Duncan Broadcaster vs Van Zandt Flatpole??

[JTM45blues]

Well for the past 6 years or so, I've had the exact same Duncan Broadcaster pickup in various Teles, or Esquires. Its seen lots of work, and I've been very happy with the results...

BUT, being a guitar player, I decided that I shouldn't leave well enough alone. Recently, I bought Van Zandt True Vintage pickups for my strat, and they were really wonderful so I decided that maybe I should try one of their Tele flatpole models, and compare them. I got a great deal from our own KBR on a used VZ flatpole, and received it this week.

I've not installed it yet, but plan to during my next string change. What's everyone's thoughts on the Van Zandts? What style of music are using them for?

I play roots music (rockabilly, blues, old country) in a trio, and sometimes we are the backup band for various blues frontmen. I use Victoria amps and a reverb tank generally, sometimes I'll use a trem pedal and a Hotcake too.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Comparisons?

[macatt]

I play the same styles as you and I love the Van Zandt flat pole. It has more "character" in my opinion than the Broadcaster.
They're both great sounding but the Van Zandt has the edge.

S Mac

[JTM45blues]

macatt,

Thank you for that. Is one pickup "stronger", or more output than the other? Is one significantly brighter or darker than the other?

Just wondering, trying to figure it out.

Really thinking about eventually putting together an Esquire so I can just use both pickups whenever I want, but for now I have to decide either A or B... darn economy.

[Tim Armstrong]

I have an older Van Zandt flatpole pickup in my Beloved 1966 Telecaster (pickup was in the guitar when I bought it in 1995), and it's just plain glorious. Clang and twang and snarl and no icepick.

Tim

[GuitarJonz]

I found the 2 pickups very similar in tone & character, I'd probably give a slight edge to the VZ, but whether there is much of a difference, only your ears will tell, I'd be interested in your thoughts once you try the VZ.

BTW, KBR has been using & selling the VZ pickups for many years, but has recently been using Don Mare pickups, which he has written about favorably here.

[Brick]

I have both. I would not replace the Broadcaster with a VZ, but like the VZ a bit more. Very similar flavors. I have a Fralin which sounds more refined, and a Don Mare 2324 set which takes the cake as far as I'm concerned.

[JTM45blues]

Well I put in the VZ flatpole last night. I then played around with it at home for a little bit before the wife hollered at me to "knock off that racket"... (it was 10:30 pm) The things that I noticed right away was an overall fuller tone, more twangy bass, more punchy low mids, less high mids, and treble.

I'm still playing with the height of the VZ, had to lower the bass side quite a bit more than the Broadcaster.

Now as for "better", I kind've agree, its not really "better", just a different Telecaster tone, its definitely closer to the bridge pickup in the real 53 Esquire that I've gigged with a few times. The Van Zandt has the same sort of "smokey" tone to it that the '53 Esquire does.

Overall, I'm really anxious to get it out on the gig this Friday night, and see what I think.

I think eventually I'll build an Esquire and pop in the Broadcaster again.

[soultosoul13]

Im anxious to hear it, lemme know how it works out...

[macatt]

I also found the Van Z to be a little less bright but fuller sounding. What I like about it best is it seems to respond to touch better. Dig in a little and it "talks back" to you.
Hard to put into words but there seems to be something extra there.

S Mac