Keystones v. OVs or NoCaster

The O.K. · July 9th, 2008, 07:02 PM

It is inevitable to ask this question. I think that once you start comparing three PUPs you get into difficult territory. I recently purchased some Keystones, which I am still waiting for. IT has been about a week. I am curious to see what y'all have to say about how Keystones stand up to the two Fender PUPs mentioned. I think, based on what I have read, the the Keystones are a better deal price wise for how good they sound. So let's have it. What can you guys tell us about this subject, those who have experience?

Scotland · July 10th, 2008, 12:46 AM

Firstly, I can't vouch for the Nocasters as I have not tried them though many here give glowing reports on this set.
I have both the Keystones and the OV's however. The OV's are very "Fender" sounding as one would expect but I find the neck pickup to be the weakest as far as sound goes. Both OV's together sound fantastic with plenty of bite and imparts what I could only describe as the typical Bakersfield sound. The bridge on it's own can be ice picky but the tone control will roll of some of the highs to correct that. The neck pickup I find hard to desctribe as it is very generic sounding if you know what I mean, I find the MIM 50's Classic to be a superior sounding one. All in all, good pickups and a nice upgrade for any Tele.
Keystones, well my views on them are well documented here, suffice to say they sound better than any Tele pickups I have ever used and my Tele with the OV's (MIM 50's Classic) will shortly be changed to Keystones.

teleman55 · July 10th, 2008, 01:24 AM

I put OV's in my 4 year old MIM. The stock ones were real good but I wanted that extra little thing my 72 and 64 had. These did it. They're pure twang tele though. If you want to ramp up from that a bit these aren't the ones. Great for country, r&b, blues with the tone rolled back, and that early Zep sound.

July 9th, 2008, 07:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
The O.K. TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southern California Age: 30 Posts: 84	Keystones v. OVs or NoCaster It is inevitable to ask this question. I think that once you start comparing three PUPs you get into difficult territory. I recently purchased some Keystones, which I am still waiting for. IT has been about a week. I am curious to see what y'all have to say about how Keystones stand up to the two Fender PUPs mentioned. I think, based on what I have read, the the Keystones are a better deal price wise for how good they sound. So let's have it. What can you guys tell us about this subject, those who have experience?

July 10th, 2008, 12:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Scotland Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, Yewrup Age: 54 Posts: 6,377 3 Photos	Firstly, I can't vouch for the Nocasters as I have not tried them though many here give glowing reports on this set. I have both the Keystones and the OV's however. The OV's are very "Fender" sounding as one would expect but I find the neck pickup to be the weakest as far as sound goes. Both OV's together sound fantastic with plenty of bite and imparts what I could only describe as the typical Bakersfield sound. The bridge on it's own can be ice picky but the tone control will roll of some of the highs to correct that. The neck pickup I find hard to desctribe as it is very generic sounding if you know what I mean, I find the MIM 50's Classic to be a superior sounding one. All in all, good pickups and a nice upgrade for any Tele. Keystones, well my views on them are well documented here, suffice to say they sound better than any Tele pickups I have ever used and my Tele with the OV's (MIM 50's Classic) will shortly be changed to Keystones. __________________ All those who believe in psycho-kinesis, raise my hand !

July 10th, 2008, 01:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
teleman55 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: fox lake, il Age: 53 Posts: 100	Tele PU's I put OV's in my 4 year old MIM. The stock ones were real good but I wanted that extra little thing my 72 and 64 had. These did it. They're pure twang tele though. If you want to ramp up from that a bit these aren't the ones. Great for country, r&b, blues with the tone rolled back, and that early Zep sound.