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Post subject: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Specials
Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 4:48 pm
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I recently ordered a set of Fender Original Vintage pickups for my American Special Tele. As you probably know, the guitar comes loaded with (non-Custom Shop) Texas Specials. But I'm having second thoughts and might flip them to recoup the cost of the pickups and save $ having them installed ($90 bucks plus $25 per pup that my tech charges.)

But then I had an :idea:

What do you guys think will be the differences between the two sets? Will the OVs be a dramatic improvement? Are the pickups vastly different? Or will the differences be too subtle for me to notice (with my leather ears lol)? One other thing, I have Wilde Keystones in my RW 50s and LOVE them much more than the Tex Mex set that came stock in that guitar.

As always, thanks in advance for your input.

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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 12:38 pm
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I should add that while the Keystones are nice, woody and organic, extremely clear and a joy to play, the Texas Specials on the Am Sp sound metallic by comparison.

So what is it going to be? Original Vintage or keep the stock Texas Specials? Your input is much appreciated. Thanks!! :D

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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 1:41 pm
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Do you like the stock pickups? You never say, only that another guitar you have you changed the pickups and like those better. Pickups can be vastly different and depending on the music you play, you may want to stay with the stock pickups...don't overthink it. I have Texas Specials in a Strat of mine and I like for the extra punch in them but that's me.

Also, find another guitar tech, he is WAY overcharging, $90 bench charge + another $75 to install the pickups? Get yourself a soldering iron and do it yourself!

T2

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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:21 pm
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T2Stratman wrote:
Do you like the stock pickups? You never say, only that another guitar you have you changed the pickups and like those better. Pickups can be vastly different and depending on the music you play, you may want to stay with the stock pickups...don't overthink it. I have Texas Specials in a Strat of mine and I like for the extra punch in them but that's me.

Also, find another guitar tech, he is WAY overcharging, $90 bench charge + another $75 to install the pickups? Get yourself a soldering iron and do it yourself!

T2


I guess I wasn't clear. The pickups cost $90. My tech charges $25 per p/u for installation ($50 for the Tele set total). He's good. Not the cheapest but good. So I could sell the pickups as new if I decide not to switch and save an additional 50 bucks on installation.

As far as preferences go, I think the Texas Specials sound ok but like I said a little metallic compared to the Keystones that I have in my RW. My question was what differences could I expect between the TS and Fender Original Vintage pickups.

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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 4:47 pm
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spinnrade wrote:
T2Stratman wrote:
Do you like the stock pickups? You never say, only that another guitar you have you changed the pickups and like those better. Pickups can be vastly different and depending on the music you play, you may want to stay with the stock pickups...don't overthink it. I have Texas Specials in a Strat of mine and I like for the extra punch in them but that's me.

Also, find another guitar tech, he is WAY overcharging, $90 bench charge + another $75 to install the pickups? Get yourself a soldering iron and do it yourself!

T2


I guess I wasn't clear. The pickups cost $90. My tech charges $25 per p/u for installation ($50 for the Tele set total). He's good. Not the cheapest but good. So I could sell the pickups as new if I decide not to switch and save an additional 50 bucks on installation.

As far as preferences go, I think the Texas Specials sound ok but like I said a little metallic compared to the Keystones that I have in my RW. My question was what differences could I expect between the TS and Fender Original Vintage pickups.


Ahah, that is clearer...somewhat. Do you mean the Original Vintage Pickups that come in the 52 Reissue Tele? If so then IMHO the Original Vintage Pickups have much better tone, but the TS have more oomph or output to them. I like the Original Vintage pickups better.

Glad you clarified about the cost from your tech.

FWIW

T2

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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2014 4:55 pm
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T2Stratman wrote:
Do you mean the Original Vintage Pickups that come in the 52 Reissue Tele? If so then IMHO the Original Vintage Pickups have much better tone, but the TS have more oomph or output to them. I like the Original Vintage pickups better.

Glad you clarified about the cost from your tech.

FWIW

T2


Ah, gotcha. Yes I think they are the same pickups that come in the 52 Reissue. That's what I was lead to believe anyway. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

:0)

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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 9:17 am
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I like the way my beat up 52 reissue sounds.
I have an American standard , and it sounds wimpy by comparison.
The 52 reissues will give you a snarl , and a bite , that is really cool.
My standard plays and feels great , and sounds great for certain things , but I might change my pup's to something else. Thinking lollar special T's. And maybe a bigsby.
...tj3006


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Post subject: Re: Fender Original Vintage vs. (non Custom Shop) Texas Spec
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2014 5:07 pm
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spinnrade wrote:
T2Stratman wrote:
Do you mean the Original Vintage Pickups that come in the 52 Reissue Tele? If so then IMHO the Original Vintage Pickups have much better tone, but the TS have more oomph or output to them. I like the Original Vintage pickups better.

Glad you clarified about the cost from your tech.

FWIW

T2


Ah, gotcha. Yes I think they are the same pickups that come in the 52 Reissue. That's what I was lead to believe anyway. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

:0)


No problem...let us know which way you decide to go and your thoughts on the change (if you go that way).

T2

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