'll make them how you want, and at a much more affordable price too.

Good luck,

I'm looking for a couple of '59s for a semi. Does he do these and does he have a web site? I'm currently thinking of trying out Kent Armstrong PAF alnico vintage as they are about half the price fo SDs but I'm willing to look elsewhere.

this could be it: http://www.pickuprepairs.com/