Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: roland_rat on September 14, 2008, 01:46:07 PM

Title: pickup upgrade for gordon smith tele with what looks like a strat pickup at neck
Post by: roland_rat on September 14, 2008, 01:46:07 PM
Hi,

I have got a gordon smith tele thats not geting much play. It got the origanal gordon smith pickups in it. I was planning on upgrading the pickups to a set of brown sugar pickups.  I have  since realised that it looks like a strat pickup at the neck.  So if I do this upgrade im looking at needing a new pick guard made for the smaller sized pickup at the neck.  I was wondering if anyone had experience with a  tele bridge pickup and strat neck pickup combination?  What would you guys reccomend is there a combo that would work or is just bite the bullet for a new scratch plate.
I currently have a set of yardbirds in another  tele and was looking for this one to have just a little  bit more punch.  Out of the clips I have heard of strat pickups the neck pickup on mothers milk is my fav though god knows what it would sound like in a tele.
So far I have not spoken to Tim this upgrade is most likely a couple of months off. Any help greatly appreciated guys.
Title: Re: pickup upgrade for gordon smith tele with what looks like a strat pickup at neck
Post by: Twinfan on September 14, 2008, 04:16:44 PM
Tele neck pickups are traditionally weak, so a Strat neck pickup is a good option for better balance.  If you like the Mothers Milk, I'd try that.  Sounds like a good combo with  a Broen Sugar to me  :)
Title: Re: pickup upgrade for gordon smith tele with what looks like a strat pickup at neck
Post by: Philly Q on September 14, 2008, 05:29:36 PM
Twinfan's suggestion sounds good to me.

And getting a new scratchplate might be a little tricky, typically Gordon-Smith use not-quite-standard sizes.  You could always take a tracing though, and get one custom made.
Title: Re: pickup upgrade for gordon smith tele with what looks like a strat pickup at neck
Post by: PhilKing on September 14, 2008, 05:30:45 PM
I have a Piledriver/Slowhand combo in one of my teles and really like it a lot.  They balance well and they also have a nice contrast.  I like the mother's milks too (I have them in a strat), but just wanted the Slowhand for a bit more mid punch on the tele.
Title: Re: pickup upgrade for gordon smith tele with what looks like a strat pickup at neck
Post by: roland_rat on September 15, 2008, 01:14:21 PM
Thanks for advice guyys, 

I was not looking forward to the cost of having a new pickguard made.  Chances are it may be a couple of months till I actually get the pickups for this guitar  but at least I got a plan as to what to get.

Thanks again

Gareth