Bill Lawrence L280 or L290 Neck Pup. Anyone?

Has anyone ever used a Bill Lawrence L280 or L290 Neck pickup in their Tele? I want to replace my neck pickup. I'm not even sure what neck pup is in there now. It sounds okay but can be muddy. I've got an SK T-90 in the bridge and I would like a better match for it in the neck. Bill Lawrence's prices are really good and I've always liked supported smaller businesses. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've used the L280TN (tele neck pup) with great results. It has a sweet & smooth Fender neck tone, like a good strat neck pup IMO, is noiseless too. Not boxy or round like many vintage style tele neck pups. Very useable all by itself, and mixes great with an L280TL, or probably other branfds too, although I haven't tried that. Some feel that it is a compressed tone, but works for me. Like some other noiseless pups, it is a bit more articulate than a normal SC pup, as it responds well to your picking style and nuances, picking up all the little snaps, crackles and pops that you may throw in there. Can't beat it for $40.00.

Bill, Becky, and Shannon are great people and you'll be happy. It's only $40 and you'll get it within an couple of weeks.

Now, you're changing the neck pup for the same reason I did it: I don't like the "muddy" sound of the Fender stock pup. If you want higher output and more treble, then go with the L-290. It's amazing how much I'm using the neck pup now. I used to play either with both or the bridge only.

Now, if you want to sound more "vintage", then the L-280 would be more appropriate. I like it, but I like the L-290 better because is hotter. It's a tough call because playing style and type of music play a very important role.

Give them a call and tell Becky what type of music you play, what kind of amp and efffects you use, and those kind of details and they'll be able to help you. Good luck.

I have a 280 in the neck position on a MIJ Tele. I would not go as far as saying it sounds like a Tele pickup, but it is a good pup none the less. Very clear with added presence compared to the coverd neck pickup tone we associate with the Tele sound.

I'm not crazy about the Lawrence p/u's. Had a set of 280's on a strat a couple of years ago, and they just had this "EMG-ish" kinda vibe to them.

No-sir, I don't like it.

I'm not particularly in love with the hum, but every time I've tried to eliminate it with stacks, rails, "new" technology, virtual this-that-and-the-others, I've been dissapointed. In fact, I would go so far as to say I like the "stock" p/u's better. Especially in a Tele.

Here's the wisdom I've come to learn over the years:
Nothing truly sounds like a single-coil, except a true single-coil.

I've got the 280 neck / 290 bridge combo in an ash US tele. I guess I'd describe the neck unit as a more-focused, smaller-sounding strat pickup. I really like it, although I think this guitar may be a little bright for the 290, so I'll replace that with the 290TLe. N, it doesn't sound exactly like a vintage-type single coil, but quite frankly, a lot of those sound awful.

Thanks for the input. I ordered a 280TN about a week ago. For 40 bucks I figure that I can't go wrong. I spoke to Becky who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She convinced me to get the 280 instead of the 290 that I intended on buying. What she said made sense.

You'll be a happy camper...