What is the primary benefit of the Fender Texas Special Telecaster pickups?

The primary benefit is an increased output presence and a boosted midrange response, which allows for a more aggressive and punchy guitar tone.

What material is used for the neck pickup cover?

The neck pickup features a nickel/silver cover, which Fender states is essential for producing a clear and warm tone.

Are these pickups suitable for blues music?

Yes, they are specifically designed to provide the 'hot' output and midrange punch often associated with Texas-style blues.

How does the output compare to standard Telecaster pickups?

These pickups are overwound, meaning they have a higher output than standard or vintage-voiced Telecaster pickups.

Which famous artist is known for using these pickups?

The artist Prince is a notable user of these pickups, utilising them for his distinctive and powerful guitar tones.

Do these pickups come as a set?

Yes, they are typically sold as a set of two, including both the bridge and neck pickups.

Can these be installed in a Squier Mini Stratocaster?

No, these are designed specifically for Telecaster-style guitars and will not fit the routing or mounting requirements of a Stratocaster or Mini Stratocaster.

How do they differ from the pickups in a Jim Root Telecaster?

The Jim Root Telecaster typically uses active or high-gain humbuckers for metal, whereas the Texas Specials are overwound single-coils intended for blues and rock.

What is the typical price for the set in the UK?

The typical price range for a new set of these pickups is approximately £159.

Are these considered 'Custom Shop' components?

Yes, they are part of the Fender Custom Shop line, which denotes a higher level of craftsmanship and specific tonal engineering.

Will these pickups provide a 'twangy' sound?

While they retain some Telecaster twang, the emphasis is more on the midrange and output, making them 'fatter' sounding than traditional vintage pickups.

Are these pickups noise-cancelling?

As they are traditional single-coil pickups, they are not inherently hum-cancelling, though they may be hum-cancelling in the middle position if one is reverse-wound.

Gear article

Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Telecaster Pickups

The Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Telecaster Pickups are a high-output set designed to provide enhanced midrange and presence for the electric guitar. Originally developed for players seeking a more aggressive 'Texas Blues' sound, these pickups are notable for their clear, warm neck tones and their association with high-profile artists such as Prince.

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Overview and History

The Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Telecaster pickups represent a shift in the traditional Telecaster sound, moving away from the lower-output vintage specifications of the 1950s toward a more robust, overwound character. Developed by the Fender Custom Shop, these pickups were engineered to meet the demands of blues and rock players who required more 'drive' from their instrument without sacrificing the essential Telecaster identity.

Design and Key Features

The set consists of two single-coil pickups tailored for the bridge and neck positions. A defining technical feature is the nickel/silver cover on the neck pickup, which is specifically chosen to produce a clear, warm tone that distinguishes it from standard production models. The pickups are overwound to increase output, which results in a more pronounced midrange response and a 'hotter' signal reaching the amplifier.

Sound Character

The sound of the Texas Special Telecaster set is characterised by increased presence and a thick midrange. While traditional Telecaster pickups are often noted for their 'twang' and high-end sparkle, the Texas Specials add a level of grit and punch. The bridge pickup provides a biting lead tone that cuts through a mix, while the neck pickup maintains clarity and warmth, avoiding the muddiness sometimes found in high-output designs.

Artist Association

These pickups have gained a reputation for professional-grade performance, notably being used by the legendary musician Prince. Their ability to handle high-gain settings while retaining string definition made them a suitable choice for Prince's versatile and virtuosic playing style, which spanned across funk, rock, and pop genres.

Comparison and Suitability

When compared to other models in the Fender range, such as the pickups found in the American Professional II Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster, the Texas Specials sit in a middle ground between vintage fidelity and modern high-gain aggression. They are particularly suited for players of blues-rock and hard rock who want their Telecaster to push an amplifier into natural overdrive more easily than a standard vintage-style pickup would allow.

Artists who play it

Prince
Singer

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the Fender Texas Special Telecaster pickups?: The primary benefit is an increased output presence and a boosted midrange response, which allows for a more aggressive and punchy guitar tone.
What material is used for the neck pickup cover?: The neck pickup features a nickel/silver cover, which Fender states is essential for producing a clear and warm tone.
Are these pickups suitable for blues music?: Yes, they are specifically designed to provide the 'hot' output and midrange punch often associated with Texas-style blues.
How does the output compare to standard Telecaster pickups?: These pickups are overwound, meaning they have a higher output than standard or vintage-voiced Telecaster pickups.
Which famous artist is known for using these pickups?: The artist Prince is a notable user of these pickups, utilising them for his distinctive and powerful guitar tones.
Do these pickups come as a set?: Yes, they are typically sold as a set of two, including both the bridge and neck pickups.
Can these be installed in a Squier Mini Stratocaster?: No, these are designed specifically for Telecaster-style guitars and will not fit the routing or mounting requirements of a Stratocaster or Mini Stratocaster.
How do they differ from the pickups in a Jim Root Telecaster?: The Jim Root Telecaster typically uses active or high-gain humbuckers for metal, whereas the Texas Specials are overwound single-coils intended for blues and rock.
What is the typical price for the set in the UK?: The typical price range for a new set of these pickups is approximately £159.
Are these considered 'Custom Shop' components?: Yes, they are part of the Fender Custom Shop line, which denotes a higher level of craftsmanship and specific tonal engineering.
Will these pickups provide a 'twangy' sound?: While they retain some Telecaster twang, the emphasis is more on the midrange and output, making them 'fatter' sounding than traditional vintage pickups.
Are these pickups noise-cancelling?: As they are traditional single-coil pickups, they are not inherently hum-cancelling, though they may be hum-cancelling in the middle position if one is reverse-wound.