What is the primary purpose of the Antiquity Tele pickup?

It is designed to provide the authentic look and sound of an original 1950s Telecaster bridge pickup that has been played for several decades.

What kind of magnets are used in this model?

The pickup uses Alnico 2 rod magnets, which contribute to a softer magnetic pull and a sweeter high-end response.

Is the pickup wax potted?

Yes, it is potted in lamp black paraffin wax, staying true to the traditional manufacturing methods used in the 1950s.

What type of wiring does it feature?

The pickup comes with vintage-style push back cloth wire for period-accurate installation and aesthetics.

How does the treble response differ from modern pickups?

The treble response is 'sweetened' and smoothed out, providing classic brightness and snap without the piercing frequencies often found in newer Alnico 5 designs.

Does this pickup include mounting hardware?

Yes, the package includes the necessary mounting screws and a schematic for correct installation.

What is the typical price range for this pickup?

In the UK market, the typical price for this pickup is approximately GBP 156.

Does the pickup look new or used?

It is custom aged by hand at the Seymour Duncan factory to look like a vintage component that has seen decades of use.

Which guitar position is this pickup intended for?

This specific model is designed for the bridge (lead) position of a Telecaster guitar.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal?

While it can be used with gain, it is specifically voiced for early 50s tonality, making it better suited for country, blues, and classic rock rather than modern high-gain genres.

What is the 'lamp black' in the wax potting?

Lamp black is a pigment added to the paraffin wax to give it a dark, aged appearance consistent with how vintage pickups looked when disassembled.

Does it provide the traditional Telecaster 'twang'?

Yes, it is specifically engineered to deliver the classic twang and snap of a vintage Telecaster while maintaining a smoother overall character.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Antiquity Tele Lead Pickup

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity Tele Lead is a custom-aged bridge pickup designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics and aesthetics of early 1950s Telecaster electronics. It utilises Alnico 2 rod magnets and vintage-correct construction methods to deliver a classic twang with a sweetened, non-piercing treble response.

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Historical Context

The Antiquity series was developed by Seymour Duncan to address the needs of guitarists seeking the authentic look and sound of vintage instruments without the volatility or cost of original 1950s components. In the early 1950s, Telecaster bridge pickups were known for their biting 'lead' tone, which often mellowed over decades as magnets aged and components settled. This pickup is specifically wound and aged to simulate that decades-old character directly out of the box.

Design and Construction

The construction of the Antiquity Tele pickup follows period-correct specifications. It features Alnico 2 rod magnets, which are softer in their magnetic pull compared to the Alnico 5 magnets found in many modern pickups. The unit is potted in a lamp black paraffin wax, a traditional method used to reduce microphonic feedback while maintaining the desired vintage aesthetic. For installation, it includes vintage-style push back cloth wire and is supplied with mounting screws and technical schematics.

Tonal Profile

The primary objective of the Antiquity Tele bridge pickup is to provide the classic 'twang' and 'snap' associated with the Telecaster while smoothing out the harsh high-end frequencies. The use of Alnico 2 magnets results in a sweetened treble response that remains bright and articulate without becoming piercing or brittle. This makes it particularly effective for players who find modern bridge pickups too aggressive for their style.

Target Audience

This pickup is primarily suited for guitarists performing genres such as country, blues, and classic rock who require a vintage-accurate lead tone. It is an ideal choice for players restoring older instruments or those building high-quality 'relic' guitars who want the electronics to match the weathered appearance of the hardware and finish. Its mellowed high-end also suits players using particularly bright amplifiers.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to modern high-output Telecaster pickups, the Antiquity Lead offers a lower output and a more nuanced, 'de-gaussed' magnetic feel. While products like the Fender American Standard bridge assembly or contemporary Gotoh bridges focus on modern stability and precision, the Antiquity pickup prioritises historical accuracy and tonal warmth. Unlike standard 'vintage-voiced' pickups that look brand new, the Antiquity series is unique for its physical ageing process, ensuring the pickup looks as though it has been played for decades.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Antiquity Tele pickup?: It is designed to provide the authentic look and sound of an original 1950s Telecaster bridge pickup that has been played for several decades.
What kind of magnets are used in this model?: The pickup uses Alnico 2 rod magnets, which contribute to a softer magnetic pull and a sweeter high-end response.
Is the pickup wax potted?: Yes, it is potted in lamp black paraffin wax, staying true to the traditional manufacturing methods used in the 1950s.
What type of wiring does it feature?: The pickup comes with vintage-style push back cloth wire for period-accurate installation and aesthetics.
How does the treble response differ from modern pickups?: The treble response is 'sweetened' and smoothed out, providing classic brightness and snap without the piercing frequencies often found in newer Alnico 5 designs.
Does this pickup include mounting hardware?: Yes, the package includes the necessary mounting screws and a schematic for correct installation.
What is the typical price range for this pickup?: In the UK market, the typical price for this pickup is approximately GBP 156.
Does the pickup look new or used?: It is custom aged by hand at the Seymour Duncan factory to look like a vintage component that has seen decades of use.
Which guitar position is this pickup intended for?: This specific model is designed for the bridge (lead) position of a Telecaster guitar.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal?: While it can be used with gain, it is specifically voiced for early 50s tonality, making it better suited for country, blues, and classic rock rather than modern high-gain genres.
What is the 'lamp black' in the wax potting?: Lamp black is a pigment added to the paraffin wax to give it a dark, aged appearance consistent with how vintage pickups looked when disassembled.
Does it provide the traditional Telecaster 'twang'?: Yes, it is specifically engineered to deliver the classic twang and snap of a vintage Telecaster while maintaining a smoother overall character.