Which tele pickup? -part deux-

[exalted]

I've got my very first telecaster on order from W. I've played a few MIM telecasters in music stores, but nothing too serious. All the HW is on order, but I still need some pickups. I've decided on a Firebird pickup for the neck, but haven't decided on a bridge yet.

I play what amounts to alternative music - nothing too heavy, and I'm using a clean tone much of the time. It's worth noting that I also use a lot of effects (here's an old version of my pedal board...quite a few new additions since this pic.)

I'm trying not to spend too much, but what I'm hoping to achieve a beefy yet articulate sound. Twang isn't a desirable trait, but it's not something I'm actively trying to avoid.

I'm mulling over a few options:
- Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder
- Bill & Becky Lawrence (not sure which)
- Picking up a Fender American Standard pup off eBay for 30-40 bucks and getting something boutique quality in six months or so.

I'm definitely open to other options, but what do you all think?

 

[Mor Paul]

The situation with Bill and Becky Lawrence is a bit iffy right now. Both have health problems, and Bill is going through surgery.
Is hum-cancelling important?

 

[exalted]

Ah. I wasn't sure if they were still shipping.

I don't really care about hum-cancelling. If it comes down to it, that's what a noise gate is for.

 

[RexTheDog]

You can still order from Bill & Becky using the paypal option on their website.  Apparently one reason that orders have been slow recently besides both Bill and Beckys health is that people arnt giving them enough information in the paypal orders.  They have asked that people be very clear about what they want and leave out no information.  An L-290 could be a good choice of pickup from Bills range.  Its beefier then a typical tele bridge pickup while retaining the clarity and characteristics of one.

 

[mayfly]

in another thread, I suggested these:

married up with one of these:

the folks at lollar are saying that this combination is the cats ass if you want guts without twang.

haven't used them, but i've got them on order.  if you can wait, i'll report back.

 

[Mor Paul]

No twang? I thought that was caused by a large part by the position of the pup.

 

[Rouse]

+1 on Lollars, everyone says he makes some really quality stuff

 

[tfarny]

I have a set of BL tele pups I was getting ready to ebay; they are brand new and might end up being a rare commodity, who knows. If you mostly play clean I think you'll love them. I'm putting my second set into my own second tele in progress.
They are not particularly twangy, though I think of twang as maybe mostly a combination of fender tweed amp, tele bridge pup, and hard pick attack on single note lines.

PM if you're interested in buying.

 

[Mor Paul]

They are not particularly twangy, though I think of twang as maybe mostly a combination of fender tweed amp, tele bridge pup, and hard pick attack on single note lines.

The hard pick attack is the main thing that I consider twang. Especially when put on through a compressor.

 

[jackthehack]

"Twang isn't a desirable trait"

Isn't that kind of the point of building a Tele?

 

[exalted]

Nah. The point is I want a second Warmoth, and I didn't want a strat, so Tele it was. That's all that was in the showcase (besides an unfinished iceman)

I'm not opposed to it, I'm just not seeking it.

 

[tfarny]

Yeah - twang.  It's partly the pickup and bridge but mostly the picking style and amp / settings in my limited twanging experience. Did Led Zep 1 "twang" much? Stairway? nah.

Oh, I reread and you said you play with tons of effects - that BL neck pickup is exactly what you want for that, I think. Very clean, articulate, 'hifi'.

 

[seagulc]

"Twang isn't a desirable trait"

Isn't that kind of the point of building a Tele?

I'm guessing you haven't heard Ed Bickert or Ted Greene. Look them up on youtube and check out their tone.

 

[Mor Paul]

Here's something:
http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/showproduct.php?product=16145

 

[exalted]

Thanks for the lead, MAx. I'm actually picking up those pups from Tim. I guess it's going to end up as a pretty standard Tele after all. Oh well - at least I'll have the mini HB routing in case I ever change my mind.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Twang, IMO, is a playing style that the Tele lends itself well too.  You can get twang without a Tele, and you can play a Tele without twang.