What era of sound does this pickup replicate?

The Antiquity II Telecaster Twang is specifically designed to emulate the vintage sound of the 1960s.

Does the pickup look new or used?

It features a weathered, aged look and feel to match the aesthetics of a classic 60s component.

Is this pickup hand-made?

Yes, Seymour Duncan hand-crafts these pickups to ensure attention to vintage detail.

How does the treble response compare to a standard modern pickup?

It features a slightly softened treble response, intended to provide a smoother, more vintage-accurate high-end.

What position is this pickup designed for?

This specific model is designed for the bridge position of a Telecaster.

What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?

The typical price range for this unit is approximately £148.

Can this be used in a Squier Telecaster?

Yes, it is compatible with most standard Telecaster-style guitars, though it is a premium upgrade for such instruments.

Is the aging purely cosmetic?

While the look is cosmetic, the materials and winding are also engineered to produce an aged, vintage sound profile.

Does it come with mounting hardware?

Seymour Duncan typically includes the necessary screws and springs for installation in a standard bridge plate.

Will this pickup fit a Jim Root Telecaster?

While it fits the bridge route, the Jim Root model typically uses humbuckers, so a new bridge plate would be required for this single-coil pickup.

How does it differ from the Antiquity I series?

The Antiquity I series usually focuses on 1950s specifications, whereas the Antiquity II focuses on the 1960s 'Twang' era.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain heavy metal?

It is designed for vintage 'twang' and softened treble, making it better suited for blues, country, and classic rock than high-gain metal.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Telecaster Twang Bridge Pickup

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Telecaster Twang Bridge Pickup is a hand-crafted component designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics and aesthetics of a 1960s Fender Telecaster pickup. It features a weathered appearance and is engineered to provide a classic vintage sound with a slightly softened treble response.

Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Telecaster Twang Pickup Bridge

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Overview

The Antiquity II Telecaster Twang is a bridge-position replacement pickup produced by Seymour Duncan. It is part of the broader Antiquity series, which focuses on historical accuracy in both sound and physical condition. This specific model targets the mid-1960s 'grey bottom' era of Telecaster production, aiming to capture the transition from the darker 50s sounds to the brighter, more percussive 60s tones.

Construction and Design

Each unit is hand-crafted in the Seymour Duncan workshop. The manufacturer employs a specific aging process to ensure the pickup looks and feels like a component that has been played for decades. This includes weathered bobbins and aged magnets. The construction adheres to vintage specifications to maintain the integrity of the 60s design, ensuring it fits standard Telecaster bridge routes without modification.

Sonic Character

The primary sonic goal of the Antiquity II Twang is to deliver a vintage 60s profile. While the 'twang' suggests a bright output, the design includes a slight softening of the treble response. This prevents the harsh, 'ice-pick' frequencies often associated with modern bridge pickups, providing a smoother top-end while maintaining the punch and clarity required for classic country, blues, and rock styles.

Target Audience

This pickup is primarily suited for enthusiasts of 1960s guitar tones and those performing relic restorations. It is particularly appropriate for players who find modern Telecaster bridge pickups too bright and seek a more rounded, aged character. It serves as a high-end upgrade for instruments such as the Fender American Professional II series or high-quality vintage-style replicas like the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic.

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Frequently asked questions

What era of sound does this pickup replicate?: The Antiquity II Telecaster Twang is specifically designed to emulate the vintage sound of the 1960s.
Does the pickup look new or used?: It features a weathered, aged look and feel to match the aesthetics of a classic 60s component.
Is this pickup hand-made?: Yes, Seymour Duncan hand-crafts these pickups to ensure attention to vintage detail.
How does the treble response compare to a standard modern pickup?: It features a slightly softened treble response, intended to provide a smoother, more vintage-accurate high-end.
What position is this pickup designed for?: This specific model is designed for the bridge position of a Telecaster.
What is the typical price for this pickup in the UK?: The typical price range for this unit is approximately £148.
Can this be used in a Squier Telecaster?: Yes, it is compatible with most standard Telecaster-style guitars, though it is a premium upgrade for such instruments.
Is the aging purely cosmetic?: While the look is cosmetic, the materials and winding are also engineered to produce an aged, vintage sound profile.
Does it come with mounting hardware?: Seymour Duncan typically includes the necessary screws and springs for installation in a standard bridge plate.
Will this pickup fit a Jim Root Telecaster?: While it fits the bridge route, the Jim Root model typically uses humbuckers, so a new bridge plate would be required for this single-coil pickup.
How does it differ from the Antiquity I series?: The Antiquity I series usually focuses on 1950s specifications, whereas the Antiquity II focuses on the 1960s 'Twang' era.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain heavy metal?: It is designed for vintage 'twang' and softened treble, making it better suited for blues, country, and classic rock than high-gain metal.