Telecaster neck pickup choice decision?

[86fenderjapstrat]

Hello, Telewackers! I'm trying to choose a neck pickup for my telecaster. I'm trying to decide on whether to use a SD Vintage Mini Humbucker (SM-1n) or 'break the bank' for the Fender CuNiFe WRHB. The bridge pickup is a Lollar Special T. Any input would be great - I play a wide range of music; blues, rock, pop, etc. So, I'm aiming for versatility, a good match for my bridge pickup and for the guitar to still sound like a telecaster. Thanks in advance for your input, Mike in Sooke, BC, CAN

 

[Zepfan]

I think you'll like a Cavalier Pickups Phoenix Firebird.
Look them up and watch/listen to the video/soundbites.

No Affliation, just a happy customer.

 

[netgear69]

Interesting to see if people take the polarity into consideration when buying mixed and matched pickups

 

[Sea Devil]

I would ask Lollar directly. I was able to get him on the phone a few times.

 

[horseman308]

I'm a big fan of the CuNiFe WRHB in the neck position. I've been playing one for a year with a Zhangbucker Tar Paper bridge, and it slays - similar breadth of music as you list. The cleans are unique, "woody" sounding but articulate, warm without being fat, flubby, or otherwise too thick.

Despite what some say, I've found it to be great with heavy gain. I use more Tweed and Marshall-based amps and pedals than anything from the black and silver panel Fender amps, which I find ratty and unpleasant when driven hard with this pickup. But with the more Marshall-esque amps, the OD with the CuNiFe has a really cool harmonic character I've not found with other pickups.

Just my $0.02. YMMV

 

[donrichfan]

Just arrived: a SD Antiquity ll mini HB. Will be installed this coming week when I get a minute, I’ll report back once finished. I’m anticipating a devilish output.

 

[SPUDCASTER]

Please, call Jason!!

 

[KokoTele]

Either option can get great sounds for what you want to play, so only you can decide what's best for your ears.

The minihumbucker will sound a lot like a vintage Tele neck pickup, but bigger and with more oomph. Not a lot more, but enough to notice.

The Wide Range Humbucker will sound like a slightly underwound PAF-style humbucker. They're a bit brighter than a regular humbucker and have a little less mids. They also don't push an amp quite as much.

Lollar makes both and they're about as good as you're ever going to find. Since you already have the Special T, I'd suggest you call Lollar no matter which choice you make.

 

[Matthias]

I got a J-Street and paired it with a medium wind Imperial. Very nice humbucker. However, nothing quite like the real WRHBs If you like that sound. If you haven’t had one before, be sure you do as they aren’t for everyone.

 

[Bruxist]

I think you'll like a Cavalier Pickups Phoenix Firebird.
Look them up and watch/listen to the video/soundbites.

No Affliation, just a happy customer.

Another vote for a firebird and can also vouch for the Phoenix.

Firebirds sound so much like a single coil, just a little "more"

 

[Antoon]

Or simply a strat pickup if you don't like the traditional tele neck pickup

 

[Happy Enchilada]

I would ask Lollar directly. I was able to get him on the phone a few times.

Even his minions will spend time with you and help you find what you need.
Their advice has led me to some good pickup choices.
Their P90s are flat amazing.