I traded into a Fender FSR telecaster deluxe a while back (basically a mim standard with an ash body and ashtray bridge) and have been quite smitten with it. I also got it right before Fender announced they would no longer be using ash on factory guitars, so that makes it even cooler to me.
Any who while i like the stock mim pickups I figured id like a different flavor and I have been really wanting to try out bootstrap pickups so this was the perfect chance. Ryan (owner of bootstrap) has been great to deal with answering emails in a timely manner and the wait (while unbearable due to anticipation) was not too long at about 2 weeks between ordering and delivery. Also I love the look of the raw nickel cover on the neck pickup.
The neck pickup is glorious and easily steals the show for me. It is very open and warm sounding with no mud. It reminds me of the fender pure vintage 52 neck in my other telecaster but better. I can spend hours on this sound playing jazz or blues or just strumming the cowboy chords.
Overall this is a great set regarless of price. If I had to describe what i think of when people talk about a blackguard telecaster this set really nails it (disclaimer i have never played a real black guard, just going off of recordings and hype) the bridge is twangy but not overly ice picky and the middle is wonderful as well.
My only gripe on these pickups is I would have liked for the bridge to have a bit more grunt. I prefer a bit more of a muscular twang but there is nothing wrong with the stock one from the set. I may order a custom one from Ryan wound a bit hotter, if i get around to it.
Overall though I highly recommend bootstrap and Im sure the rest of the line is great as well (I do have plans to buy a few more sets as well as that other bridge). Plus you couldnt beat these prices with a louisville slugger.
Any who while i like the stock mim pickups I figured id like a different flavor and I have been really wanting to try out bootstrap pickups so this was the perfect chance. Ryan (owner of bootstrap) has been great to deal with answering emails in a timely manner and the wait (while unbearable due to anticipation) was not too long at about 2 weeks between ordering and delivery. Also I love the look of the raw nickel cover on the neck pickup.
The neck pickup is glorious and easily steals the show for me. It is very open and warm sounding with no mud. It reminds me of the fender pure vintage 52 neck in my other telecaster but better. I can spend hours on this sound playing jazz or blues or just strumming the cowboy chords.
Overall this is a great set regarless of price. If I had to describe what i think of when people talk about a blackguard telecaster this set really nails it (disclaimer i have never played a real black guard, just going off of recordings and hype) the bridge is twangy but not overly ice picky and the middle is wonderful as well.
My only gripe on these pickups is I would have liked for the bridge to have a bit more grunt. I prefer a bit more of a muscular twang but there is nothing wrong with the stock one from the set. I may order a custom one from Ryan wound a bit hotter, if i get around to it.
Overall though I highly recommend bootstrap and Im sure the rest of the line is great as well (I do have plans to buy a few more sets as well as that other bridge). Plus you couldnt beat these prices with a louisville slugger.
