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daacrusher2001 · March 6th, 2009, 11:32 AM

I have a 2008 AS Tele, which I like, but have been thinking about replacing the pickups. I was wondering if anyone has replaced the AS Tele pickups with the Fralin Blues Specials and could comment on the difference in sound?

Also, someone recommended Voodoo pickups to me. Thoughts on those as a replacement for the AS standard pups?

thx...

OSdave · March 6th, 2009, 11:56 AM

I switched the stock bridge in my 2000 AS Tele for a Blues Special. I honestly can't say I noticed THAT much of a difference. The BS is definitely a better "quality" pickup, but soundwise, I don't feel like it was enough of a difference to justify the price. That being said, I'm no tone guru, so take everything I say with a grain of salt...

daacrusher2001 · March 6th, 2009, 12:21 PM

the other one's I read a lot about are the Toneriders...

Anyone who's replaced the stock pups with a set of toneriders...please weigh in...

OSdave · March 6th, 2009, 12:58 PM

Another worthless opinion from me!

I replaced a Tex Mex bridge pu with a Tonerider Hot Classic. GREAT pickup - definite upgrade to that pickup. To my ears, very similar to the Blues Specials. For the price, if I had to pick between the Tonerider and Fralin, I would personally go with the Tonerider. Of course, it depends on the sound you are looking for - I like something a little hotter and more "rock-worthy"...

I bet you really wish someone else would jump in on this thread, don't you...

daacrusher2001 · March 6th, 2009, 04:06 PM

OSDave..thanks, I appreciate your opinions. Everyone else must be on vacation.

The toneriders seem to be very highly regarded by many. Perhaps I'll go that route....

Chris Leger · March 6th, 2009, 04:21 PM

I did just what you're asking, though bridge pickup only.

Fralin Blues definitely gives the curve a bit of a boost in the mid-to-upper-mid range. Fattens things up quite a bit.

I'd characterise the stock AST bridge pickup as rather thin (what some describe as "ice-picky") and down on output relative to the Fralin Blues.

TNO · March 7th, 2009, 11:42 PM

What I like about the Tonerider Hot Classics is that they are warm without sounding the least bit overwound.

indiobravo · March 18th, 2009, 02:21 PM

i put a BS in my 77 custom at the bridge - i love it. i think it puts just enough hair on everything - it's fatter than stock and from 9-10 i get some great growl.
I am planing on putting them in my other two teles :-D

March 6th, 2009, 11:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
daacrusher2001 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: nj Age: 50 Posts: 30	AS Pickups vs. Fralin Blues Specials I have a 2008 AS Tele, which I like, but have been thinking about replacing the pickups. I was wondering if anyone has replaced the AS Tele pickups with the Fralin Blues Specials and could comment on the difference in sound? Also, someone recommended Voodoo pickups to me. Thoughts on those as a replacement for the AS standard pups? thx...

March 6th, 2009, 11:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
OSdave Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Romeoville, IL Age: 38 Posts: 278	I switched the stock bridge in my 2000 AS Tele for a Blues Special. I honestly can't say I noticed THAT much of a difference. The BS is definitely a better "quality" pickup, but soundwise, I don't feel like it was enough of a difference to justify the price. That being said, I'm no tone guru, so take everything I say with a grain of salt... __________________ http://www.myspace.com/davidbrasier

March 6th, 2009, 12:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
daacrusher2001 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: nj Age: 50 Posts: 30	tonerider the other one's I read a lot about are the Toneriders... Anyone who's replaced the stock pups with a set of toneriders...please weigh in...

March 6th, 2009, 12:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
OSdave Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Romeoville, IL Age: 38 Posts: 278	Another worthless opinion from me! I replaced a Tex Mex bridge pu with a Tonerider Hot Classic. GREAT pickup - definite upgrade to that pickup. To my ears, very similar to the Blues Specials. For the price, if I had to pick between the Tonerider and Fralin, I would personally go with the Tonerider. Of course, it depends on the sound you are looking for - I like something a little hotter and more "rock-worthy"... I bet you really wish someone else would jump in on this thread, don't you... __________________ http://www.myspace.com/davidbrasier

March 6th, 2009, 04:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
daacrusher2001 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: nj Age: 50 Posts: 30	OSDave..thanks, I appreciate your opinions. Everyone else must be on vacation. The toneriders seem to be very highly regarded by many. Perhaps I'll go that route....

March 6th, 2009, 04:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
Chris Leger Banned Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2008 Location: New Hampshire Age: 44 Posts: 923 2 Photos	I did just what you're asking, though bridge pickup only. Fralin Blues definitely gives the curve a bit of a boost in the mid-to-upper-mid range. Fattens things up quite a bit. I'd characterise the stock AST bridge pickup as rather thin (what some describe as "ice-picky") and down on output relative to the Fralin Blues.

March 7th, 2009, 11:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
TNO Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 484	What I like about the Tonerider Hot Classics is that they are warm without sounding the least bit overwound.

March 18th, 2009, 02:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
indiobravo Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Raleigh NC Age: 44 Posts: 458	i put a BS in my 77 custom at the bridge - i love it. i think it puts just enough hair on everything - it's fatter than stock and from 9-10 i get some great growl. I am planing on putting them in my other two teles :-D

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