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Best Neck Humbucker For Telecaster (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for a way to upgrade your Telecaster's sound, a neck humbucker may be just what you need. The neck position is known for its warm and mellow tones, and a humbucker can enhance those qualities while also adding more sustain and clarity to your playing. But before you make a purchase, it's important to consider a few factors.

Firstly, think about the style of music you play and what kind of sound you want to achieve. Different humbuckers have different characteristics, and you want to choose one that suits your playing style and genre. Secondly, make sure the pickup is compatible with your guitar's wiring and controls. Some pickups require modifications to the guitar, while others can be installed easily with no alterations necessary. Lastly, consider the price and whether it fits within your budget.

Are you tired of your Telecaster's thin and twangy neck pickup? Want to add more warmth and sustain to your sound? A neck humbucker might be just what you're looking for. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. What kind of tone do you want? What kind of playing style do you have? How much are you willing to spend? In this article, we'll explore the factors you need to consider before buying a neck humbucker for your Telecaster.

10 Best Neck Humbucker For Telecaster

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for musicians seeking a versatile and high-quality electric guitar with a unique and eye-catching design.
2
Ideal for musicians looking for a high-performance electric guitar with a unique design and smooth playability.
3
Ideal for enhancing the sound of Fender Telecaster guitar with a wider range of tones and humbucker pickup.
4
The product is ideal for telecaster guitars in need of a high-quality pickup set.
5
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, visually striking electric guitar with versatile sound and comfortable playability.
6
This product is ideal for adding a powerful, high-output sound to your guitar's rhythm tone.
7
It is ideal for enhancing the tone of a Les Paul style electric guitar's neck pickup.
8
Ideal for replacing damaged or worn out mower blades on zero turn mowers.
9
This product is ideal for enhancing the sound quality of electric guitars.
10
The product is ideal for upgrading the bridge pickup of a Telecaster-style guitar.
Ideal for musicians seeking a versatile and high-quality electric guitar with a unique and eye-catching design.
Ideal for musicians looking for a high-performance electric guitar with a unique design and smooth playability.
Ideal for enhancing the sound of Fender Telecaster guitar with a wider range of tones and humbucker pickup.
The product is ideal for telecaster guitars in need of a high-quality pickup set.
Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, visually striking electric guitar with versatile sound and comfortable playability.
This product is ideal for adding a powerful, high-output sound to your guitar's rhythm tone.
It is ideal for enhancing the tone of a Les Paul style electric guitar's neck pickup.
Ideal for replacing damaged or worn out mower blades on zero turn mowers.
This product is ideal for enhancing the sound quality of electric guitars.
The product is ideal for upgrading the bridge pickup of a Telecaster-style guitar.

1. Fender Player Telecaster Hh Electric Guitar, Tidepool, Maple Fingerboard

The electric guitar features an alder body that is coated in a glossy finish, giving it a sleek and polished look. The two player series humbucking pickups offer a powerful and clear sound that is perfect for a wide range of music genres. The modern C-shaped neck profile provides a comfortable grip that allows players to play for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort. The 9.5-inch radius fingerboard is smooth and easy to play, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players. Additionally, the string-through-body bridge is equipped with bent-steel saddles that provide excellent intonation and sustain, ensuring that each note is clear and defined.

Pros

  • Sleek and polished design
  • Powerful and clear sound
  • Comfortable grip
  • Smooth and easy to play fingerboard
  • Excellent intonation and sustain

2. Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster Fmt Electric Guitar, Amber, Laurel Fingerboard

Introducing the Nato Body Electric Guitar with Carved Flame Maple Top, a guitar that offers both style and substance. The body is made from high-quality nato wood and features a stunning carved flame maple top that is sure to turn heads. The set neck design also provides excellent sustain and resonance, while making it easier to play complex chords and solos.

This guitar is equipped with two top-of-the-line Seymour Duncan pickups – the ’59 at the neck and the Pearly Gates at the bridge. These pickups deliver a rich, warm tone that is perfect for both rhythm and lead playing. Whether you're playing blues, rock or metal, this guitar has got you covered.

The package dimensions of the product are 4.4"H x 44.6"L x 16.1"W, making it easy to transport and store. Overall, this guitar is a fantastic choice for any musician looking for a high-quality, versatile instrument that delivers on both style and performance.

Pros

  • High-quality nato wood body for excellent sustain and resonance.
  • Stunning carved flame maple top adds a touch of style to the guitar.
  • Equipped with top-of-the-line Seymour Duncan pickups for a rich, warm tone.
  • Set neck design makes it easier to play complex chords and solos.
  • Package dimensions make it easy to transport and store.

3. Seymour Duncan Little 59 / Vintage Stack Tele Pickup Set Telecaster 11208-33

Upgrade your Telecaster's sound with this set of pickups. The set includes a ST59-1b Lead/Bridge Pickup and a STK-T1n Rhythm/Neck Pickup, each with 4 Conductor Hookup Cables. The Bridge Pickup features Ceramic Bar Magnets, while the Neck Pickup features Alnico 5 Rod Magnets. These pickups are designed to fit most Telecaster guitars and deliver a warm and clear tone with excellent sustain.

The ST59-1b Lead/Bridge Pickup has a high output and is perfect for rock and blues players. The Ceramic Bar Magnets provide a powerful and punchy sound with plenty of midrange. The STK-T1n Rhythm/Neck Pickup, on the other hand, has a lower output and delivers a smooth and warm tone that is ideal for jazz and country players. The Alnico 5 Rod Magnets offer a sweet and rounded sound with plenty of clarity.

The 4 Conductor Hookup Cables allow for a variety of wiring options, including coil splitting and phase reversal, giving you even more tonal possibilities. These pickups are easy to install and come with all the necessary hardware.

Overall, this pickup set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their Telecaster's sound. It offers a versatile and high-quality tone that will suit a wide range of playing styles and musical genres.

Pros

  • High-quality pickups that deliver a warm and clear tone with excellent sustain
  • Designed to fit most Telecaster guitars
  • ST59-1b Lead/Bridge Pickup has a high output, perfect for rock and blues players
  • STK-T1n Rhythm/Neck Pickup has a lower output, ideal for jazz and country players
  • 4 Conductor Hookup Cables allow for a variety of wiring options, including coil splitting and phase reversal
  • Easy to install and comes with all necessary hardware

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for players who prefer a more vintage-style Telecaster sound

4. Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster Fmt Electric Guitar, Black Cherry Burst, Laurel Fingerboard

The Nato Body with Carved Flame Maple Top guitar is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality instrument that offers both style and substance. The unique carved flame maple top not only looks great but also adds a certain warmth and depth to the sound. The body is made from Nato wood, which is known for its excellent tonal properties and durability.

This guitar comes equipped with Seymour Duncan ’59 and Pearly Gates pickups, which are renowned for their clarity, warmth, and versatility. The ’59 pickup is ideal for clean and distorted tones, while the Pearly Gates pickup offers a punchy and aggressive sound that is perfect for rock and blues.

The set neck design of this guitar ensures a solid and stable connection between the neck and body, which enhances sustain and resonance. The neck is made from high-quality wood, which provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience.

Overall, the Nato Body with Carved Flame Maple Top guitar is a top-of-the-line instrument that offers exceptional sound, style, and playability. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guitar is sure to impress.

Pros

  • Unique carved flame maple top adds warmth and depth to the sound
  • Seymour Duncan ’59 and Pearly Gates pickups offer clarity, warmth, and versatility
  • Set neck design enhances sustain and resonance
  • High-quality wood neck provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience

5. Seymour Duncan Sthr-1n Hot Rails Tele Pickup – Black Rhythm

The High-output Single-coil Sized Neck Humbucker for Telecaster in Black is a top-quality pickup that delivers outstanding performance and sound quality. It is designed to fit in the neck position of a Telecaster-style guitar, and is compatible with most models.

This pickup features a high-output design that produces a rich and powerful tone. It is perfect for players who want a full-bodied sound with plenty of sustain, and is ideal for use in rock, metal, and other high-gain genres.

The High-output Single-coil Sized Neck Humbucker is constructed with high-quality materials and components, including Alnico V magnets and enamel-coated magnet wire. It is also wax-potted to reduce unwanted feedback and noise, and has a black cover that adds a sleek and stylish look to your guitar.

With its easy installation process and exceptional sound quality, this pickup is a great upgrade for any Telecaster-style guitar. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, the High-output Single-coil Sized Neck Humbucker is a versatile and reliable choice for your instrument.

Overall, the High-output Single-coil Sized Neck Humbucker for Telecaster in Black is an excellent product that delivers superior performance and sound quality. It is a great investment for any serious guitarist who wants to take their playing to the next level.

Pros

  • High-output design for rich and powerful tone
  • Easy to install
  • Constructed with high-quality materials and components
  • Wax-potted to reduce unwanted feedback and noise
  • Sleek and stylish black cover

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for players seeking a more traditional Telecaster sound

6. Wilkinson Alnico 5 Paf Neck Pickup, Chrome

Upgrade the sound of your guitar with this classic PAF style humbucking pickup. Designed to fit most Epiphone/USA Les Paul, SG, ES style guitars, or similar models, this pickup is the perfect choice for those seeking a vintage tone. Made with genuine Wilkinson parts, it features 50mm pole spacing and is wax potted, ensuring a clear and focused sound. The Alnico V magnets provide incredible dynamics and focus, making this pickup perfect for any style of music. The pickup comes with four conductor wires, including a black wire for grounding, a yellow wire for hot, and red and white wires for splitting the coil. Please note that the screws included may not fit your guitar, so you may need to use your own.

With its classic PAF vintage tone, this humbucking pickup is a great upgrade for any guitar. It is designed to fit most Epiphone/USA Les Paul, SG, ES style guitars, or similar models, and is made with genuine Wilkinson parts. The pickup features 50mm pole spacing and is wax potted, ensuring a clear and focused sound. The Alnico V magnets provide incredible dynamics and focus, making this pickup perfect for any style of music. It comes with four conductor wires, including a black wire for grounding, a yellow wire for hot, and red and white wires for splitting the coil. Please note that the screws included may not fit your guitar, so you may need to use your own.

Get a vintage tone with this classic PAF style humbucking pickup. It is designed to fit most Epiphone/USA Les Paul, SG, ES style guitars, or similar models, and is made with genuine Wilkinson parts. The pickup features 50mm pole spacing and is wax potted, ensuring a clear and focused sound. The Alnico V magnets provide incredible dynamics and focus, making this pickup perfect for any style of music. It comes with four conductor wires, including a black wire for grounding, a yellow wire for hot, and red and white wires for splitting the coil. Please note that the screws included may not fit your guitar, so you may need to use your own.

Pros

  • Genuine Wilkinson parts ensure high quality
  • Alnico V magnets provide incredible dynamics and focus
  • Four conductor wires offer flexibility for different wiring configurations
  • Wax potting ensures a clear and focused sound

Cons

  • – Screws may not fit all guitars

7. Dimarzio Spare (Dm1301cr)

The DiMarzio Humbucker Mounting Ring is an elegant addition to your humbucking pickup, providing a regal and sophisticated look. Available in a variety of colors, you can choose the one that best fits your style. You can also specify whether you need it for the neck or bridge position, ensuring a perfect fit. If you want to add a unique twist, you can even mix and match the colors to create a stunning effect that will make your guitar stand out on stage.

Made from high-quality materials, this mounting ring is built to last and withstand the rigors of frequent use. It is designed to provide a secure and stable mount for your humbucking pickup, ensuring that it stays in place during even the most intense performances. This mounting ring is easy to install, allowing you to quickly and easily upgrade your guitar's appearance.

Whether you are a professional musician or a hobbyist, the DiMarzio Humbucker Mounting Ring is a great way to add a touch of elegance and style to your guitar. With its durable construction and easy installation, it is a practical and stylish accessory that any guitarist can appreciate.

Pros

  • Elegant and sophisticated design
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Can be specified for neck or bridge position
  • Mix and match colors for a unique look
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Provides a secure and stable mount for your humbucking pickup
  • Easy to install
  • Durable construction

8. Fender Cunife Wide Range Humbucker, Neck

Upgrade your guitar's sound with the Fender exclusive CuNiFe magnets and Polysol wire. These pickups are designed to deliver exceptional tone and clarity, making them a great option for any guitarist.

The DC resistance of the bridge pickup falls between 11.2k – 11.8k, while the neck pickup ranges from 10.1k – 10.7k. This ensures a balanced and powerful sound across all frequencies.

Installation hardware is included, making it easy to install these pickups in your guitar and start playing right away.

Pros

  • Fender exclusive CuNiFe magnets for exceptional tone
  • Polysol wire for added clarity
  • Balanced and powerful sound across all frequencies

Cons

  • – May not be compatible with all guitar models

9. Seymour Duncan Little 59™ St59-1b Bridge Pickup For Tele®

Upgrade your Fender American Standard Telecaster with the single-coil-sized humbucker pickup that delivers P.A.F.-style tones with a hint of Tele twang. This drop-in replacement perfectly fits the pickup route of your guitar and produces high-quality sound that will take your music to greater heights. The pickup is equipped with a ceramic bar magnet that ensures excellent sustain and clarity, making it a perfect match for rock and blues genres. The pickup also offers a smooth and balanced tone with a warm midrange that adds depth to your sound.

Crafted with superior quality materials, this pickup is designed to last long, delivering consistent and reliable performance. The single-coil-sized humbucker ensures that your guitar produces a more powerful and fuller sound, without compromising on the Telecaster's classic sound. The installation process is easy and hassle-free, so you can upgrade your guitar without any professional assistance. The pickup is suitable for anyone who wants to enhance their guitar without changing its look, feel, and sound.

Overall, this single-coil-sized humbucker pickup is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to upgrade their Fender American Standard Telecaster. It delivers high-quality sound, is easy to install, and offers a perfect combination of P.A.F. and Telecaster sounds. It's the perfect addition to your guitar that will take your music to the next level.

Pros

  • Produces P.A.F.-style tones with a hint of Tele twang
  • Easy to install, drop-in replacement for Fender American Standard Telecaster
  • Crafted with superior quality materials for long-lasting performance
  • Ceramic bar magnet ensures excellent sustain and clarity
  • Suitable for anyone who wants to enhance their guitar without changing its look, feel, and sound

Cons

  • – May not replicate the exact sound of a traditional humbucker pickup

Best Neck Humbucker For Telecaster FAQs

Are there any recommended wiring configurations for a Telecaster with a neck humbucker?

Yes, there are recommended wiring configurations for a Telecaster with a neck humbucker. One popular option is the "4-way switch" modification which allows you to split the humbucker into single-coil mode for a wider range of tones. This involves adding a special switch to the control plate which changes the wiring from series to parallel when engaged. Another common wiring configuration is the "neck-on" mod which allows you to activate the neck pickup without switching off the bridge pickup. This can be achieved by adding a separate switch or by rewiring the existing switch. Some players also prefer to use a "treble bleed" circuit which preserves high-end frequencies when rolling back the volume knob. Ultimately, the best wiring configuration for your Telecaster with a neck humbucker will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified guitar technician or luthier before making any modifications to your instrument.

Can a Telecaster be modified to accommodate a neck humbucker?

Yes, a Telecaster can be modified to accommodate a neck humbucker. In fact, some guitar players prefer to install a humbucker in the neck position of their Telecaster to achieve a fuller and warmer tone. However, this modification requires some technical skills and knowledge in guitar electronics.

The first step is to determine the size of the humbucker that will fit in the neck position of the Telecaster. There are different types of humbuckers, and some may require routing or cutting of the guitar body to fit properly. Once the humbucker is selected, the next step is to install it in the Telecaster.

To install a neck humbucker, the Telecaster needs to be rewired. The single-coil pickup that was previously in the neck position needs to be removed, and the humbucker needs to be wired to the volume and tone controls. This requires some knowledge in guitar electronics and soldering skills.

Overall, modifying a Telecaster to accommodate a neck humbucker is possible, but it requires some technical skills and knowledge. It is always recommended to seek the help of a professional guitar technician to ensure that the modification is done correctly and safely.

How does a neck humbucker affect the tone of a Telecaster?

A neck humbucker can have a significant impact on the tone of a Telecaster. A Telecaster typically has a single-coil pickup in the neck position, which produces a bright and twangy sound. However, a humbucker pickup is known for its warmer and fuller tone with less noise and hum. When a neck humbucker is installed in a Telecaster, it can produce a thicker and more powerful sound with increased sustain and a wider frequency range.

The addition of a neck humbucker can also add versatility to a Telecaster, allowing for a wider range of tones to be produced. The humbucker can be used in conjunction with the existing single-coil pickup, providing a range of tonal options. Some guitarists may also choose to switch between the humbucker and single-coil pickups depending on the song or style of music they are playing.

Overall, a neck humbucker can be a great addition to a Telecaster for those looking to enhance the guitar's sound and versatility. It can provide a warmer and fuller tone with increased sustain and a wider frequency range, while still maintaining the unique character of the Telecaster.

What are the best neck humbuckers for a Telecaster?

When it comes to upgrading the pickups on a Telecaster, many guitar players opt for a neck humbucker to expand the guitar's tonal possibilities. The best neck humbuckers for a Telecaster depends on the player's specific needs and preferences, but there are a few popular options on the market.

One highly recommended neck humbucker for a Telecaster is the Seymour Duncan SH-1n '59. This pickup offers a warm, vintage tone with a smooth top end and plenty of sustain. The SH-1n is a great choice for players who want to add some warmth and depth to their Telecaster's sound.

Another popular option is the DiMarzio DP103 PAF. This pickup offers a classic PAF (Patent Applied For) tone with a balanced sound and excellent clarity. The DP103 PAF is a great choice for players who want a more versatile pickup that can handle a wide range of styles.

Finally, the Gibson 490R is a great choice for players who want a classic Gibson humbucker tone in their Telecaster. This pickup offers a warm, rich sound with plenty of sustain and clarity. The 490R is a great choice for players who want a more traditional humbucker sound in their Telecaster.

Ultimately, the best neck humbucker for a Telecaster depends on the player's specific needs and preferences. It's always a good idea to try out different pickups before making a purchase to find the one that best suits your playing style and sound preferences.

What is the difference between a single-coil and a humbucker pickup for a Telecaster's neck position?

The main difference between a single-coil and a humbucker pickup for a Telecaster's neck position lies in their sound and construction. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright and clear tone, and they produce a thinner and more articulate sound compared to humbuckers. They are also prone to producing a hum or buzz, especially under high gain settings.

On the other hand, humbucker pickups are designed to cancel out the hum and noise that single-coil pickups produce. They do this by using two coils that are wired in opposite directions, which results in a thicker and warmer sound with more sustain and less noise. Humbuckers are generally preferred by guitarists who play heavier genres of music and require a more aggressive tone.

In terms of construction, single-coil pickups are simpler and have only one coil of wire wrapped around a magnet, while humbuckers have two coils and a metal baseplate that further reduces unwanted noise. While both types of pickups have their own unique characteristics and advantages, the choice ultimately depends on the player's preference and the type of music they play.

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