Seymour Duncan STKT-1N CHR

There are enough comparison videos to be sure the tone will be greater than the standard pickup on Squiers and similar affordable Teles. What doesn't show in the videos is the ease of mounting, screws are compatible without any adjustment needed or any inconvenience. Soldering is shown clearly in the provided sheet and the wires are long, no problem reaching the pots and selectors when they are reversed, which I did on my Affinity.

It's powerful and warm, not noisy at all except for a very low volume hum that might be caused by the cheap pots on the Tele. Distortions bring out lots of beautiful sparks, and the tone is always full from the lowest to the highest notes. Less powerful than the stacked Duncan bridge pickup I also put on the Tele but the difference is normal. Perfectly recommended, especially paired with the matched Duncan bridge pickup.

I got this pickup to put into an 85 Tokai T model. It is an Ash body with maple neck and fingerboard. This pickup has a beautiful warm mellow tone that I love in a telecaster. At times it can almost sound like a jazz guitar or even an acoustic!! It balances very well with the bridge model meaning you can go from full on twang to mellow jazz at the flick of a switch. Some people might find it a little too warm but I think the contrast with a bright bridge pickup makes for a more versatile guitar.

It is totally noiseless (in practical terms) and yet still manages to sound just like a telecaster at all times. It takes gain much better than regular singles but never loses the tele character that's so important. I use this with 500k pots as it is technically a humbucker so remember that if you're planning on getting one. Overall a very versatile professional sounding pickup and great value compared to some of the boutique options out there. I have tried many of the more expensive models and this is still my favourite