The Best Pickups for Telecasters

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

How to Change Pickups in Your Telecaster
   When to Consult a Professional Guitar Tech to Swap Your Pickups
Comparing Telecaster Pickups
The Best Pickups for Telecasters
   Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Tele Pickups
   Fender Pure Vintage '51 Telecaster Pickup Set
   Fender Pure Vintage '64 Telecaster Pickup Set
   Fender Deluxe Drive Telecaster Pickup Set
   Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele Pickups
   Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Telecaster Pickups
   Seymour Duncan Little '59/Vintage Stack Telecaster Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Hot Chicken Telecaster Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster Pickup Set
   Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set
   Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Single-Width Telecaster Pickup Set
   EMG Pre-Wired Telecaster Pickup Set
   JBE Pickups (Barden) Modern T-Style Tele Pickup Set
   Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coil Tele Pickup Set
   Sheptone Telecaster Pickup Set
Better Tone From Swapping Tele Pickups

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.

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.

Pictured: Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set

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
Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Tele Pickups	Hot, bluesy, with enhanced mids and clear highs	Alnico V	High	10.2k (Bridge), 8.2k (Neck)
Fender Pure Vintage ’51 Telecaster Pickup Set	Vintage-correct, bright and twangy	Alnico III	Medium	7.5k
Fender Pure Vintage ’64 Telecaster Pickup Set	Warm and articulate with detailed highs	Alnico V	Medium	7.3k
Fender Deluxe Drive Telecaster Pickup Set	Hot output with aggressive midrange punch	Ceramic	High	11.8k
Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele Pickups	Open, clear, with Strat-like sparkle	Alnico V	Medium	7.1k
Fender Gen 4 Noiseless Telecaster Pickups	Modern, noiseless with balanced response	Ceramic	Medium	9.8k
Seymour Duncan Little ’59/Vintage Stack Tele Set	Humbucker-like, full and punchy	Ceramic & Alnico II	Medium	11.4k (Bridge), 8.3k (Neck)
Seymour Duncan Hot Chicken Tele Pickup Set	Bright and punchy with rich harmonics	Alnico V	Medium	8.5k
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Tele Pickup Set	Fat, high-output with thick lows	Alnico V	High	14.4k
Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set	Aggressive, powerful with tight low end	Ceramic	High	17.2k
Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Tele Set	Warm and punchy with versatile voicings	Ceramic & Alnico V	Adjustable (Active)	N/A (Active)
EMG Pre-Wired Telecaster Pickup Set	Smooth, high-output with clarity	Ceramic	High	10.0k
JBE Pickups Modern T-Style Tele Pickup Set	Balanced and full with rich overtones	Ceramic	Medium	9.5k
Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coil Tele Pickup Set	Classic Tele twang, hum-free	Alnico V	Medium	7.8k
Sheptone Telecaster Pickup Set	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 Custom Shop Texas Special Tele Pickups

Why They’re Cool: 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.

Things to Consider:

• Enhanced Midrange: Overwound design thickens the midrange for punchy, assertive tones
• Alnico V Magnets: Increased clarity and dynamic response
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Players highlight the balance between warmth and grit, with many calling out their impressive sustain and clarity under gain.

Average customer rating: 4.5/5 stars

Fender Pure Vintage '51 Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: The Pure Vintage ’51 Telecaster pickup set nails the bright, twangy essence of early ’50s Telecasters, bringing authentic vintage tone to modern guitars.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico III Magnets: Lower output for cleaner, glassy highs
• Vintage Construction: Cloth wiring and fiber bobbins for period-correct tone
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Users love the bright, twangy response and note that these pickups excel at clean playing, retaining plenty of definition in the low end.

Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars

Fender Pure Vintage '64 Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: 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.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Slightly hotter output, adding punch without harshness
• Enamel-Coated Magnet Wire: Contributes to vintage warmth
• Installation: Direct fit, no modifications needed

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.

Customer Reviews: Players describe these pickups as smooth and rich, with a sweet top end that never becomes brittle.

Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars

Fender Deluxe Drive Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: 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.

Things to Consider:

• Ceramic Magnets: Add heat and sustain, ideal for lead tones
• Overwound Coils: Increase output, great for pushing overdrive channels
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Customers frequently mention the added sustain and punch, with some noting that these pickups handle higher-gain amps surprisingly well.

Average customer rating: 4.6/5 stars

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.

Things to Consider:

• Alnico V Magnets: Clear highs with punchy mids
• Nickel Silver Cover: Reduces eddy currents, enhancing clarity
• Installation: 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.

Customer Review: “The Twisted Tele pickups transformed my guitar, providing the perfect blend of Tele twang and Strat clarity. They’re incredibly versatile and responsive.”

Average customer rating: 4.9/5 stars

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.

Things to Consider:

• Noiseless Technology: Hum-free performance while retaining single-coil character
• Alnico V Magnets: Balanced, dynamic response
• Installation: Some additional wiring may be required

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.

Customer Reviews: Users rave about the absence of hum, with many appreciating the classic Tele sound that stays intact.

Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars

Seymour Duncan Little '59/Vintage Stack Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: Seymour Duncan's Little ’59 Vintage Stack pickup offers a vintage tone with a modern twist, suitable for a wide range of genres.

Things to Consider:

• Vintage Tone: With a modern twist, suitable for a variety of genres
• Neutral Sound: Works well with different amps and effects
• Durable Construction: Built to last, ensuring reliable performance over time

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.

Customer Reviews:

• "The Little ‘59 Vintage Stack pickups provide a vintage tone with a modern twist." — Sarah B.
• "The neutral sound works well with different amps and effects." — John D.
• "The durable construction ensures they can handle heavy use." — Lisa R.

Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars

Seymour Duncan Hot Chicken Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: Known for their hot, high-output sound, Seymour Duncan's Hot Chicken pickups are perfect for heavy rock and metal.

Things to Consider:

• High Output: For a powerful, punchy tone
• Warm Mids: For a 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.

Customer Reviews:

• "The Hot Chicken Tele pickups provide a hot, high-output sound that is perfect for heavy rock and metal." — Zack V.
• "The warm midrange and bright highs make them ideal for lead playing." — Emily T.
• "The powerful, punchy tone is unmatched." — Mark S.

Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars

Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Telecaster pickup set offers high-output, fat single-coil tones with enhanced sustain, making it ideal for rock and blues players seeking a beefier Tele sound.

Things to Consider:

• High Output: Delivers powerful tones that can drive amps harder for natural overdrive
• Large-Diameter Pole Pieces: Provide increased magnetic field strength for greater sustain and harmonics
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Users praise the Quarter Pound set for its ability to deliver both crunch and clean sparkle, noting significant improvements over stock pickups. Many appreciate the enhanced sustain and versatility across different music styles.

Average customer rating: 4.7/5 stars

Seymour Duncan Hot Rails for Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: 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.

Things to Consider:

• High Output: Designed for heavy distortion and sustain, suitable for rock and metal genres
• Ceramic Magnets: Provide a tight low end and aggressive midrange
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Musicians commend the Hot Rails for significantly boosting their Tele’s output, allowing for heavier tones while maintaining clarity. The pickups’ ability to handle high-gain settings without excessive noise is frequently highlighted.

Average customer rating: 4.9/5 stars

Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Single-Width Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: The Greg Koch Gristle-Tone Telecaster pickup set offers multiple voicings, providing both vintage and modern Tele tones with noiseless performance.

Things to Consider:

• Multi-Voice Capability: Switch between classic Tele twang and a beefier, modern tone
• Active Electronics: Requires a power source (9V battery or rechargeable pack)
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Users appreciate the tonal flexibility and noiseless operation, noting that the pickups deliver both classic and modern Tele sounds effectively. The active design’s clarity and dynamic response are also frequently praised.  

Average customer rating: 4.5/5 stars

EMG Pre-Wired Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: 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.

Things to Consider:

• Active Pickups: Deliver consistent performance with low noise
• Solderless Installation: Simplifies the installation process, ideal for DIY enthusiasts
• Battery Requirement: Requires a 9V battery 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.

Customer Reviews: Musicians value the ease of installation and the set’s ability to produce clear, noise-free tones. The active design’s consistency and reliability are also highlighted by users.

Average customer rating: 4.6/5 stars

JBE Pickups (Barden) Modern T-Style Tele Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: The JBE Pickups Modern T-Style Tele pickup set offers a balanced, full-range tone with rich overtones, providing a modern twist on the classic Tele sound.

Things to Consider:

• Noise-free Design: Delivers hum-free performance without sacrificing tone
• Wide Frequency Response: Captures detailed highs and robust lows
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Users commend the pickups for their articulate sound and noiseless operation, noting an improvement in both clean and overdriven settings. The enhanced tonal range is also appreciated by many players.

Average customer rating: 5/5 stars

Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coil Tele Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: The Broadcaster Quiet Coil Tele pickup set delivers vintage Broadcaster tone with modern noiseless performance, staying true to the iconic early ’50s sound.

Things to Consider:

• Quiet Coil Technology: Eliminates hum while retaining the classic single-coil sound
• Alnico V Magnets: Provide rich lows, dynamic mids and shimmering highs
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Customers highlight the Mojotone Broadcaster Quiet Coils for their ability to replicate vintage tones faithfully while offering the benefits of modern noiseless technology. Users mention the enhanced clarity and touch sensitivity as standout features.

Average customer rating: 4.8/5 stars

Sheptone Telecaster Pickup Set

Why It's Cool: 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.

Things to Consider:

• Handwound Design: Provides authentic vintage character and unique tonal response
• Alnico V Magnets: Balanced output with strong lows and cutting highs
• Installation: 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.

Customer Reviews: Players consistently praise the Sheptone Tele pickups for their vintage accuracy and craftsmanship. Many users note how these pickups add warmth and character, transforming their guitar’s tonal profile.

Average customer rating: 4.9/5 stars

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!