Anybody using Rio Grandes in a Tele or Strat?

[twangquest]

Is anybody out there using any of the Rio Grande pups for their Tele or Strat? If so, how do they compare to the Fender Texas Specials? Just looking for some ideas.

[JoeNeri]

I have a Dirty Harry set in my Tele and love them. Much more clarity than Texas Specials. Hotter than stock but not too much. Kind of a blend between a Tele and a P-90 tone on the bridge, warm on the neck. Middle position is extremely versatile.

[Tele-Monster]

I have a Vintage Tall-Boy in the neck of one of my teles...its OK. Its Straty like they claim, just kinda leaves me wanting. Its great for smokey leads though. In my opinion ANYTHING is better than Texas Specials, YMMV.

Anyone who's looking for a Tallboy...PM me.

[fakeocaster]

I have a tallboy as a middle pickup in a nashville style tele.Its a good strat type pickup in a tele size.Im sure there are other options but Im happy

[String Tree]

I have one of their TEXAS single coils on the bridge of my Strat.
It is like a Strat that goes to 11. Not 20, but 11.

Its been in there since the mid 90's, no complaints.

[twangquest]

Thanks guys, I guess the search continues!

[franchelB]

I've stated this before...it might be in the archives...

I've had a Rio Grande Muy Grande in my Tele bridge since '94. I know this sounds crazy but I met the guy who "started" Rio Grande at the suggestion of certain bearded guitarist from a "lil' ol' band from Texas".

And everyone knows that the Fender Texas Specials were made for a certain Oak Cliff Blues guitarist whose initials are SRV....

Anyway, Rio Grande (at least the Muy Grande) sounds like the first band I talked about; and the Fender Texas Specials sounds like that Oak Cliff bluesman.

[Andy B]

I have a Muy Grande bridge in one Tele for many years. I have a pair of Muy Grandes for a G&L ASAT that I used for years before replacing them with Vintage Vibe P-90 style pickups. They are great pickups in my opinion.

[hwestman]

The vintage Tallboys have about the same output as Texas Specials but more top and bottom as opposed to the TS mid hump. Nice sounding pickups!

[TB72]

I have a Muy Grande in the bridge position of my favorite strat...and it's one one of the main reasons that it IS my fave strat. To me, the bridge position of a strat typically isn't one of my preferred tones...weak, thin, piercing, etc. The Muy Grande thickens it up considerably. I find it falls somewhere between a tele bridge pickup and maybe a polite P90. Much more to my liking. YMMV

I had a Muy Grande in an Esquire as well...totally dug that too. I don't have that guitar anymore (casualty of financial lean times). I miss it, and might just have to replace it somewhere down the road.

Later...

[marshman]

I put a set of Tallboys in my strat a few (like 8) years ago and have quit looking...very SRV/strat-y without limiting me to SRV-y tones, if that makes any sense. If I had a complaint, it was that they didn't come with covers and I spent months looking for a set that fit properly. Don't know if that was just my set or they all come that way.

[HOBBSTER01]

I have Tallboys in a Tele.
Neck is good not great.
Bridge is pretty awesome.
Like it a bunch.
I have Muy Grande in another.
Nice bite and twang when I need it.
I have Bill Lawrence pups in my Buckocaster and think they are the best pups going for the money.

[James from Paso]

I run a Dirty Harry in my Squire/Esquire. I really like it.

[mraymond77]

I have a dirty harry neck pu in the mail heading my way that I am excited about. quick off-topic question: How do I know if I need to change any capacitor or pot to get the optimal tone out of it? it will be paired up with a custom shop nocaster bridge PU

[twangquest]

Thanks to everyone's comments! I am still getting ideas, but I know I like the Texas Specials. Got 'em in a Lonestar Strat that is AWESOME!!!!!

My BSB Affinity is in need of some modding so I am going to start with the pups. I've always admired the Rio Grandes, just trying to narrow down a twangy bridge to bluesy neck and can go dirty on both when needed. I know, I know. I ask alot, but then again it's all about the tone!!!!!

Merry Christmas BTW ladies and gents!

[birddog01]

I've got a set of Vintage Tallboys in my first build Tele for about a year now and like them a lot. So much so I'm starting to build a complete pickgard assembly with Rio's for my Strat. Got a Muy Grande for the bridge so far and a Halfbreed for the middle and Tallboy for the neck coming, basically a Dual Calibrated set.
Just gotta figure out how I wanna wire it.

[brookdalebill]

I have a Muy Grande in my bender Tele.
I have a Stelly and 2 Muy Grandes in my Strat.
I had Tx Specials in a Strat years ago, no me gusta.
Love the Rio Grandes, they are full and clear sounding.
Easily my favorite single coils.

[moondogz]

I have a mim tele with Rio Grande tall boy pups, best sounding tele (IMO) I've ever heard. Especially the neck pup, unbelievable, even better (again imo) than the Fender 51 nocasters in my James Burton tele. The glassy highs are heavenly. I say "buy or die" of tone envy.

[birddog01]

Originally Posted by brookdalebill

I have a Muy Grande in my bender Tele.
I have a Stelly and 2 Muy Grandes in my Strat.
I had Tx Specials in a Strat years ago, no me gusta.
Love the Rio Grandes, they are full and clear sounding.
Easily my favorite single coils.

No affiliation right Bill?
Please tell me more about your Strat, do you have the Muy Grandes in the bridge & middle and the Stelly in the neck? What do you like about it and what's your playing style, amps etc?

I haven't actually ordered my Halfbreed and Tallboy for mine yet as I'm waiting for an answer from the ebay vendor to knock off a few more bucks and ship free.

thanks

[MaxCaster]

I have a pair of Muy Grandes in my Frankencaster and they are badass.