From chicken pickin’ to punk, jazz to metal, the Telecaster found its way into the hands of players across nearly every genre. With such a diverse fanbase, it’s no surprise that Telecaster pickups come in just as many flavors as the players who swear by Leo Fender’s timeless guitar design.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best pickups for your Fender or Squier Telecaster—even your Tele-inspired (aka “T-Type”) electric guitar. Whether you’re debating between passive and active models or torn between single-coil snap and humbucking power, we’ll break down what’s out there, highlight our favorites and share what other players love about these twangy little bundles of wire and magnets.
So, lock in your strap and crank that volume knob—let’s dive headfirst into the world of Telecaster pickups.
Table of Contents
Comparing Telecaster Pickups
The Best Pickups for Telecasters
Better Tone From Swapping Tele Pickups
How to Change Pickups in Your Telecaster
When to Consult a Professional Guitar Tech to Swap Your Pickups
Comparing Telecaster Pickups
Before we dive deeper into information about each of the pickups we're featuring, here's a quick comparison of them all. We hope that this helps you zero in on which pickups you want to take a closer look at for your personal playing style.
|
Brand/Model |
Tonal Profile |
Magnet Type |
Output Level |
Pickup Resistance |
|
Vintage-correct, bright and twangy |
Alnico III |
Medium |
7.5k |
|
|
Warm and articulate with detailed highs |
Alnico V |
Medium |
7.3k |
|
|
Hot output with aggressive midrange punch |
Ceramic |
High |
11.8k |
|
|
Hot, bluesy, with enhanced mids and clear highs |
Alnico V |
High |
10.2k (Bridge), 8.2k (Neck) |
|
|
Open, clear, with Strat-like sparkle |
Alnico V |
Medium |
7.1k |
|
|
Vintage-inspired with added bridge mid punch and neck glassiness |
Alnico III (bridge) Alnico V (neck) |
Medium |
9.73k (bridge) 7.33k (neck) |
|
|
Modern, noiseless with balanced response |
Ceramic |
Medium |
9.8k |
|
|
Humbucker-like, full and punchy |
Ceramic & Alnico II |
Medium |
11.4k (Bridge), 8.3k (Neck) |
|
|
Bright and punchy with rich harmonics |
Alnico V |
Medium |
8.5k |
|
|
Fat, high-output with thick lows |
Alnico V |
High |
14.4k |
|
|
Aggressive, powerful with tight low end |
Ceramic |
High |
17.2k |
|
|
Warm and punchy with versatile voicings |
Ceramic & Alnico V |
Adjustable (Active) |
N/A (Active) |
|
|
Smooth, high-output with clarity |
Ceramic |
High |
10.0k |
|
|
Balanced and full with rich overtones |
Ceramic |
Medium |
9.5k |
|
|
Classic Tele twang, hum-free |
Alnico V |
Medium |
7.8k |
|
|
Vintage warmth with cutting highs |
Alnico V |
Medium |
8.1k |
The Best Pickups for Telecasters
After looking through our massive selection of available Tele pickups, we've chosen 15 different pickups, covering passive and active, single coil and humbucking, and from a variety of the top pickup manufacturers. Note that we've tried to stay away from choices that would necessitate added routing or other physical changes to the guitar body itself. Although, if you really want to slap a Strat pickup, a P90 or a humbucker in that neck position, go right ahead—it's all about finding the sound you want. But, in that case, we do suggest talking to the techs at Guitar Center Repairs first.
With that out of the way, here's our list of your 15 best choices for Telecaster pickups.
Pictured: Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster Pickup Set
Fender Pure Vintage '51 Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Pure Vintage ’51 Telecaster pickup set nails the bright, twangy essence of early ’50s Telecasters, bringing authentic vintage tone to modern guitars.
Key Features:
- Alnico III Magnets make for lower output and cleaner, glassy highs
- Vintage cloth wiring and fiber bobbins for period-correct appearance
- Simple drop-in replacement for most Teles
Shop Now: Fender Pure Vintage '51 Telecaster Pickup Set
Ideal for country, rockabilly and blues, the Fender Pure Vintage ’51 pickup set gives players that unmistakable Tele bite with sharp, articulate highs. This set is perfect for anyone looking to recreate the sound of the original Broadcasters and Nocasters.
Fender Pure Vintage '64 Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: With a warm low end and sparkling highs, the Fender Pure Vintage ’64 Telecaster pickup set delivers the smooth, detailed tone of mid-’60s Telecasters.
Key Features:
- Alnico V pole pieces for slightly hotter output, adding punch without harshness
- Enamel-coated magnet wire contributes to vintage warmth
- Direct fit, with no modifications needed for standard Tele routing
Shop Now: Fender Pure Vintage '64 Telecaster Pickup Set
Compared to the ’51 pickups we just discussed, the Pure Vintage ’64 Telecaster pickup set is a great choice for players seeking the balanced, rounded tone that defined Telecasters of the ’60s. It’s versatile enough for rhythm and lead players alike, making it a reliable workhorse for blues, rock and indie musicians.
Fender Deluxe Drive Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Fender Deluxe Drive Telecaster pickup set is built for players who want higher output and a more aggressive Tele sound, perfect for driving amps harder.
Key Features:
- Ceramic magnets add heat and sustain, ideal for lead tones
- Overwound coils increase output, great for pushing overdrive channels
- Standard Tele fitment, though height adjustment may be needed
Shop Now: Fender Deluxe Drive Telecaster Pickup Set
For rock and modern country players, the Deluxe Drive Telecaster pickup set offers enhanced power and midrange punch. It’s a solid upgrade for those looking to give their Tele more edge while preserving the core Tele character.
Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Tele Pickups
Why We Picked It: These overwound pickups bring a fiery midrange and crisp highs, making the Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Tele pickups a go-to for blues and rock players chasing hotter output.
Key Features:
- Enhanced midrange from the overwound design thickens the toneand adds punch
- Alnico V Magnets add increased clarity and dynamic response
- Fits standard Tele routes, no mods required
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Telecaster Pickups
The Texas Special Tele pickups are known for elevating a Telecaster’s tone with searing leads and fat rhythm sounds. Handwound in the Fender Custom Shop, these shine for players who need more output without losing the signature Tele twang. Users often praise their ability to cut through the mix, whether playing clean or overdriven.
Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele Pickups
Why They’re Cool: Combining Tele twang with Strat-like shimmer, the Twisted Tele pickups offer a wider frequency range and enhanced versatility.
Key Features:
- Alnico V magnets for clear highs with punchy mids
- Nickel Silver neck pickup cover reduces eddy currents, enhancing clarity
- Drop-in Tele replacement, easy to adjust for height
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele Pickup Set
The Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele pickups are perfect for players who love the traditional Tele bite but want more sparkle and detail. This set excels in genres like rock, blues and even jazz, making it a flexible option for gigging guitarists.
Fender Custom Shop '50/'51 Blackguard Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: This handwound Fender Custom Shop set takes classic Blackguard Tele tone to the next level.
Key Features:
- Mixed magnet types (Alnico III and V) for enhanced tonal voicing
- Bridge pickup features oversized magnets for added lows and mid punch
- Vintage-style 42 (neck) and 43 (bridge) gauge enameled magnet wire
Shop Now: Fender Custom Shop '50/'51 Blackguard Telecaster Pickup Set
The Fender Custom Shop ’50/’51 Blackguard Telecaster set is a great choice for players who want that instantly identifiable early Telecaster vibe and tone but with a few modern tweaks. By using oversized Alnico III pole pieces in the bridge pickup along with 43-ga. magnet wire for winding, you get a tighter low end and a little more punch in the mids. The neck pickup uses 42-ga. magnet wire with Alnico V pole pieces for a warmer tone that still retains that iconic Tele twang. Don't let the disparity in overall pickup resistance fool you (9.73kΩ bridge, 7.33kΩ neck), as the extra turns of finer gauge wire used on the bridge pickup helps to keep the overall output levels balanced.
Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Telecaster Pickups
Why They’re Cool: The Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Telecaster pickups deliver classic Tele tones with zero hum, perfect for stage and studio work.
Key Features:
- Hum-free performance while retaining single-coil character
- Alnico V magnets for alanced, dynamic response
- Three-wire installation requires some additional wiring, but allows increased flexibility
Shop Now: Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Telecaster Pickup Set
For players who need traditional Tele tones without the 60-cycle hum, the Gen 4 Noiseless Telecaster pickups offer vintage flavor with modern reliability. They’re a favorite for recording artists and live performers needing a noise-free signal.
Seymour Duncan Little '59/Vintage Stack Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: Seymour Duncan's Little ’59/Vintage Stack set offers a vintage tone with a modern twist, suitable for a wide range of genres.
Key Features:
- Vintage tone with flexible personality
- Works well with different amps and effects
- Dual-coil construction for reduced hum
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Little '59/Vintage Stack Pickup Set for Telecaster
From pickup legend Seymour Duncan, the Little ’59 Vintage Stack pickups are a great choice for players who want a vintage tone with a modern twist. They provide a well-balanced sound that works well with different amps and effects, making them suitable for a wide range of genres. The durable construction ensures they can handle heavy use, making them a reliable choice for any player.
Seymour Duncan Hot Chicken Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: Known for their hot, high-output sound, Seymour Duncan's Hot Chicken pickups are perfect for heavy rock and metal.
Key Features:
- High output for a powerful, punchy tone
- Warm mids for an articulate, well-defined sound
- Bright highs cut through the mix, ideal for lead playing
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Hot Chicken Telecaster Pickup Set
The Seymour Duncan Hot Chicken Tele pickups are a favorite among heavy rock and metal players (yes, there are quite a few heavier players, like Jim Root and John 5, who play Teles) for their hot, high-output sound. They provide a powerful, punchy tone with warm midrange and bright highs, making them ideal for lead playing. Whether you’re laying down heavy riffs or soaring lead lines, these pickups deliver a sound that cuts through the mix.
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster pickup set is ideal for rock and blues players seeking a beefier Tele sound.
Key Features:
- High output can drive amps harder for natural overdrive
- Large-diameter pole pieces provide increased magnetic field strength for greater sustain and harmonics
- Fits standard Telecaster routes; may require height adjustment to balance output
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster Pickup Set
The Quarter Pound Telecaster pickup set is perfect for players who want to push their Tele into more aggressive tonal territories without losing the instrument’s inherent character. The increased output and midrange presence make it suitable for heavier genres while retaining clarity.
Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Hot Rails for Telecaster pickup set transforms your Tele into a high-output rock machine, offering humbucker-like tones in a single-coil size.
Key Features:
- Designed for heavy distortion and sustain, suitable for rock and metal genres
- Ceramic magnets provide a tight low end and aggressive midrange
- Fits standard Telecaster single-coil routes; may require minor wiring adjustments
Shop Now: Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set
Don’t let the non-traditional look throw you. These are ideal for players seeking to add a powerful, humbucker-like punch to their Telecaster without modifying the guitar’s body. The Seymour Duncan Hot Rails pickup set delivers searing lead tones and fat rhythm sounds, making it versatile for various high-gain applications.
Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Single-Width Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Telecaster pickup set offers multiple voicings, providing both vintage and modern Tele tones with noiseless performance.
Key Features:
- Multi-voice feature switches between classic Tele twang and a beefier, more contemporary tone
- Requires a power source (9V battery or rechargeable pack)
- May involve more complex wiring due to active components; professional installation recommended
Shop Now: Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Single-Width Telecaster Pickup Set
Perfect for players seeking versatility in their Telecaster, the Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone tele pickup set allows seamless switching between different tonal characters, making it suitable for a wide range of genres and playing styles.
EMG Pre-Wired Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The EMG T-System Pre-Wired Telecaster pickup set provides a smooth, high-output tone with exceptional clarity, featuring a solderless installation for easy setup.
Key Features:
- Active pickups deliver consistent performance with low noise
- Solderless installation simplifies the installation process, ideal for DIY enthusiasts
- Requires a 9V battery or phantom power for operation
Shop Now: EMG T-System Pre-Wired Telecaster Pickup Set
Ideal for players who desire a modern Telecaster sound with increased output and reduced noise. The EMG Pre-Wired T-System is suitable for genres requiring pristine clean tones and articulate overdrive, such as pop, rock and fusion.
JBE Pickups (Barden) Modern T-Style Tele Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The JBE Pickups Modern T-Style Tele pickup set offers a balanced, full-range tone with rich overtones, providing a contemporary twist on the classic Tele sound.
Key Features:
- Noise-free design delivers hum-free performance without sacrificing tone
- Wide frequency response captures detailed highs and robust lows
- Fits standard Telecaster routes; may require minor adjustments for optimal performance
Shop Now: JBE Pickups (Barden) Modern T-Style Telecaster Pickup Set
Suitable for players seeking a contemporary Telecaster tone that maintains clarity across all frequencies. Including the legendary Danny Gatton bridge pickup with an updated neck pickup, the JBE Modern T-Style Pickup Set excels in genres like jazz, fusion and progressive rock, where tonal versatility is essential.
Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coil Tele Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Broadcaster Quiet Coil Tele pickup set delivers vintage Broadcaster tone with modern noiseless performance, staying true to the iconic early ’50s sound.
Key Features:
- “Quiet Coil” technology eliminates hum while retaining the classic single-coil sound
- Alnico V magnets provide rich lows, dynamic mids and shimmering highs
- Direct fit for most Telecasters; simple to install with standard wiring
Shop Now: Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coil Telecaster Pickup Set
Before it was called the Telecaster, it was the Broadcaster (see our article on Tele history), and these Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coil pickups are perfect for players seeking authentic vintage tones without the unwanted noise of traditional single coils. Ideal for country, blues and classic rock, these pickups provide the punch and twang Tele enthusiasts crave.
Sheptone Telecaster Pickup Set
Why We Picked It: The Sheptone Telecaster pickup set offers handwound vintage-inspired tone, delivering smooth highs, warm mids and dynamic responsiveness that captures the essence of classic Telecasters.
Key Features:
- Handwound construction provides authentic vintage character and unique tonal response
- Alnico V magnets for well-balanced tone with strong lows and cutting highs
- Fits standard Telecaster routes without modification
Shop Now: Sheptone Telecaster Pickup Set
The Sheptone Telecaster pickup set appeals to players seeking a handcrafted, boutique option that brings out the best in their Telecaster. These pickups shine in roots, blues and vintage rock settings, enhancing both rhythm and lead tones with rich harmonic detail.
How to Change Pickups in Your Telecaster
Swapping pickups in your Telecaster is one of the simplest ways to reshape its tone, but it’s not a task to rush into without some preparation. Whether you’re upgrading to hotter single coils or switching to noiseless options, here’s what you need to know to make the process go smoothly:
- Define Your Sound Goals: Are you chasing classic Tele twang, or do you want a thicker, punchier tone? Knowing the sound you’re after helps narrow down your choices. Different pickups excel in country, blues, rock or heavier genres.
- Know Your Pickup Type: Telecasters typically have single-coil pickups, but models with humbuckers, P90s or rail-style pickups exist. Ensure you’re choosing pickups compatible with your Tele’s current routing and bridge configuration.
- Measure Pickup and Bridge Fit: Telecaster bridge pickups are often larger and mounted directly to the bridge plate. Confirm that the new pickups align properly with the bridge or control plate to avoid unwanted gaps or misalignments.
- Check Wiring Compatibility: Tele pickups vary in wiring schemes. Some sets include four-conductor leads for coil-splitting, while vintage sets may use simpler two-conductor wiring. Make sure your wiring matches your control plate setup.
- Understand Pot Values: Standard Tele single coils typically use 250k pots for a warmer, vintage tone. If you’re upgrading to higher-output pickups or humbuckers, consider switching to 500k pots to maintain brightness.
- Take Reference Photos: Before unscrewing anything, snap clear photos of your current wiring. A quick glance at these during reassembly can save you hours of head-scratching.
- De-Solder Carefully: When removing the old pickups, heat the solder just enough to loosen connections—avoid prolonged heating that could damage components or wires.
- Mind the Grounding Wires: Telecasters often have grounding wires connecting to the bridge or control plate. Ensure all ground connections are reattached securely to prevent hum or signal loss.
- Height Matters: After installing new pickups, adjust their height to balance the output between the neck and bridge. Tele pickups can sound radically different at varying heights, so fine-tune until you hit that sweet spot.
- Shield the Cavity: If hum or interference has been an issue, consider lining the control and pickup cavities with copper shielding tape to reduce noise.
- Test Before Sealing It Up: Plug in your guitar before reattaching the control plate or pickguard. Strum through each position to check for dead spots or phase issues. It’s easier to troubleshoot with everything open.
- Be Patient and Precise: Pickup swaps aren’t overly complex, but they reward patience. Double-check each connection and test frequently during the process to ensure everything is wired correctly.
Pictured: Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set
When to Consult a Professional Guitar Tech to Swap Your Pickups
If soldering and rewiring still seem a little daunting, the techs at Guitar Center Repairs are here to help. Our experts handle pickup swaps daily and can ensure your Telecaster sounds its best without the hassle. Stop by your local Guitar Center and let us take care of the install, so you can focus on playing.
Better Tone From Swapping Tele Pickups
Whichever pickups you choose, you’re bound to unlock exciting new tonal possibilities for your Telecaster. As pickup swaps are one of the easiest and most effective ways to upgrade your guitar’s sound, we know players who keep multiple Teles in their arsenal, each equipped with different pickups—ready to deliver a fresh voice for whatever the gig calls for. If you’re feeling inspired to expand your collection, check out our Guide to the Fender Telecaster on Riffs—strictly for tonal variety, of course.
Pictured: Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Telecaster Pickups
If you’re curious to learn more about pickups in general, A Guide to Fender Pickups and A Guide to Seymour Duncan Pickups are great resources to expand your knowledge. And if the idea of soldering and rewiring feels a little daunting, the techs at Guitar Center Repairs are always ready to lend a hand. Whether you need advice or prefer to leave the job to the pros, they’ll make sure your Tele sounds its best.
Still unsure which pickup set is the perfect match? Give your personal Gear Adviser a call—they’ll help guide you toward the best choice for your style and sound. However you decide to approach it, you’ll soon be unlocking the full tonal range your Telecaster has to offer. So, dive in, explore the world of Tele pickups, and let us know what tones you discover. We can’t wait to hear about it!