Guitar Kit World
5 min read
If you are new to building DIY kit guitars than the standard TEĀ style kitĀ is a great option, thanks to its straightforward assembly. However, from time to time we receive inquiries from TE owners wanting to know what are the best T-style pickups to replace the stock pickups the TE style kits comes with.Ā
In the following post, weāre going to take a look at some of the best T-style pickups available. However rather than just name the best (typically most expensive) option Iām going to list the highest reviewed T-style pickups within three distinct price categories as, letās face it we all have different budgets when it comes to our guitars.
Weāll also list some favorably reviewed T-style pickups for different musical genres e.g. country and blues.
But first letās set some rules.
Before we get started itās important to point out the differences between T-style pickups and other standard single coil pickups as these differences have a major impact on the T-styleās tone.
T-style pickups are unique when compared to other single coil pickups in that the bridge pickup is designed to fit the standard T-style āAshtrayā style bridge. Contrary to what many customers believe, you canāt buy just any stock single coil pickup to fit the bridge. The bridge pickup must be a āT-styleā pickup and as opposed to a typical single coil pickup has a metal baseplate that is in connection with the āashtrayā bridge.
Secondly, the neck pickup is taller yet smaller in size compared to a standard single coil pickup and in many cases is covered which reduces high-frequency output. The neck pickup also typically uses a thinner gauge wire to standard single coil pickups and features a smallerĀ bobbin.
These key differences contribute a great deal to the ātwangā fans of the T-style are so familiar with.
the original manufacturer Pure Vintage Reissue T-style Pickups represent extremely good value at just $83.99 and deliver that classic 50ās T-style twang thanks to the alnico 3 magnets, enamel coated pickup wires and tin plated copper base plate.
Featuring flush mounted pole pieces for an evenly distributed string response the original manufacturer Pure Vintage pickups have been very well received by customers with an average star rating of 4/5 with over 70% of customers giving a 5-star rating.
From a pure value perspective, these pickups are extremely hard to beat and sound great compared to much higher priced options. Many reviewers have commented that āthese pickups have brought my T-style to lifeā.
Highly recommended.
The Dimarzio Twang Kings are known for their note separation and dynamics and are incredibly responsive to your own playing thanks to the controlled tension string winding and hand calibrated magnets. Both pickups are wax potted twice (the component is soaked in wax) which reduces interference and unwanted noise.
Bear in mind, however, the Twang King is not a high output pickup and therefore if you are looking for a high gain pickup for your T-style they may not be your best option. But for those looking for a responsive, authentic sounding T-style pickup set, you really canāt go wrong with a set of Twang Kings from Dimarzio. Extremely well suited to Jazz and blues playing and extremely good value at just $126.98 with an average customer rating of 5 stars.
Another extremely responsive pickup set, the Lindy Fralin Blues Special packs a real punch, yet maintains a clean, warm sound without sounding muddy. Customers who have purchased this pickup set more often than not become Lindy Fralin fans for life.
While a little more expensive than the the original manufacturer and DiMarzio options listed above, the cost difference is negligible when considering the overall tonal variety and obvious quality of this pickup.
While some customers will be peeved that the neck pickup isnāt covered as per most T-style neck pickups, with an average customer rating of 5 stars many consider this pickup to be the best T-style pickup available on the market.
Best T-style pickups for blues
Lindy Fralin T-style Blues Special Pickup
Best T-styleĀ pickups for rock
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound T-style Set Electric Guitar Electronics
Best T-style pickups for country
the original manufacturer Pure Vintage Reissue T-style Pickups
Best T-style pickups for jazz
Lindy Fralin T-style Blues Special Pickup
Perhaps itās not the pickups at all? In which case I highly recommend adjusting your pickup height. Hereās an article that will show you how to do that correctly.
Lastly, if nothing seems to be working, be sure to check your intonation and replace your current strings. You might be surprised to know just how much of a difference can be attributed to your strings, so experiment a little with different gauges and brands.
Product names mentioned in this review are trademarks of their respective owners. Guitar Kit World is not affiliated with or endorsed by any pickup manufacturer mentioned.
Guitar body style names used in this article describe general design categories, not specific branded products. Guitar Kit World is not affiliated with or endorsed by any major guitar manufacturer. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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