Differences between MIM Classic/Highway pups and 52 RI pups

calibre2001 · March 26th, 2006, 10:33 PM

I'm contemplating to change the stock pups on my HW1 with 52 RI pups.

What are the tonal differences between the two? I find the stock HW1 pups adequate for classic Tele sounds. However, the bridge is ice-picky to the ears at times even with lowering it and using the tone knob . It does lack some depth too.

Are the differences huge?

Mark Davis · March 26th, 2006, 11:57 PM

The difference in a pickup swap isnt usually that HUGE.

LIke try to hear the difference on tape or mp3 and you really have to listen to hear the difference and in some clips the 50's Classic/HWY1 pickups actually can sound better than the expensive ones.

There are some clips here Sidneystreet did that I host on my site listen to those for a comparison of the 50's Classic against Lollars and Fralins.

sidneystreet · March 27th, 2006, 12:24 AM

Thanks for the mention, Mark.

calibre2001, I would not say the difference would be "huge" between the '52 reissue bridge pup and the MIM Classic. I replaced my Highway 1 bridge pup with a Fralin Blues Special, and the difference was in the right direction being a little warmer and fuller. I still find that guitar brighter in general compared to my other teles.

I still use the 50's Classic/Highway 1 bridge pups in a couple of teles. They are brighter than others, but that clear clean tone is what I like about them. The neck pups are truly top notch, and there is no need to replace them.

If you are looking for a darker more grindy sound out of the bridge pup, there are many appropriate choices. Stuart, Lollar, Duncan, Rio Grande and many others make warmer, and/or gainier, pups than the 50's Classic/Highway 1 bridge. The possibilities are near endless.

Let us know what your specific tonal goals are.

calibre2001 · March 27th, 2006, 01:56 AM

Hi all,

Firstly, thank you!! I've given much thoughts on what tone I'm looking for. It's really crystal clear and less thin Tele pups that I'm after, rather than warmth and darkness. Oh wait, now that's an oxymoron ain't it? Hence Nocaster-like pups are out of the question although these are better for rock and give a different Tele sound.

Vintage is the key word here. My HW1 has a maple fretboard.

Do you have the link to this sound comparison website?

sidneystreet · March 27th, 2006, 12:23 PM

For a pure clean vintage tone I don't think you could go wrong with the Lollar Vintage. It will do classic country, rock, etc. However, you won't know if it is right for your Highway 1 until you try it, and adjust the height etc.

Here is the link to the pickup comparison clips:

Sidneystreets bridge pickup sound clips

Darrell · March 27th, 2006, 02:41 PM

I found the 50's usable, but with no beef what so ever. The 52ri had a much thicker tone given the Alnico III and more windings. BUT, they both have their place. I think it would be good to have both, and swap them out about once every 6 months, just to add some spice to life.

Better? I don't know, it just depends on what you are looking 4.

calibre2001 · March 27th, 2006, 08:04 PM

Wow, thanks for the link.

The difference isnt huge at all. Lollars are less robust sounding compared to the 50s bridger, which shows these are mighty fine pups!!!

Now I have to rethink all over again. I should focus on my playing instead!!

Great playing btw, very inspiring!

March 26th, 2006, 10:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
calibre2001 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 122	Differences between MIM Classic/Highway pups and 52 RI pups I'm contemplating to change the stock pups on my HW1 with 52 RI pups. What are the tonal differences between the two? I find the stock HW1 pups adequate for classic Tele sounds. However, the bridge is ice-picky to the ears at times even with lowering it and using the tone knob . It does lack some depth too. Are the differences huge?

March 26th, 2006, 11:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,745	The difference in a pickup swap isnt usually that HUGE. LIke try to hear the difference on tape or mp3 and you really have to listen to hear the difference and in some clips the 50's Classic/HWY1 pickups actually can sound better than the expensive ones. There are some clips here Sidneystreet did that I host on my site listen to those for a comparison of the 50's Classic against Lollars and Fralins. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

March 27th, 2006, 02:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Darrell Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Houston, Texas Age: 48 Posts: 2,485	I found the two very different I found the 50's usable, but with no beef what so ever. The 52ri had a much thicker tone given the Alnico III and more windings. BUT, they both have their place. I think it would be good to have both, and swap them out about once every 6 months, just to add some spice to life. Better? I don't know, it just depends on what you are looking 4. __________________ "Yeap, I like the American Standard Telecaster, I can even live with one a them PCB amps, and I even use one a them mul-tie-effects things too."

March 27th, 2006, 12:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
sidneystreet Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,238	Thanks for the mention, Mark. calibre2001, I would not say the difference would be "huge" between the '52 reissue bridge pup and the MIM Classic. I replaced my Highway 1 bridge pup with a Fralin Blues Special, and the difference was in the right direction being a little warmer and fuller. I still find that guitar brighter in general compared to my other teles. I still use the 50's Classic/Highway 1 bridge pups in a couple of teles. They are brighter than others, but that clear clean tone is what I like about them. The neck pups are truly top notch, and there is no need to replace them. If you are looking for a darker more grindy sound out of the bridge pup, there are many appropriate choices. Stuart, Lollar, Duncan, Rio Grande and many others make warmer, and/or gainier, pups than the 50's Classic/Highway 1 bridge. The possibilities are near endless. Let us know what your specific tonal goals are.

March 27th, 2006, 01:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
calibre2001 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 122	Hi all, Firstly, thank you!! I've given much thoughts on what tone I'm looking for. It's really crystal clear and less thin Tele pups that I'm after, rather than warmth and darkness. Oh wait, now that's an oxymoron ain't it? Hence Nocaster-like pups are out of the question although these are better for rock and give a different Tele sound. Vintage is the key word here. My HW1 has a maple fretboard. Do you have the link to this sound comparison website?

March 27th, 2006, 12:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
sidneystreet Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,238	For a pure clean vintage tone I don't think you could go wrong with the Lollar Vintage. It will do classic country, rock, etc. However, you won't know if it is right for your Highway 1 until you try it, and adjust the height etc. Here is the link to the pickup comparison clips: Sidneystreets bridge pickup sound clips

March 27th, 2006, 08:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
calibre2001 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 122	Wow, thanks for the link. The difference isnt huge at all. Lollars are less robust sounding compared to the 50s bridger, which shows these are mighty fine pups!!! Now I have to rethink all over again. I should focus on my playing instead!! Great playing btw, very inspiring!