Pickup for an Esquire

[richard.sheehan]

Hi all

I got a Squier Esquire a year ago, and after playing it in, I've decided that, though I love playing it, the pickup needs an upgrade as it feels a little underpowered and thin. I'm considering the Yardbird Tele, which I guess is a pretty obvious choice, but I'm also thinking about pickups like the SD Gilly and BG1400, SD Antiquity Tele, Dimarzio Pre-B1, and the Lindy Fralin Steel Pole 43 Tele.

The sounds I'm looking for are nice, warm clean tones with not too much treble and fat(ish) mids that can be driven to a nice liquidy sustain without being drenched in too much fuzzy distortion. The sound sample on the Yardbird page is pretty close to want I'm thinking of, but before I decide, I wondered if anyone had tried a Yardbird, or any of the above, (or others I haven't considered) in an Esquire (or a Tele-type). I've had a search through the forum and read the other posts about the Yardbird, but most of them seem to team it with an actual Tele.

Anyway, any thoughts much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Telerocker]

Plenty of choice.. The Yardbird yes, but I would consider the Blackguard 50/52 as well. The 50 is quite powerful and smooth, whilst retaining the vintage vibe.

[Nolly]

I would strongly back the recommendation of the Flat 50 - it's just such a great sounding pickup and exactly as you describe - not too much treble, fat mids, liquid sustain. But play it clean and it still absolutely sounds like a Tele (or in your case, Esquire).

Edit: I should mention I’ve had both the Flat 50 and Yardbird set in my Tele. The Yardbirds are a great set, but for a single pickup guitar I’d choose the Flat 50.

[richard.sheehan]

Hi Telerocker/Nolly

Thanks for your replies. To be honest, I hadn't considered the Flat 50 based on the sound clip on the site, which didn't really sound like what I was after. However, after what you've both said, I've checked out some YouTube reviews and I can see what you mean. I'm going to check it out some more, because I like the idea of it being based on the 1950s guitars, and taking the Esquire back to that sort of 'vibe' might be quite cool.

[Dave Sloven]

Yeah I keep reading great things about the Flat 50

And exactly for the same reasons as Nolly said I would get it for a single pickup guitar.

That or a Cobra-T would be my options for a Tele bridge, depending on whether I wanted vintage or not

[Nolly]

I was doing some recording with my Tele and remembered this thread. Here's the Flat '50 in my tele, first just into the amp set to a crunch, then with a drive pedal on for soloing.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9b8mqbg8d8f5zqu/Tele%20Flat%2050.mp3?dl=0

[richard.sheehan]

Thanks, Nolly, sounds great. I think you've changed my mind and I'll be going for the Flat 50. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all the advice.

[Nolly]

Thanks, Nolly, sounds great. I think you've changed my mind and I'll be going for the Flat 50. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all the advice.

Great, I look forward to hear how you get on

[Telerocker]

I think the Roy Fulton vid pays hommage to the Flat 50. It might even be the old Flat 50, which is now the BG52. But sounds great anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8QO8MexLv0

[richard.sheehan]

Thanks, Telerocker. If I can make it sound like Roy Fulton, I'll be very happy.

[richard.sheehan]

Well I got the Flat 50 this week and fitted it today. Wow, seriously impressed. The number one position (no tone), which was a little harsh and trebly for me, is now really usable, wonderfully rich, both clean and overdriven. Number two position has loads of flexibility and tone for days. I'm still experimenting, but I'm really happy with the range of tones that are available. Position 3 in the Esquire, which has that bassy, jazzy tone is still a bit of a Marmite tone, so I might try the Eldred mod to get the c--ked wah tone at some point. But so far I'm super pleased with the Flat 50.

I was also impressed with the quality of the electrics in this Squier. Proper size pots and a decent switch, all good.

Thanks to those on this thread who helped me to decide.

[Telerocker]

Good to hear you like the Flat 50. Height can make quite a difference with BKP's. You might want to fiddle a bit.

[richard.sheehan]

Hi Telerocker

Thanks for that. I've had a play with the pickup height and it really does make a difference. I can't quite believe how 'big' and fat a single coil can sound. Really amazing tone.

Richard

[Telerocker]

Hi Telerocker

Thanks for that. I've had a play with the pickup height and it really does make a difference. I can't quite believe how 'big' and fat a single coil can sound. Really amazing tone.

Richard

I'm glad this pickup is up your alley! BKP's are something special.