Telecaster guitars have been an iconic staple of the music industry for over half a century. The signature sound of these guitars has been attributed to the pickups that they use. The right set of pickups can make a significant difference in the tone and overall sound of your Telecaster. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best pickups for your guitar. In this article, we will discuss some of the best Telecaster pickups available that will help you take your guitar playing to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a vintage tone, modern sound, or a combination of the two, we have got you covered.
1. Fender Texb Mex Telecaster Pickups
Fender Texb Mex
The Fender Tex-Mex Telecaster Single-Coil Pickups are a set of two pickups designed to provide a classic and vintage Telecaster sound. These pickups offer a bright, clear and crisp sound with a distinct midrange that can cut through the mix. The neck pickup is warm and balanced, while the bridge pickup is hotter and punchier. The pickups feature Alnico 5 magnets and are wax potted to eliminate feedback and unwanted noise. Overall, these pickups are a great choice for players looking for that classic Telecaster sound at an affordable price.
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2. Fender Pure Vintage 64 Telecaster
Fender Pure
This product is a set of Fender Pure Vintage ’64 Telecaster Pickups. The enamel-coated magnet wire is designed to produce warm vintage-style tones, while the alnico 5 magnets add more focus and enhanced dynamics. The staggered bridge pickup polepieces balance volume and output across every string, and a copper shielding plate on the bridge pickup produces a more lively tone. The period-correct fiber bobbin construction and 1-year warranty are additional features of this product. The set also includes chrome-plated neck and black bridge pickup covers.
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3. Fender Pure Vintage Reissue Telecaster
Fender Pure Vintage
The vintage tele pickups are designed to produce the classic tele twang sound using alnico 3 magnets and enamel-coated magnet wire. The pickups have flush-mount pole pieces for even string response and period-correct cloth output wire and fiber bobbin. The pickups also feature a tin-plated copper base plate and come with installation hardware included. A one-year warranty is included with the pickups.
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4. Alnicov 6 Strings Fender Telecaster
Alnicov 6 Strings
This is a high-quality hardware kit for Telecaster style electric guitars, consisting of a bridge plate, control plate, and neck pickup. The bridge plate is made of thick metal with reliefs, and features six roller saddles and a single coil pickup that produces a clean sound. The control board has a 3-way switch, with volume and tone buttons featuring pearl tops. The neck pickup also features a matching cover and produces a transparent sound. The kit is well-made and comes in a nice box.
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5. Fender Original Telecaster Pickups
Fender Original
The Fender Pure Vintage Reissue Telecaster Pickups feature alnico 3 magnets and enamel-coated magnet wire, delivering vintage tele twang. The flush-mount pole pieces and period-correct cloth output wire and fiber bobbin contribute to a massive presence and sound. These pickups are versatile and suitable for Blues, Rock, Classic Rock, Country, and Pop genres, offering solid tele sound and rigging versatility. They allow players to tap into a classic tone with period components and classic manufacturing techniques. The Austin Bazaar bundle includes everything needed to start playing right away, including a 10ft Fender Original Series cable.
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From Vintage to Modern: The Best Telecaster Pickups for Every Genre
The Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic and versatile electric guitars of all time. From country to rock, blues to jazz, the Telecaster has been used in nearly every genre of music since its introduction in 1950. One of the key factors that contributes to the Telecaster’s versatility is its pickups, which can range from vintage-style single coils to modern humbuckers. In this article, we will explore the best Telecaster pickups for every genre, from vintage to modern.
Vintage Telecaster Pickups
Vintage-style Telecaster pickups are known for their twangy, bright sound and are often associated with country and rockabilly music. These pickups are typically single-coil designs and have lower output than modern pickups. The most famous vintage-style Telecaster pickups are the Fender Original Vintage Telecaster pickups, which are modeled after the pickups found on Telecasters from the 1950s and 60s. Other popular options include the Seymour Duncan Vintage Broadcaster and the DiMarzio Twang King pickups.
Blues Telecaster Pickups
When it comes to playing the blues on a Telecaster, the pickups should be able to deliver warm, smooth, and expressive tones. Blues players often prefer pickups with a slightly higher output than vintage-style pickups, but not as much as modern high-gain pickups. The Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster pickups are a great choice for blues players looking for that classic Telecaster sound. Other popular options include the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II pickups and the Lindy Fralin Blues Special pickups.
Rock Telecaster Pickups
When it comes to playing rock on a Telecaster, players want a pickup that can deliver high-gain distortion and sustain without sacrificing clarity and definition. Modern Telecaster pickups are often the best choice for rock players, as they offer higher output and can handle more gain without getting muddy. The Seymour Duncan Hot Rails Tele set is a popular choice for rock players, as they deliver a thick, aggressive sound with plenty of sustain. Other great options include the DiMarzio Area T pickups and the EMG TC Active pickups.
Jazz Telecaster Pickups
Jazz players typically look for pickups that can deliver a warm, smooth, and rounded tone with plenty of clarity and definition. While Telecasters are not typically associated with jazz, they can be a great choice for players looking for a unique sound. The Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Telecaster pickups are a popular choice for jazz players, as they offer a warm and articulate sound with plenty of dynamics. Other great options include the DiMarzio DP172 Twang King pickups and the Lindy Fralin Jazz Telecaster pickups.
Final Verdict About Telecaster Pickup
In conclusion, the best telecaster pickups for you will depend on your individual playing style and preferences. If you’re looking for a classic telecaster sound, the Fender Original Vintage Telecaster Pickups are a great choice. For a warmer and more versatile tone, the Seymour Duncan Five-Two Tele Pickup Set is an excellent option. The DiMarzio Area T Telecaster Pickup Set is a great choice for those who want noiseless pickups without sacrificing the classic telecaster sound. Ultimately, each of these pickups can enhance the sound of your telecaster and take your playing to the next level. It’s worth trying out different pickups to find the perfect match for you.