Cheap bridge pickup that's thick, big & clear

OuttaspaceMan · October 1st, 2009, 09:39 AM

Hello fellow telecaster lovers! I tried the search function and most of what I found were out of my budget. Please recommend me a cheap alternative! =)

Is there a thick, big and creamy (when overdriven) sounding bridge pickup yet still has the clarity and definition of a tele?

Some other thoughts on it:

-The cheaper, the better! It would be great if it would not go over than $80.
-I'm in a hunt for it to be in the shape of a standard tele bridge, no blade pickups and over sized poles if possible. The more vintage looking the better.
-Doesn't matter if it's a high output single-coil or a double-stacked pickup as long as it's not overly dark, compressed and undefined.
-Thick mids and rounder treble is ok as long as it's not in the P90 territory.
-Not necessarily twangy but still open-sounding with a bite.

Btw I'll be using this for blues and hard rock application. It would be great if the cleans still sound "fendery" only with way much more balls.

I hope to learn from what everyone can share since this place seems to be more than enough information especially regarding the telecaster.

Thanks and best regards to all! =)

mfernan647 · October 1st, 2009, 12:02 PM

DiMarzio Pre B-1 = $49.95

"Add beef to the middle and bottom-end of your Tele or Esquire guitar bridge pickup sound with this single-coil pickup from DiMarzio. This 2-conductor pickup packs a classic Alnico V magnet and puts out 170mv of juice. The bright, steel guitar-like fundamentals of the original pickup are fattened up, while the mids and low-end are boosted to add punch and depth. You'll still cut through the band, but with a wider range of tone."

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...up-?sku=302466

DrB · October 2nd, 2009, 03:24 AM

Duncan Jerry Donahue.

B

Whiskey_Joe · October 2nd, 2009, 03:33 AM

Check out Guitar Fetish. I have been happy with all the pickups i have bought from them. Maybe their Fatbody would be what you're looking for. if you try them let me know what you think. i was thinking about trying them in a future project.

slowpinky · October 2nd, 2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiskey_Joe

Check out Guitar Fetish. I have been happy with all the pickups i have bought from them. Maybe their Fatbody would be what you're looking for. if you try them let me know what you think. i was thinking about trying them in a future project.

Yep the fatbody with oversized poles- its in 8 or 10 k overwound - Ive used the 10 k and quite liked it - (although too hot for what I wanted) before I changed to the 8k . I ve since replaced the GFS's with vintage Fred Stuarts which are in another league.

slotted screw · October 3rd, 2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowpinky

Yep the fatbody with oversized poles- its in 8 or 10 k overwound - Ive used the 10 k and quite liked it - (although too hot for what I wanted) before I changed to the 8k . I ve since replaced the GFS's with vintage Fred Stuarts which are in another league.

i've always been interested with the 10k fatbody, but i wonder if it still has open dynamics?

also has anyone tried bill lawrence L-200TL -- The L-290TL -- L-290TL-E --L-298TL?

HB_NZ · October 3rd, 2009, 11:39 PM

Tonerider Hot Classic - seriously.

OuttaspaceMan · October 6th, 2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfernan647

DiMarzio Pre B-1 = $49.95

"Add beef to the middle and bottom-end of your Tele or Esquire guitar bridge pickup sound with this single-coil pickup from DiMarzio. This 2-conductor pickup packs a classic Alnico V magnet and puts out 170mv of juice. The bright, steel guitar-like fundamentals of the original pickup are fattened up, while the mids and low-end are boosted to add punch and depth. You'll still cut through the band, but with a wider range of tone."

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...up-?sku=302466

The Pre B-1 is a great pickup indeed especially for it's price, but I wanted to try something else for another tele project.

Thanks for the suggestion though! =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 7th, 2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrB

Duncan Jerry Donahue.

B

This is an option.. Thanks! =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 7th, 2009, 12:54 AM

@ slowpinky:

I've had the chance to try GFS pickups and I was thinking of trying something new for a change:) They are truly bang for the buck pups though.

@HB_NZ:

The Tonerider Hot Classic sounds interesting.. Does it sound alike to a nocaster pup?

OuttaspaceMan · October 8th, 2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotted screw

i've always been interested with the 10k fatbody, but i wonder if it still has open dynamics?

also has anyone tried bill lawrence L-200TL -- The L-290TL -- L-290TL-E --L-298TL?

Hey I've also been eying on these pickups.. It would be nice to know as well:) Maybe we can wait for someone who's had experience with the L-200TL -- The L-290TL -- L-290TL-E --L-298TL.

Other suggestions are welcome as well:) Thanks!

caliban335 · October 8th, 2009, 03:25 PM

I'd recommened a Lollar Special T, but it costs $110. Other than that, it's exactly what you're looking for. You can roll the volume back and get some twang, but at full volume it growls and distorts really well. The Bill Lawrence Keystones might be worth a try. They're on the hi fi side, but offer some real punch and they're dirt cheap at $57 a pair. I know you're only interested in a bridge pickup, but the Keystone neck is awesome.

Good luck.

Sam Mcgoo · October 8th, 2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB_NZ

Tonerider Hot Classic - seriously.

Agreed. Surprisingly good for next to nothing!

Sam Mcgoo · October 8th, 2009, 04:32 PM

See here for a review. (Starts post 11)

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/just-pick...tml#post944737

OnlyVees · October 8th, 2009, 10:23 PM

Duncan Alnico II Pro- $64.95

Chrismo · October 8th, 2009, 11:46 PM

Fender Nocaster.

surfco · October 9th, 2009, 02:04 AM

Keystones!

Derek Kiernan · October 9th, 2009, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OuttaspaceMan

Hey I've also been eying on these pickups.. It would be nice to know as well:) Maybe we can wait for someone who's had experience with the L-200TL -- The L-290TL -- L-290TL-E --L-298TL.

Other suggestions are welcome as well:) Thanks!

I have the L-290TL and really like what it does. I hesitate at calling it thick, but it is a very powerful and clear pickup. I've heard it compared to a Nocaster pickup and think that's a fair assessment. You might have good success with the Keystones as well.

OuttaspaceMan · October 10th, 2009, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caliban335

I'd recommened a Lollar Special T, but it costs $110. Other than that, it's exactly what you're looking for. You can roll the volume back and get some twang, but at full volume it growls and distorts really well. The Bill Lawrence Keystones might be worth a try. They're on the hi fi side, but offer some real punch and they're dirt cheap at $57 a pair. I know you're only interested in a bridge pickup, but the Keystone neck is awesome.

Good luck.

Hey caliban, thanks for your suggestion and response! =) I was actually looking at the Lollar Special T months ago and I must admit it does sound good. But unfortunately, due to budget constrains I may not afford it since I'm planning to buy 2 bridge pups for two separate teles..

But if all fails, then maybe I just might have to save up for those. I really like the punchiness of it yet still with that "open" sound.

By any chance would there be a cheaper alternative/version to it?

OuttaspaceMan · October 10th, 2009, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mcgoo

Agreed. Surprisingly good for next to nothing!
See here for a review. (Starts post 11)

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/just-pick...tml#post944737

Thanks for sharing this! =)

The Tonerider Hot Classic seems really interesting and read good reviews on it, but if I'm not mistaken they're sold as a set? I'm eying on just the bridge pickup if ever..

OuttaspaceMan · October 10th, 2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlyVees

Duncan Alnico II Pro- $64.95

Thanks. I'll look into these! =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 10th, 2009, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismo

Fender Nocaster.

Hey Chrismo! My Fender Nocaster finally arrived! I really like the "honk" from this pup. You're right, it's darker than your average tele pup but still twangs. I like this pup way much better than my SD broadcaster. Thanks again for the suggestion! =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 10th, 2009, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfco

Keystones!

Hey surfco, this pup has been on my want list for the longest time. Lots of positive comments from users here and really fits my budget. In your experience.. Would you say that the Keystone bridge pup is much punchier than the Fender Nocaster?

I was hoping to find something more punchier but still with that open dynamics.. I'm pretty sure the Keystones will be expressive and dynamic but would be safe to assume that it's thick, ballsy and punchy?

Thanks for your input =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 10th, 2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Kiernan

I have the L-290TL and really like what it does. I hesitate at calling it thick, but it is a very powerful and clear pickup. I've heard it compared to a Nocaster pickup and think that's a fair assessment. You might have good success with the Keystones as well.

Thanks Derek! The L-290TL has been on my list as well. I just couldn't find much info on it. I have the Nocaster too and I like it, would you say the L-290TL is thicker and punchier than the Nocaster?

I really like the twang of the Nocaster, but I was hoping for a bigger sounding bottom end =)

Chrismo · October 10th, 2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OuttaspaceMan

Hey Chrismo! My Fender Nocaster finally arrived! I really like the "honk" from this pup. You're right, it's darker than your average tele pup but still twangs. I like this pup way much better than my SD broadcaster. Thanks again for the suggestion! =)

It's a great pickup ain't it? I'm on a noiseless kick now, but I'm thinking of sacrificing a Tele to the hum-gods so I can use another set of Nocasters.

musicalmartin · October 10th, 2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB_NZ

Tonerider Hot Classic - seriously.

+1
I just took it out and put in a Keystone but the Tonerider is much more ballsy but still clear .I'll probably put the Tonerider back in .

Sam Mcgoo · October 10th, 2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OuttaspaceMan

Thanks for sharing this! =)

The Tonerider Hot Classic seems really interesting and read good reviews on it, but if I'm not mistaken they're sold as a set? I'm eying on just the bridge pickup if ever..

No you can get them individually. £27 from axesrus in the uk.

Just googled and this came up in the states $40
http://maxmusicusa.com/store/index.p...products_id=83

maddog · October 11th, 2009, 01:43 AM

Mistake

OuttaspaceMan · October 11th, 2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicalmartin

+1
I just took it out and put in a Keystone but the Tonerider is much more ballsy but still clear .I'll probably put the Tonerider back in .

This really is great info, thanks for the confirmation on which is ballsier! =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 11th, 2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mcgoo

No you can get them individually. £27 from axesrus in the uk.

Just googled and this came up in the states $40
http://maxmusicusa.com/store/index.p...products_id=83

Great! Many thanks for the link Sam! Really helpful stuff here =)

OuttaspaceMan · October 26th, 2009, 01:07 AM

Hi guys, thanks again for all the inputs. Looks like the top recommendation to my inquiry is the Tonerider Hot Classic. I'll be pulling the trigger on it soon, but before I do.. Just wanted to ask if any one else has some last few inputs/suggestions?

Many thanks to tdpri and best regards to all! =)

scosystems · November 4th, 2009, 10:24 AM

Running a Hot classic myself in my Esquire, all I can say is buy it, you won't regret it!

OaklandA · November 4th, 2009, 01:30 PM

"big, thick, and clear" describes a Harmonic Design Vintage + or a Duncan Vintage Stack to me.

Doug 54 · November 4th, 2009, 02:17 PM

real cheap-
some of these el budget ceramic T pups are great!!

Hiker · November 4th, 2009, 02:21 PM

2009 MIM Bridge pickup.

OuttaspaceMan · November 4th, 2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scosystems

Running a Hot classic myself in my Esquire, all I can say is buy it, you won't regret it!

Another vote for the Hot Classic, thanks! =)

OuttaspaceMan · November 4th, 2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OaklandA

"big, thick, and clear" describes a Harmonic Design Vintage + or a Duncan Vintage Stack to me.

Thanks! Been actually eying on the Harmonic Vintage Plus, just need to research more feedback on it. The Vintage Stack looks sweet as well. In your experience, between the two which would you recommend more? =)

OuttaspaceMan · November 4th, 2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug 54

real cheap-
some of these el budget ceramic T pups are great!!

That's an option too, thanks Doug! Btw.. Do you mean brands like Artec or Guitarheads?

OuttaspaceMan · November 4th, 2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiker

2009 MIM Bridge pickup.

Interesting. Are these the same pups on the MIM Roadworn Teles? =)

fernando · November 5th, 2009, 07:30 AM

Try Copperhead, he makes lovely pickups at a very reasonable price and totally custom with no price increase. Tele pups are not listed on the products page, but one example is on the sound clips page. Just ask him.

October 1st, 2009, 09:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
OuttaspaceMan Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Makati Posts: 160	Cheap bridge pickup that's thick, big & clear Hello fellow telecaster lovers! I tried the search function and most of what I found were out of my budget. Please recommend me a cheap alternative! =) Is there a thick, big and creamy (when overdriven) sounding bridge pickup yet still has the clarity and definition of a tele? Some other thoughts on it: -The cheaper, the better! It would be great if it would not go over than $80. -I'm in a hunt for it to be in the shape of a standard tele bridge, no blade pickups and over sized poles if possible. The more vintage looking the better. -Doesn't matter if it's a high output single-coil or a double-stacked pickup as long as it's not overly dark, compressed and undefined. -Thick mids and rounder treble is ok as long as it's not in the P90 territory. -Not necessarily twangy but still open-sounding with a bite. Btw I'll be using this for blues and hard rock application. It would be great if the cleans still sound "fendery" only with way much more balls. I hope to learn from what everyone can share since this place seems to be more than enough information especially regarding the telecaster. Thanks and best regards to all! =) __________________ 平和、愛、ロックンロール

October 7th, 2009, 12:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
OuttaspaceMan Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Makati Posts: 160	@ slowpinky: I've had the chance to try GFS pickups and I was thinking of trying something new for a change:) They are truly bang for the buck pups though. @HB_NZ: The Tonerider Hot Classic sounds interesting.. Does it sound alike to a nocaster pup? __________________ 平和、愛、ロックンロール

October 8th, 2009, 03:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
caliban335 Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2007 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Age: 55 Posts: 402	I'd recommened a Lollar Special T, but it costs $110. Other than that, it's exactly what you're looking for. You can roll the volume back and get some twang, but at full volume it growls and distorts really well. The Bill Lawrence Keystones might be worth a try. They're on the hi fi side, but offer some real punch and they're dirt cheap at $57 a pair. I know you're only interested in a bridge pickup, but the Keystone neck is awesome. Good luck. __________________ Jemima surrender. That's all ya hafta do. I'll bring over my Fender & I'll play all night fer you.

October 8th, 2009, 10:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
OnlyVees TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Desert, USA Posts: 79	Duncan Alnico II Pro- $64.95 __________________ Highway One Tele- project twang Squier CV CAR CP Jaguar Weber 5E7, SF Champ, Princeton Reverb Weber Tore-Vibe and a slew of pedals

October 8th, 2009, 11:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
Chrismo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Age: 21 Posts: 1,391 7 Photos	Fender Nocaster. __________________ Well let me just quote the late-great Colonel Sanders, who said..."I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." http://thetonechasers.wordpress.com/

October 1st, 2009, 12:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
mfernan647 TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 26	DiMarzio Pre B-1 = $49.95 "Add beef to the middle and bottom-end of your Tele or Esquire guitar bridge pickup sound with this single-coil pickup from DiMarzio. This 2-conductor pickup packs a classic Alnico V magnet and puts out 170mv of juice. The bright, steel guitar-like fundamentals of the original pickup are fattened up, while the mids and low-end are boosted to add punch and depth. You'll still cut through the band, but with a wider range of tone." http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...up-?sku=302466

October 2nd, 2009, 03:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
DrB TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Istanbul Age: 38 Posts: 88	Duncan Jerry Donahue. B

October 2nd, 2009, 03:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
Whiskey_Joe TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Peoria, Il Age: 26 Posts: 70 8 Photos	Check out Guitar Fetish. I have been happy with all the pickups i have bought from them. Maybe their Fatbody would be what you're looking for. if you try them let me know what you think. i was thinking about trying them in a future project.

October 3rd, 2009, 11:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
HB_NZ TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Zealand Age: 40 Posts: 13	Tonerider Hot Classic - seriously.

October 8th, 2009, 04:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
Sam Mcgoo NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Norfolk, England Age: 31 Posts: 6	See here for a review. (Starts post 11) http://www.tdpri.com/forum/just-pick...tml#post944737

October 9th, 2009, 02:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
surfco Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: ◙ Calexico, CA ◙ Posts: 754	Keystones!

October 11th, 2009, 01:43 AM	#28 (permalink)
maddog TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: illinois Age: 57 Posts: 34	Mistake Last edited by maddog; October 11th, 2009 at 01:45 AM. Reason: mistake

October 26th, 2009, 01:07 AM	#31 (permalink)
OuttaspaceMan Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Makati Posts: 160	Hi guys, thanks again for all the inputs. Looks like the top recommendation to my inquiry is the Tonerider Hot Classic. I'll be pulling the trigger on it soon, but before I do.. Just wanted to ask if any one else has some last few inputs/suggestions? Many thanks to tdpri and best regards to all! =) __________________ 平和、愛、ロックンロール

November 4th, 2009, 10:24 AM	#32 (permalink)
scosystems TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: hyde, United Kingdom Age: 42 Posts: 66	Running a Hot classic myself in my Esquire, all I can say is buy it, you won't regret it!

November 4th, 2009, 01:30 PM	#33 (permalink)
OaklandA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,945 28 Photos	"big, thick, and clear" describes a Harmonic Design Vintage + or a Duncan Vintage Stack to me. __________________ ________________________ Words my Dad taught me to fear - "We're from the government and we're here to help."

November 4th, 2009, 02:17 PM	#34 (permalink)
Doug 54 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio, Dayton area Posts: 1,309	real cheap- some of these el budget ceramic T pups are great!! __________________ "Cowboys to Girls"

November 4th, 2009, 02:21 PM	#35 (permalink)
Hiker Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 775 4 Photos	2009 MIM Bridge pickup. __________________ Hammer On!

November 5th, 2009, 07:30 AM	#40 (permalink)
fernando Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Barcelona, Spain Posts: 676 16 Photos	Try Copperhead, he makes lovely pickups at a very reasonable price and totally custom with no price increase. Tele pups are not listed on the products page, but one example is on the sound clips page. Just ask him.

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