is there something wrong

[theguy77]

if i, without a doubt, prefer MIM tele pickups to american tele pickups? i got americans fitted into my MIM tele and they sound so horribly harsh and bright compared to the ones that came stock, like to the point where the EQ does not have a comfortable balance. could this be because they were wired wrong, or does the MIM body/electronic setup clash with the american pickups, or are american pickups just made to put extreme emphasis on the country side of a telecaster's tone?

[The Boathouse]

I don't think bad wiring would make the pups sound brighter. It would prevent them from working properly, but that's not what you seem to be talking about. I'd say you just prefer to MIM's, and honestly, there's nothing wrong with that. Your tonal preference can't be WRONG. I prefer the way highway one strats play compared to American Standards. That's just me!

[patrickhowell]

if i, without a doubt, prefer MIM tele pickups to american tele pickups? i got americans fitted into my MIM tele and they sound so horribly harsh and bright compared to the ones that came stock, like to the point where the EQ does not have a comfortable balance. could this be because they were wired wrong, or does the MIM body/electronic setup clash with the american pickups, or are american pickups just made to put extreme emphasis on the country side of a telecaster's tone?

Which new pickups exactly are we talking about? Do you know what model they are?

[theguy77]

Which new pickups exactly are we talking about? Do you know what model they are?

i know they were brand new from the new american tele. i seriously did not expect to be disappointed. my first thought was the fact that fender says the MIM pickups are re-voiced to be hotter for modern sounds, and that the american tele probably has a more vintage tone which doesnt account for its tonal faults and lack of gain for the sake of preserving the original tele's character.

[theguy77]

I don't think bad wiring would make the pups sound brighter. It would prevent them from working properly, but that's not what you seem to be talking about. I'd say you just prefer to MIM's, and honestly, there's nothing wrong with that. Your tonal preference can't be WRONG. I prefer the way highway one strats play compared to American Standards. That's just me!

yeah i was just surprised at my disappointment because american-made everything seems to be like unanimously the favored quality.

[headclub]

hmm, i prefer my korean fender tele pups to any american pups i have heard...but that just might be because its been my guitar for 4 years

[OveriseFan]

It can't be "wrong" necessarily. However, you should have done your research before buying any old Tele pickup set. You need to find the pickups that suit you. There's definitely some that will improve on the MIM pickups sound, but we can't tell you which pickups are best for you.

[theguy77]

yeah i wasnt saying my preference was "wrong" i was asking is there something wrong with the pickups if they sound so... bad hahaha.

[patrickhowell]

i know they were brand new from the new american tele. i seriously did not expect to be disappointed. my first thought was the fact that fender says the MIM pickups are re-voiced to be hotter for modern sounds, and that the american tele probably has a more vintage tone which doesnt account for its tonal faults and lack of gain for the sake of preserving the original tele's character.

Are they the AlNiCo ones, or the Samarium Cobalt? They're really pushing the Samarium Cobalt ones, but I dont think they sound that great.