Strat pup for Tele neck

flapjack · May 8th, 2008, 12:51 PM

I currently have a Strat pup in the neck of one of my Teles, but it is the absolute cheapest that I could find. It is a GFS Alnico Boutique Strat, 5.25K, Here is the link to it: http://store.guitarfetish.com/sistpi.html. While I am very happy with the sound of it, I can't help but wonder if I would hear a drastic improvement if I went with a higher end Strat pup - Fralin, etc. More chime, detail, clarity, and so forth, would be great. Any advice? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Wardpike · May 8th, 2008, 02:12 PM

I have a Fender Texas Special Strat pickup in the neck of one of my tele's. The tone is incredible! I tried out a lot of pups before deciding on that one, and have never once regretted my decision.

I hope I've been helpful,

Ward

flapjack · May 8th, 2008, 04:23 PM

Wardpike - I was thinking more along the lines of a vintage wind, lower output pup. Why did you decide on the TS, and what other pups did you try? Thanks for your help.

pseudocat · May 8th, 2008, 04:42 PM

I've tried out a sickening number of strat pickups over the years, and ultimately, I've been very impressed with GFS 60's Repros (they're what are in my #1 strat now).

You might spend a lot of time (and money) chasing after some holy grail tone, and ultimately find yourself coming back to what you have now. It's hard to say.

BB · May 8th, 2008, 05:22 PM

This may sound crazy, but try a Tonerider Pure Vintage or Classic Blues in the neck of your tele. Absolutely ( imho of course ) the best bang for buck strat pups out there. I've had strat pups that cost three times as much that didn't sound as good as these.

I prefer the Pure Vintage and a good buddy prefers the Classic Blues. He said it's the best sounding strat neck pup he's ever used. For what it's worth, like me, he's an old fart that has been playing since time began. Perhaps he'll read this and opine.

Still, if you're happy with what you have, that says a lot. You may find yourself chasing the proverbial tail.

flapjack · May 8th, 2008, 06:42 PM

Thanks for all the comments. I am happy with what I have, but it is the only Strat pup I have ever owned/played extensively. I play only teles, one of which has the GFS Strat neck pup. I tried this pup because I figured it was an inexpensive way to see if I liked having a Strat pup in the neck. Now that I have tried it, I can't help but be curious about a better quality pup. Any other opinions/suggestions?

BB · May 8th, 2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flapjack

Any other opinions/suggestions?

Oh yeah!!!! Check out Lollar, Van Zandt, Zhangliqun, Don Mare, Fralin, Voodoo, OC Duff, Pete Biltof, Copperhead, Keeley, Lynn Collins, Truetone, Duncan Antiquities, Dimarzio Blue Velvet, Stan Hinsly, Lollar, Lollar & Lollar!

flapjack · May 8th, 2008, 07:12 PM

BB - is that all?

Tele Fan · May 8th, 2008, 07:39 PM

Kinman's sound great but they sure ain't cheap!

surfoverb · May 8th, 2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB

Oh yeah!!!! Check out Lollar, Van Zandt, Zhangliqun, Don Mare, Fralin, Voodoo, OC Duff, Pete Biltof, Copperhead, Keeley, Lynn Collins, Truetone, Duncan Antiquities, Dimarzio Blue Velvet, Stan Hinsly, Lollar, Lollar & Lollar!

Novak also makes them.

BB · May 8th, 2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flapjack

BB - is that all?

No! As tele fan and surfoverb added, Kinmans and Novaks are certainly high up on the list. There are however, many, many more! Haaaa Haaaa....HAAAAAA...HAAAAAAAAAA!!!! BWAHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

surfoverb · May 8th, 2008, 08:31 PM

Also Fender CS...the Twisted is a stratified tele neck I think

Perry D. · May 8th, 2008, 08:37 PM

Don Mare S-Telly. Incredible sounding pup!

Wardpike · May 8th, 2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flapjack

Wardpike - I was thinking more along the lines of a vintage wind, lower output pup. Why did you decide on the TS, and what other pups did you try? Thanks for your help.

Well, to be honest I love the Stevie Ray Vaughn gentle front pickup tone! And add to that, I keep the front pickup as low as possible... the pickup cover flush to the pickguard, it's output is perfect and it doesn't give as much tone-sucking string pull as a low output pickup placed closer to the strings.

The TS is not a high output hard driving pickup, really, it's just got a great tone, and is comparable to the old broadcaster pups with just a little difference in the hgih mids and not in the nasty way.

I hope I've been helpful,

Ward

woodman · May 8th, 2008, 08:52 PM

i'm with Perry -- Don Mare's S-Telly is one sweet pickup.

thepassivevoice · May 9th, 2008, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfoverb

Also Fender CS...the Twisted is a stratified tele neck I think

I've been looking for a Twisted Tele pick-up for a while. Any suggested sources? (Other than buying an entire Baja Telecaster).

surfoverb · May 9th, 2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepassivevoice

I've been looking for a Twisted Tele pick-up for a while. Any suggested sources? (Other than buying an entire Baja Telecaster).

Good question...I found 1 on ebay but it's in France and $150

You'd think they would be available because Nocaster CS PUPs are sold everywhere.

flapjack · May 9th, 2008, 12:32 PM

Thanks again for all of the info., I appreciate it. I do wish someone would give me an opinion that answers my original post more directly, but, again, I am thankful for the replies.

thepassivevoice · May 9th, 2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flapjack

I do wish someone would give me an opinion that answers my original post more directly, but, again, I am thankful for the replies.

It may be that there aren't many on the forum with true strat-sized pick-ups in their teles. (I am interested in installing a strat pick-up for the same reasons as you. But before I dump the lipstick pick-up, I'd like to try a few more tele-sized pick-ups that are said to have a strat sound).

Durtdog · May 9th, 2008, 02:15 PM

Flapjack, I have had that same GFS Strat pickup in a Tele and I thought it was wonderful. I also have a full set of those in my Strat.

You might be able to find a better pickup, but I think that one has the classic Strat neck pickup sound. The only one I might consider exchanging it for would be a Fender CS 69.

Did you mount it from the pickguard or screw it into the body?

flapjack · May 9th, 2008, 02:38 PM

Durtdog - I mounted the pup to the pickguard. Maybe I'll keep my eyes peeled for CS 69' Strat neck pup. It is funny you mentioned that one because the other day I went to GC and played many Strats. I have always disliked Strats and my experience the other day reminded me why. Anyway, the one that I played that to me had the nicest sounding neck position (chimey, bell-like tone) was a classic player 60s Strat. I later looked up what kind of pups were in it and found out it was the CS 69 set. Thanks for the tip.

Perry D. · May 9th, 2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepassivevoice

It may be that there aren't many on the forum with true strat-sized pick-ups in their teles. (I am interested in installing a strat pick-up for the same reasons as you. But before I dump the lipstick pick-up, I'd like to try a few more tele-sized pick-ups that are said to have a strat sound).

Don Mare S-Telly!!! It sounds very, very close to the neck pup in my '56 Strat.

flapjack · May 9th, 2008, 06:18 PM

thepassivevoice - I have a GFS Fatbody neck pup in a Tele that sounds somewhat stratty. Look around on TDPRI and you will see that others make this claim as well. However, the Tele I have with the actually Strat pup in it really sounds like a Strat. Even the middle position is very Strat-like. I realize that some claim that you cannot get a Strat neck sound out of a Tele even with the Strat neck pup, but my experience has convinced me otherwise. Hope this helps.

fakeocaster · May 10th, 2008, 04:52 AM

Fralin Blues Special and Rio Grande Tall Boy

Both are uncovered tele pickups that are very close to strat neck PUP tone

so they dont need routing or a special pickguard

Wardpike · May 10th, 2008, 01:11 PM

All great suggestions.

Here's another one: "What Would Jerry Donahue Do"?

Jerry stuck a strat pickup in the neck position on his Tele many years ago. So did Marty Stuart.

Identify the sound you want, closest to the player whose tone you think is closest to your own sound in your head, and then find out what pup that player uses, and simply go and get one!

thepassivevoice · May 10th, 2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flapjack

I realize that some claim that you cannot get a Strat neck sound out of a Tele even with the Strat neck pup, but my experience has convinced me otherwise. Hope this helps.

That's good to hear. The next question, then, is whether you can get a Strat neck sound in a Tele-sized pickup. Next up is the Mini-Strat from Harmonic Design. I plan to install it in the next few days. The Don Mare S-Telly that Perry D. mentioned looks promising as well.

May 8th, 2008, 12:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	Strat pup for Tele neck I currently have a Strat pup in the neck of one of my Teles, but it is the absolute cheapest that I could find. It is a GFS Alnico Boutique Strat, 5.25K, Here is the link to it: http://store.guitarfetish.com/sistpi.html. While I am very happy with the sound of it, I can't help but wonder if I would hear a drastic improvement if I went with a higher end Strat pup - Fralin, etc. More chime, detail, clarity, and so forth, would be great. Any advice? Thanks in advance for your opinions. __________________ flapjack

May 8th, 2008, 04:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	Wardpike - I was thinking more along the lines of a vintage wind, lower output pup. Why did you decide on the TS, and what other pups did you try? Thanks for your help. __________________ flapjack

May 8th, 2008, 04:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
pseudocat Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Out there Age: 45 Posts: 218	I've tried out a sickening number of strat pickups over the years, and ultimately, I've been very impressed with GFS 60's Repros (they're what are in my #1 strat now). You might spend a lot of time (and money) chasing after some holy grail tone, and ultimately find yourself coming back to what you have now. It's hard to say. __________________ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". -Dave Barry

May 8th, 2008, 06:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	Thanks for all the comments. I am happy with what I have, but it is the only Strat pup I have ever owned/played extensively. I play only teles, one of which has the GFS Strat neck pup. I tried this pup because I figured it was an inexpensive way to see if I liked having a Strat pup in the neck. Now that I have tried it, I can't help but be curious about a better quality pup. Any other opinions/suggestions? __________________ flapjack

May 8th, 2008, 07:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	BB - is that all? __________________ flapjack

May 8th, 2008, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Wardpike Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland Age: 43 Posts: 585	I have a Fender Texas Special Strat pickup in the neck of one of my tele's. The tone is incredible! I tried out a lot of pups before deciding on that one, and have never once regretted my decision. I hope I've been helpful, Ward

May 8th, 2008, 05:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
BB Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pacific NW Age: 53 Posts: 3,024	This may sound crazy, but try a Tonerider Pure Vintage or Classic Blues in the neck of your tele. Absolutely ( imho of course ) the best bang for buck strat pups out there. I've had strat pups that cost three times as much that didn't sound as good as these. I prefer the Pure Vintage and a good buddy prefers the Classic Blues. He said it's the best sounding strat neck pup he's ever used. For what it's worth, like me, he's an old fart that has been playing since time began. Perhaps he'll read this and opine. Still, if you're happy with what you have, that says a lot. You may find yourself chasing the proverbial tail.

May 8th, 2008, 07:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tele Fan Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville, Ky Age: 29 Posts: 826	Kinman's sound great but they sure ain't cheap! __________________ Life is better when you just make it up as you go along.

May 8th, 2008, 08:31 PM	#12 (permalink)
surfoverb Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,375	Also Fender CS...the Twisted is a stratified tele neck I think __________________ Truth is like sunshine: people used to think it was good for you.

May 8th, 2008, 08:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
Perry D. TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 10	Don Mare S-Telly. Incredible sounding pup! Last edited by Perry D. : May 9th, 2008 at 06:24 AM.

May 8th, 2008, 08:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 62 Posts: 5,362	i'm with Perry -- Don Mare's S-Telly is one sweet pickup. __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/woodymitchellmusic BAND PAGES: www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Stragglers - Western Swing) www.myspace.com/loafersgloryband (Loafers Glory - '70s country-rock)

May 9th, 2008, 12:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	Thanks again for all of the info., I appreciate it. I do wish someone would give me an opinion that answers my original post more directly, but, again, I am thankful for the replies. __________________ flapjack

May 9th, 2008, 02:15 PM	#20 (permalink)
Durtdog Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,967	Flapjack, I have had that same GFS Strat pickup in a Tele and I thought it was wonderful. I also have a full set of those in my Strat. You might be able to find a better pickup, but I think that one has the classic Strat neck pickup sound. The only one I might consider exchanging it for would be a Fender CS 69. Did you mount it from the pickguard or screw it into the body?

May 9th, 2008, 02:38 PM	#21 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	Durtdog - I mounted the pup to the pickguard. Maybe I'll keep my eyes peeled for CS 69' Strat neck pup. It is funny you mentioned that one because the other day I went to GC and played many Strats. I have always disliked Strats and my experience the other day reminded me why. Anyway, the one that I played that to me had the nicest sounding neck position (chimey, bell-like tone) was a classic player 60s Strat. I later looked up what kind of pups were in it and found out it was the CS 69 set. Thanks for the tip. __________________ flapjack

May 9th, 2008, 06:18 PM	#23 (permalink)
flapjack Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 145	thepassivevoice - I have a GFS Fatbody neck pup in a Tele that sounds somewhat stratty. Look around on TDPRI and you will see that others make this claim as well. However, the Tele I have with the actually Strat pup in it really sounds like a Strat. Even the middle position is very Strat-like. I realize that some claim that you cannot get a Strat neck sound out of a Tele even with the Strat neck pup, but my experience has convinced me otherwise. Hope this helps. __________________ flapjack

May 10th, 2008, 04:52 AM	#24 (permalink)
fakeocaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Enniscorthy, Ireland Posts: 625	Fralin Blues Special and Rio Grande Tall Boy Both are uncovered tele pickups that are very close to strat neck PUP tone so they dont need routing or a special pickguard __________________ cheers fakeocaster

May 10th, 2008, 01:11 PM	#25 (permalink)
Wardpike Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland Age: 43 Posts: 585	All great suggestions. Here's another one: "What Would Jerry Donahue Do"? Jerry stuck a strat pickup in the neck position on his Tele many years ago. So did Marty Stuart. Identify the sound you want, closest to the player whose tone you think is closest to your own sound in your head, and then find out what pup that player uses, and simply go and get one!