I highly recommend bypassing the tone control for the neck pick up. I do this on all my telecasters, no need for the tone control on the neck and it gives the pick up much more clarity. It also lets me set the bridge pick up tone control, so I don’t have to constantly adjust when switching between the pickups.
@@dreamscuba It certainly could help. Of course, the issue could be the pickup itself or the pot value. P90s generally want a 500k pot whereas single coil Tele pickups usually sound better with a 250k. When I mix a P90 or ‘bucker with a single coil, I use a 500k pot then run a 470k resistor in parallel which gives the single coil bridge 250k. Google it and you’ll find some recipes/diagrams,……
@@TwangThang57 got it. The pickup is not the issue. But the lot value could be as P90s prefer a 500k pot and tele single could 250k…my tele has 250k pots.
From what I've understood the bridge pickup on Esquire and Broadcasters was a steel guitar pickup, that's why they had to put it in at an angle since the string spacing on a steel gutar is different from that on a regular guitar. And that's why the pull pieces are flat, steel guitars doesn't have a radius, they're flat.
The big difference is that broadcaster bridge pickup used 43 gauge wire (rather than 42) with more turns on the bobbin, along with the alnico 3 magnets and they're flat non stagger
I don’t own a tele, but I Watched the video 3 times , just for the playing. 😁👍🏻.... when will we get some more live performance videos? Would love that....
I just don’t get why when doing a demo for sound comparison you have to do volume swells and change a setting literally every half a second. It’s insane to me.
Awesome just ordered the broadcaster, love that classic sound with a touch of snarl. Have a MIM tele, love my neck pickup, but bridge was a little dull sounding, hopefully this will do the trick.
I have an 🇺🇸 strat, Mex telecaster and a Squire affinity FMT telecaster. I had replaced the nut with a tusq nut and it enhanced the sound of the guitars. I also replaced the saddles with the Mex tele with graphite strings saver saddles.. . As far as the Squire, the humbucker in the neck is muddy.... I might change the pickups ..
Really love your uploads and playing, Thor. If you do any more neck through mods, maybe a drill block could help getting the holes perpendicular? - at least some of the way through. It could make enough difference to ensure there's enough space for all the ferrules - I suppose that's the important bit, really.
Thank you for your kind words😊 and a very good advice. I used to be a bit more sloppy with how I went ahead with my modifications at times. This was done several years ago, and hopefully it taught me a lesson 😁 Cheers!
I did something similar with the pickup swap. One thing I did differently: Wired the neck pickup without a tone control. Like you, I don't like the tone rolled off the neck pickup. Very happy with the change. Used SD Brad Paisley La Brea set.
Thanks Uli 😊 Oh, I sometimes wonder if I should get a SG... They are a bit moody and I've struggled to find one that is a keeper. Good to hear that you are enjoying yours, and I guess it's brilliant for playing slide. Cheers!
The pickup in the bridge sounds pretty amazing. I’m about to purchase the same pickup. Did you keep the 250k stock pot? Did you end up keeping it in the guitar? Thanks for your feedback.
Hi, yes, I kept the 250k pots and I still have it in the guitar. I think this broadcaster pickup added goodness to the tones from the guitar. Good luck with your tone journey.
That's quite interesting, and I've done similar things to my Strats, but that is to have more treble on the in-between positions (2 and 4). Not sure if I could live without a tone control for the neck pickup on a Tele though. Cheers!
@GUITARSGIZMOS But that's a part of what a Broadcaster is--- no tone control on either pickup, just a blend knob to raise the neck pup volume. Try a full Broadcaster harness. The neck pup sounds great, as do everything else on them.
Thx for the exclnt demo. I'm on the lookout for a Broadcaster pickup to replace a faulty ebay cheapo.. btw: You look similar to the the actor who played a music teacher in the movie 'Whiplash'
@@arnieg65 I would think pickup makers like Evil Sheep guitar pickups would be able to make a broadcaster pickup that would sound pretty similar, and his prices are reasonable. Probably also a decent neck pickup if you are looking for that. Good luck in your hunt for great guitar tone 😀
Hi, that is the stock pickup that came with the guitar. So it's a made in Japan pickup from around 1984. Some years ago I tried out a Robben Ford set from Onamac windery on this guitar that I thought sounded similar. Might be easier to get hold of. You can check out my demo of that here: ua-cam.com/video/swbz3D4hs30/v-deo.htmlsi=qz9FjxUN2G2QqAI5
13K seems high. But inductance is more indicative of output than d.c. resistance. Broadcasters came after Esquires and before Nocasters, all used the Alnico 3 formulation at the time which is less brittle sounding than A3 today. The Broadcasters and Nocasters were count wound to about 10K with 43AWG Formvar but their low inductance gives them a lower output than you'd expect. They had zinc plated baseplates which effects tone for true golden ears. Those golden ears also claim there are distinct differences between enameled magnet wire and Formvar. Wire is different today than in the late 40s and early 50s. A few winders have wire made to specific resistance per foot to emulate these old pickups best, Craig Vineham in Canada and Mr Klein in Texas are 2 I know of. Mr Klein also copies magnet metallurgy formulas which imo make his pickups a breathtaking value. It's worth mentioning, one would be surprised by differences in tone from relatively small changes in coil wind count. Wire tension while winding can make surprising differences too. And of course a "random" wind pattern, as opposed to a tight regular wind of a typical machine wound inductor, totally effects the high end, glassiness, shimmer, what ever you'd like to call it, a "regular" wind will quash it. Strings in the early 50s were flat wound with a wound G and the lightest gauge set was 12. The Tele bridge plates of the time were also much thinner which preserved h.f. but often led to squeal. I have a small stash of 80s/90s Korean bridge plates from the Sung Il factory that are much thinner than current plates, on the spectrograph they do in fact coax out more high mids. Ultimately, in choosing, it's a safari. Both Vineham's Broadcaster and Nocaster pickups are wonderful but not as dark as I'd expect. I have his Nocaster in an Esquire that I mounted in a lefty bridge which darkens the treble strings just enough to get me to what I imagine is that pre-Telecaster sound
Noticable difference. But what is interesting, i have 2 teles with a same restistance(9k) bridge pickup, and one is fuller and rounder(maple neck), and the other one is more shrill and bright sounding(rosewood neck). Both hve a vintage 3 brass saddles bridges. I have no idea what else can cause that phenomena?
You're right Thor, this seems to match very well with the neck pickup! I'm quite impressed how bold it sounds while holding back on the brittle highs. I'm assuming that this is an over wound pickup, no? Regardless, this is yet another simple are effective mod, cheers!
Hi Cristopher, I think it ticks the boxes for an overwound pickup. From what I can find it seems that the midrange will become more pronounced and the sound darker on an overwound pickup. And you're right, it is a simple and effective mod. I dig what it did to the tones on this guitar. Cheers!
@@GUITARSGIZMOS15 years ago, I impulsively ordered a set of GFS gray bobbin early 70's overwound pickups for around $75.00. They really changed the character of the sound with big bottom end and more mid range. I still have them in the guitar and enjoy them! For those who don't like the thinner Strat sound, these really help fatten the tone for sure!
And like the less bright sounding bridge you installed, recommend you keep other pickup in case you sell it or hand it down, so the next player has stock option, and for providence.
I highly recommend bypassing the tone control for the neck pick up. I do this on all my telecasters, no need for the tone control on the neck and it gives the pick up much more clarity. It also lets me set the bridge pick up tone control, so I don’t have to constantly adjust when switching between the pickups.
Thanks, I will try this 😊
I have a tele with a P90 in the neck, would this address the issue I face where the p90 sounds a bit dull? Thanks
@@dreamscuba It certainly could help. Of course, the issue could be the pickup itself or the pot value. P90s generally want a 500k pot whereas single coil Tele pickups usually sound better with a 250k. When I mix a P90 or ‘bucker with a single coil, I use a 500k pot then run a 470k resistor in parallel which gives the single coil bridge 250k. Google it and you’ll find some recipes/diagrams,……
@@dreamscuba It could, although the issue could be the pickup itself or the pot value.
@@TwangThang57 got it. The pickup is not the issue. But the lot value could be as P90s prefer a 500k pot and tele single could 250k…my tele has 250k pots.
broadcaster pickup is great,goes well with neck pickup.great video.
From what I've understood the bridge pickup on Esquire and Broadcasters was a steel guitar pickup, that's why they had to put it in at an angle since the string spacing on a steel gutar is different from that on a regular guitar. And that's why the pull pieces are flat, steel guitars doesn't have a radius, they're flat.
Pretty much right
Yeah that’s essentially it!
The big difference is that broadcaster bridge pickup used 43 gauge wire (rather than 42) with more turns on the bobbin, along with the alnico 3 magnets and they're flat non stagger
A very good day when I see you have a new video. Keep it up brother. Love it.
I don’t own a tele, but I Watched the video 3 times , just for the playing. 😁👍🏻.... when will we get some more live performance videos? Would love that....
Hi man, I love your comments 😊 Thanks for your support, it means a lot to me. Cheers!
@@GUITARSGIZMOS I just stumbled here and couldn't agree more. Absolutely beautiful playing.
Great review and playing. I really liked those Broadcaster tones.
Very delightful playing sir. 👍🏼
OMG. what a difference!!!!! sweet tone!!
Wow. Great vid. Tones and licks are wonderful. What a great idea...Thank you.
I just don’t get why when doing a demo for sound comparison you have to do volume swells and change a setting literally every half a second. It’s insane to me.
Agreed 👍
Haha.. Yah that’s actually a fair point!! 😂
Great tone advice and playing. The height of a tele bridge pickup, especially, always matters in brightness and balance with the neck.
I think it sounds great. More versatile than a typical Tele bridge.
Awesome just ordered the broadcaster, love that classic sound with a touch of snarl. Have a MIM tele, love my neck pickup, but bridge was a little dull sounding, hopefully this will do the trick.
I have an 🇺🇸 strat, Mex telecaster and a Squire affinity FMT telecaster. I had replaced the nut with a tusq nut and it enhanced the sound of the guitars. I also replaced the saddles with the Mex tele with graphite strings saver saddles.. . As far as the Squire, the humbucker in the neck is muddy.... I might change the pickups ..
Enjoy your new pickup: sounds great !
Wonderful playing and tone!
Beautiful.
Really love your uploads and playing, Thor.
If you do any more neck through mods, maybe a drill block could help getting the holes perpendicular? - at least some of the way through. It could make enough difference to ensure there's enough space for all the ferrules - I suppose that's the important bit, really.
Thank you for your kind words😊 and a very good advice. I used to be a bit more sloppy with how I went ahead with my modifications at times. This was done several years ago, and hopefully it taught me a lesson 😁 Cheers!
Killer tellecaster.. love how you broke it in.
I love Tekecaster cause they sound like no other guitars
I did something similar with the pickup swap. One thing I did differently: Wired the neck pickup without a tone control. Like you, I don't like the tone rolled off the neck pickup. Very happy with the change. Used SD Brad Paisley La Brea set.
Haha - your row of ferrules where you drilled through, looks just like mine!
You made my day Thor…great sound, my Tele is gone last year for a SG…For me and for Slide better…
Thanks Uli 😊 Oh, I sometimes wonder if I should get a SG... They are a bit moody and I've struggled to find one that is a keeper. Good to hear that you are enjoying yours, and I guess it's brilliant for playing slide. Cheers!
What amp is being used? It sounds fantastic. Very buttery and full.
Hi thanks 😊 The amp is a clone of a Dumble ODS 50. It's really a great sounding amp. Cheers!
Love my telecaster
That bridge pup sounds amazing. They don’t make it anymore:(
The pickup in the bridge sounds pretty amazing. I’m about to purchase the same pickup. Did you keep the 250k stock pot? Did you end up keeping it in the guitar? Thanks for your feedback.
Hi, yes, I kept the 250k pots and I still have it in the guitar. I think this broadcaster pickup added goodness to the tones from the guitar. Good luck with your tone journey.
@ thanks, I really appreciate your input. I am getting ready to place my order for the same one. Have a good day.
Great sounding guitar 🎸
B'caster pickup massive improvement. A good comparison.
I don't see the Nico Bridge pickup on the website they don't have a broadcaster pick up listed as an option.
Oh, they have a website? I bought it from ebay, but it's a long time ago...
you could disconnect the neck pu from tone comtrol
That's quite interesting, and I've done similar things to my Strats, but that is to have more treble on the in-between positions (2 and 4). Not sure if I could live without a tone control for the neck pickup on a Tele though. Cheers!
I've done this to most of my Tele's...really improves clarity and output.
@GUITARSGIZMOS But that's a part of what a Broadcaster is--- no tone control on either pickup, just a blend knob to raise the neck pup volume. Try a full Broadcaster harness. The neck pup sounds great, as do everything else on them.
Thx for the exclnt demo. I'm on the lookout for a Broadcaster pickup to replace a faulty ebay cheapo..
btw: You look similar to the the actor who played a music teacher in the movie 'Whiplash'
Thanks, I had to look him up. 😄
@@GUITARSGIZMOS
Great movie too ✨
And like your playing style, think that Tele is a perfect fit now!
If you never use the tone pot when on the neck...disconnect it from the neck.... Nice improvement in bridge!
Do you happen to know what the neck pickup is?
Hi, that is the stock pickup that came with the guitar. So it's a made in Japan pickup from around 1984.
Thanks for the info, I've tried finding info on the broadcaster pickup builder but had no luck..@@GUITARSGIZMOS
@@arnieg65 I would think pickup makers like Evil Sheep guitar pickups would be able to make a broadcaster pickup that would sound pretty similar, and his prices are reasonable. Probably also a decent neck pickup if you are looking for that. Good luck in your hunt for great guitar tone 😀
@@GUITARSGIZMOS Thanks, I'll give them a try..
I think it's a reissue 60's Telecaster, personally based on experience, that you have.
What brand Is the neck pickup ? I'm looking for that sound
Hi, that is the stock pickup that came with the guitar. So it's a made in Japan pickup from around 1984. Some years ago I tried out a Robben Ford set from Onamac windery on this guitar that I thought sounded similar. Might be easier to get hold of. You can check out my demo of that here: ua-cam.com/video/swbz3D4hs30/v-deo.htmlsi=qz9FjxUN2G2QqAI5
This pickup comes with Alnico 3 or 5 mags if I had to guess I’d say that broadcaster pup has A3 mags
13K seems high. But inductance is more indicative of output than d.c. resistance.
Broadcasters came after Esquires and before Nocasters, all used the Alnico 3 formulation at the time which is less brittle sounding than A3 today.
The Broadcasters and Nocasters were count wound to about 10K with 43AWG Formvar but their low inductance gives them a lower output than you'd expect. They had zinc plated baseplates which effects tone for true golden ears. Those golden ears also claim there are distinct differences between enameled magnet wire and Formvar.
Wire is different today than in the late 40s and early 50s. A few winders have wire made to specific resistance per foot to emulate these old pickups best, Craig Vineham in Canada and Mr Klein in Texas are 2 I know of. Mr Klein also copies magnet metallurgy formulas which imo make his pickups a breathtaking value.
It's worth mentioning, one would be surprised by differences in tone from relatively small changes in coil wind count. Wire tension while winding can make surprising differences too. And of course a "random" wind pattern, as opposed to a tight regular wind of a typical machine wound inductor, totally effects the high end, glassiness, shimmer, what ever you'd like to call it, a "regular" wind will quash it.
Strings in the early 50s were flat wound with a wound G and the lightest gauge set was 12.
The Tele bridge plates of the time were also much thinner which preserved h.f. but often led to squeal. I have a small stash of 80s/90s Korean bridge plates from the Sung Il factory that are much thinner than current plates, on the spectrograph they do in fact coax out more high mids.
Ultimately, in choosing, it's a safari. Both Vineham's Broadcaster and Nocaster pickups are wonderful but not as dark as I'd expect. I have his Nocaster in an Esquire that I mounted in a lefty bridge which darkens the treble strings just enough to get me to what I imagine is that pre-Telecaster sound
Thanks for this insight. Very interesting read. Cheers!
Noticable difference. But what is interesting, i have 2 teles with a same restistance(9k) bridge pickup, and one is fuller and rounder(maple neck), and the other one is more shrill and bright sounding(rosewood neck). Both hve a vintage 3 brass saddles bridges. I have no idea what else can cause that phenomena?
Pots, capacitor, strings... would be interesting to switch them around and see what differences change/remain.
You're right Thor, this seems to match very well with the neck pickup! I'm quite impressed how bold it sounds while holding back on the brittle highs. I'm assuming that this is an over wound pickup, no? Regardless, this is yet another simple are effective mod, cheers!
Hi Cristopher, I think it ticks the boxes for an overwound pickup. From what I can find it seems that the midrange will become more pronounced and the sound darker on an overwound pickup. And you're right, it is a simple and effective mod. I dig what it did to the tones on this guitar. Cheers!
@@GUITARSGIZMOS15 years ago, I impulsively ordered a set of GFS gray bobbin early 70's overwound pickups for around $75.00. They really changed the character of the sound with big bottom end and more mid range. I still have them in the guitar and enjoy them! For those who don't like the thinner Strat sound, these really help fatten the tone for sure!
@@50Something Is GFS short for Gold Foil Single Coil Pickups? It's a real treat to find a set of pickups that match our tone preference.
@@GUITARSGIZMOS it's a budget guitars and parts site based in the US that sell some really great quality stuff!
And like the less bright sounding bridge you installed, recommend you keep other pickup in case you sell it or hand it down, so the next player has stock option, and for providence.
Do you know where you bought it?
Yes, I tell in the video😉 I got it from ebay many years ago.
Stock wasn't bad but big improvement.
My tele AS 88 has flat pole
Yeah man new pick up but you lost the twang. Isn’t that what a tele is for?
The original pickups sounded much better
My OCD just went through the roof
That guy is so ocd nervous that he makes me nervous. He can't be still not a tejth of a second.
Get a life then
Youll get your karma for talkin smack, when you hit his age your gonna be shakin' twice as hard.
Sounds great! I was interested in checking out this pickup but “custom 60’s for Broadcaster” doesn’t even make sense lol