Exploring Humbuckers in Telecasters: A Personal Journey

When it comes to incorporating humbuckers into Telecasters, opinions tend to vary widely. Personally, I embrace the unique blend of a classic Telecaster and the cutting edge of humbuckers. My journey with these instruments has been both enlightening and enjoyable. Let's delve into my experiences with humbuckers on Telecasters and why I find them an appealing addition to the traditional sound.

Personal Preference and Experimentation

My favorite Telecaster ever was a '72 Custom reissue with a humbucker at the neck position. The bridge still features the plate-mounted single coil, and I absolutely adore the unique twang it provides. For those who prioritize the classic twang of the Telecaster, the inclusion of humbuckers might seem like a compromise, but the diversity offered by different pickup configurations can be a refreshing alternative.

When I experimented with non-traditional configurations, I built a hot-rod partscaster Tele with a Schaller Floyd Rose bridge and HS pickup configuration. Both pickups were directly mounted. The neck pickup area had a unique routing without single coil flanges, which was a departure from the traditional design. This custom build didn't quite resonate with my taste, but it was an interesting exploration into the world of hybrid guitars.

Personal Setup and Satisfaction

Currently, my Custom Shop Telecaster is setup with 59 humbuckers on the neck position and Pearly Gates on the bridge. This combination has become one of my favorite guitar setups, and it allows me to enjoy a tonal palette that goes beyond the traditional Telecaster sound. The custom build by Seymour Duncan with the Hot Rail humbucker at the bridge position is particularly noteworthy, offering a warm and rich tone that I find incredibly pleasing. The Hot Rail pickup, with its single coil shape, provides a unique character while maintaining humbucker performance.

While I have explored various configurations, I ultimately prefer the setup on my Custom Shop Tele. The neck position with the 59 humbuckers provides the richness and warmth that I love, while the bridge position with the Pearly Gates single coil retains the crisp twang that defines the Telecaster sound. This arrangement gives me the best of both worlds, allowing for a versatile and nuanced tonal range.

My Favorite Teleguitar and Pickup Choice

When it comes to my favorite Tele-style guitar, I gravitate towards the GL ASAT Classic with MFD pickups. These pickups are a step up from vintage-style ones, offering a hotter and slightly warmer sound. They provide a level of warmth and clarity that I appreciate. While I have played over a dozen Teles throughout my career, humbuckers were never a part of my selection, as none of them provided the unique sound I desired.

For those who are more into country music, my preference leans towards a guitar with Duncan stacked buckers in the neck and bridge positions. These pickups are known for their bright and clear tone, and I often use them in tapped mode. They produce a loud and powerful sound, which is perfect for a more modern playing style. However, I acknowledge that personal preferences vary, and different guitarists might find their ideal tonal signature with different configurations.

Conclusion

Whether you embrace humbuckers on Telecasters or stick with the traditional single coil pickups, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. For me, the unique blend of warmth, clarity, and versatility offered by a custom humbucker setup on a Telecaster has proven to be an enriching experience. If you're considering incorporating humbuckers into your Telecaster, I encourage you to explore the various options available, as the results can be truly remarkable.