adaptable Tele: jazz & twang

[rorschah]

So I've been playing a '98 MIM Tele for a while. I thought I hated it, and kept gravitating towards new American Teles in the stores. Recently, though, I've been playing it unplugged and I realize I *love* the thing - it's pretty special, especially for a MIM. Really rich, lush, gorgeous - unplugged.

I'm starting to realize it's the pickups.

So I'm gonna change out.

Advice?

I play a lot of blues, jazz, and some punkier stuff. What I want is to push it in the direction of adaptability, without sacrificing the traditional twang of the the bridge setting, and rhythm-crunch of the mid-setting. (I spend a lot of time on the mid-setting, especially blues soloing). Particularly, I'm looking for a neck pup that'll really cleanly, warmly capture all of the stuff I hear when I'm playing it unplugged. (The current pups kill almost *all* of it). *That*'s a jazz sound I've been looking for for awhile.

Considering:
Lollar Special T
Fralin Blues Special
Duncan Alcino Pro II
Duncan STL-1, STR-1

Other suggestions? COmments?

Thanks!

-thi

[maestrovert]

the EMG "T" set i recently installed in a parts/sparklecaster have exceeded any and every expectation......i wish i'd installed 'em years ago, it woulda saved me lots of trial and error not to mention $......they're twangy AND creamy, brilliant and smooth....they're very very responsive to finger/string nuance, picking attack & placement AND control manipulation, they push the amp a good bit harder and most importantly, they're DEAD QUIET.
i've no affiliation whatsoever, i'm just very satisfied....FINALLY! my musical endeavors and needs are diverse.....from straight ahead Jazz to Surf, Country, Rock, Motown, Soul, Ska, Reggae, "da Blooze" and more i haven't mentioned and every variation within and between.....

Keep an open mind AND open ears....

bottom line ? Duncans, DiMarzios, Lollars, Fralins, Duffs etc......they're all good.....y.m.m.v.

good luck in your tone quest

[Dana]

Any of those will probably do for ya. Personally, I dislike Seymour Duncan pickups. I prefer the little guys who make them by hand. I've had great luck with Voodoo Pickups and Van Zandt. But again, any of your choices will probably work. Just tell them when you're ordering what you're looking for in a pickup. I also think the wood plays a significant factor.

Good luck,

Dana

[Robin Nahum]

Originally Posted by rorschah

I play a lot of blues, jazz, and some punkier stuff. What I want is to push it in the direction of adaptability, without sacrificing the traditional twang of the the bridge setting, and rhythm-crunch of the mid-setting.

I am very happy with a SD Vintage P90 in the neck position for similar reasons - maybe a bit less so in respect of the punk :). It is currently combined with a Jerry Donahue in the bridge but you may find this a bit too smooth. I have tried the Fralin Steel Pole Tele replacement which, according to Lindy, is the closest he gets to a P90 sound in a Tele size. They sound great but I think that you really need the big bobbin for the warmth.