I've got a '97 MIM Tele that, after getting y'alls advice and comparing unplugged to some American Standard Tele's, I've decided is a good guitar with really crappy pickups.
I think I love the basic Tele sound - even mine has it, that twangy high, nice crunchy mid-position, neck pup gives me growls and bite. But mine are really thin, especially the bridge pup, and lack a lot of warmth and sensitivity.
I've heard some modded Teles that have clear, clean sounds - I don't want that. I don't need pure vintage either - I'd be happy if it ended up sounding like a modern American Tele (though *more so* would be nice, and I have nothing against Vintage). But I definitely want it to sound like a Tele. More flexible is good, but it's got to have the twang and bite and crunch and growl.
So far, I've researched up:
Rio Grande Tallboys
Rio Grande Muy Grande
DiMarzio Virtual Vintage
Duncan Alcino Pro II
Duncan STL-1 and STR-1
Lindsays Blues Specials (though I read on Harmony Central that that these push you more towards clear, non-Tele sounds. That true?)
Mostly I'm playing old Chicago style blues (Robert Nighthawk, anyone?), some jazz, and some punk.
Thoughts?
Thanks, guys!
-thi
I think I love the basic Tele sound - even mine has it, that twangy high, nice crunchy mid-position, neck pup gives me growls and bite. But mine are really thin, especially the bridge pup, and lack a lot of warmth and sensitivity.
I've heard some modded Teles that have clear, clean sounds - I don't want that. I don't need pure vintage either - I'd be happy if it ended up sounding like a modern American Tele (though *more so* would be nice, and I have nothing against Vintage). But I definitely want it to sound like a Tele. More flexible is good, but it's got to have the twang and bite and crunch and growl.
So far, I've researched up:
Rio Grande Tallboys
Rio Grande Muy Grande
DiMarzio Virtual Vintage
Duncan Alcino Pro II
Duncan STL-1 and STR-1
Lindsays Blues Specials (though I read on Harmony Central that that these push you more towards clear, non-Tele sounds. That true?)
Mostly I'm playing old Chicago style blues (Robert Nighthawk, anyone?), some jazz, and some punk.
Thoughts?
Thanks, guys!
-thi