Tex-mex/Texas specials?

Just out of curiosity, what's the difference between the two?

Only thing I can say for sure is that the TS's are wound hotter...

Bump.

Anyone?

(the FDP Maybe?) that the TexMex and the Texas Specials are electrically equivalent- wire and windings I suppose. The difference is that the TexMex's are MIM and use modern plastic bobbins, and the Texas Specials are MIA and use fiber bobbins for more of a "vintage" look and feel.

of course I could be quoting someone who knows less than me, the web is funny that way.

Ah thanks! I'm thinking of investing in a set of Tex-mex pups for my strat because I've found a site selling them cheap! :)

I have to preface my opinion by saying that I'm not really a Strat guy--most of them sound too much like surf music for my taste. However, I own a Strat, have owned tow others,and have tried both Tex MEx and Texas Special pickups.

In my experience, I prefer the Tex Mex to the Texas Specials. They do require careful dialing in to get the best sound out of them (I think they sound best slightly farther away from the strings than most pickups). I think they have an airier high end than Texas Specials, and have less tendency to get muddy or to sound harsh. I also like the fact that you can safely adjust the magnet stagger by pushing poles further into the plastic bobbin.

To be honest, they are not tremendously complex sounding pickups (I don't think the Texas Specials are either), but I really like the simple purity of their sound, particularly in the neck position.

TexMex pups are very much less expensive than Texas Specials, even at list price.

I was under the opinion that TexMex are ceramic and therefore a tad hotter and harsher than alnicos, including the Texas Specials.

Here are some reviews:

http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=341475

Other than that, just search for "TexMex" at the FDP site to get more opinions and insights...

Good luck!

Tex Mex pickups are absolutely alnico. They are cheaper than Texas Specials for a few reasons: they have plastic bobbins instead of fiberboard, they use six identical length alnico slugs (some slugs are not pushed as far into the bobbin to create a stagger), and they are made in Mexico.

The Tex Mex have a more open mid range and a harsher treble "bite". The bass is more open on the Tex Mex pups also. The Texas Specials have a punchier mid range and while the bass is powerful, it counters the treble nicely.

I found the Tex Mex sounded nice set low, the neck and middle almost flush to the guard. The similar setting for the Texas Specials sounded left them lifeless. They are designed to be punchy and strong. Set them at a recommended Fender height and they have the "SRV" like punch for a lighter touch. I believe Fender created these pups for the wannabee who doesn't have the heavy hand of Stevie.

I replaced the Tex Mex pups in my Jimmie Vaughan strat with a set of GFS Vintage Alnico "boutiques" for $60 and love the tone, more vintage.

JK

I believe Fender created these pups for the wannabee who doesn't have the heavy hand of Stevie.

JK

Umm is it a bad thing to get some then if you are heavy handed? My teacher tells me I attack the strings harder than most people he's ever met. :oops:

I believe Fender created these pups for the wannabee who doesn't have the heavy hand of Stevie.

JK

Umm is it a bad thing to get some then if you are heavy handed? My teacher tells me I attack the strings harder than most people he's ever met. :oops:

You can lower them down close to the pickguard then. It's really a matter of experimenting with heights, string gauge, attack and the like. John Mayer has the Texas Specials in his SRV Sign. strat and from the pics and videos I've seen his are set at a decent height...closer to the mrgearhead.com spec than the close to the guard. And I believe JM gets great tone, so...ymmv,

J