Fred Stuart Blackguard vs Lapwrap

[I am Incinerator]

I was just wondering what the tonal differences were?

Basically I'm looking for something that would offer a good balanced sound, nothing too middy or ice-picky. Something that can go from a nice "smoky" clean to a good crunch for lead and ryhthm tones alike. I've heard great things about Fred's pup's. My current tele is a Rosewood and Alder AM Deluxe..w/ a 6 saddle bridge. I currently run a set of Harmonic Design Vinatge plus pups. I'm interested in getting something that is flatpole with Al 3 magnets. My amp is a TopHat Club Royale 2x12, and my pedal board will consist of a BJF RRB, HB, EGDM, TR2, and a DL4

How and what I play might help too. I play a lot of Alt Country, Power pop, classic rock and indie rock. Some of my influences include Superdrag, Teenage Fanclub, The Replacements, Whiskeytown, Jayhawks, Ryan Adams, Wilco, The Decemberists, The Shins, Neil Young, The Who, Tom Petty, The Band, CCR, Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Matthew Sweet, Jeff Buckley, and Devandra Banhart...

thanks in advance for any advice!

[claytone]

I think installing a set of Fred Stuart's Blackguards will improve the tone of any modern Telecaster enormously. I played a stock 1952 Tele for many years and grew accustomed to that full rich twangy tone. After selling the guitar I found a CS 2 pickup pine bodied Esquire with a large neck - it sort of approximated the old 52 in feel but the tone was too sharp and spiky. I read about Fred's pickups, installed them in the CS Esquire and - there was my original 52 tone! If you are after a full bodied tone that has plenty of twang and character, Fred's Blackguards will do it for you.

[TY]

Sounds like you would be happy with the standard blackguard. I love mine.

[tjalla]

Originally Posted by I am Incinerator

...and my pedal board will consist of a BJF RRB, HB, EGDM, TR2, and a DL4

I'm guessing you hang out at TGP?

Anycase, my Blackguard is just what you described... a great pickup, and I've been through many good ones. The Stuart has an organic vibe thing going that most other PUs don't... Duncan antiquity is another that does, but it lacks the stuarts kraaaaang - that's the technical term round these parts

[thrashmetl]

What's the difference?