Single Coil or Humbucker for Tele? I try Bare Knuckle “Stormy Monday”

[@tommythegunny]

I'm surprised you haven't appeared on my recommendations before as your playing, tone and content are absolutely fantastic. Keep it up, man!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Tom! That was a nice compliment to wake up to 🙏

[@parrottsquawk975]

This. Just wow...

[@Ronnierayv]

Tom took me one video and subscribed!

[@edgeofeternity101]

Everything Tom said, and I also subbed, I've been looking at these HBers since they came out, just didn't have a worthy guitar to put them in, I now have a PRS SE that I like except for the pickups, it's an all mahogany Santana model with the diagonal markers. I've had good results with Lollars so I will find a comparison and go from there.

[@danpeabody5687]

So what potz and capacitors are in your guitar? And how is it wired? 3 way switch? Neck/ neck & bridge/bridge?

[@perantolapower]

Holy shit man, MASTER playing! Awesome bends and tone.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Pedro! Delighted you liked my playing 👍

[@Gluodin]

I’m not a native English speaker but this guy’s sound made me think for the first time in my life, ‘damn, bro’.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Josep 🙏. Loved your compliment 😀

[@Joe_Yacketori]

I really think higher output pickups in the neck are the definitive sound for teles. Humbuckers or P-90s in the neck and classic tele pickups in the bridge are the dream combo.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Yip, my experience with this Tele is definitely leading me to that conclusion. Cheers for watching 👍

[@rohanjangam511]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 hello! I'm planning to build a tele. Could you please give me more advice on pick ups? I'm more than happy to hear anything you know and want to share! Initially, I was thinking of the BK Yardbird set, or boot camp brut force tele set. Can you tell me more about humbucker vs single coil on the neck? I'm looking for the mid + neck Strat like sound. Really warm and clear. Something like John mayer. Thanks a lot

[@vovagreen7414]

спасибо...было интересно...я учту!

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

Both pickups sound great and they sound quite different which really expands the normal range of a tele. The humbucker actually sounded "wider" and deeper for the clean tones with an expanded tonal range in my humble opinion. I think this combo really makes a tele a much more versatile.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Corey 👍

[@guitarloft1702]

Most useful single coil/bucker Tele comparison video on KZbin. Thanks! Helped me decide to keep my Tele single coil. Tasty playing!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Guitar Loft! Lovely comment, appreciated 👍

[@mytelecasterworld3336]

good choice....i love the clean and also the slightly driven tone of the tele neck single coil pickup...it always depends on what your playing ask of your guitar, what you want to express on guitar...it's got nothing to do with the so-discussed "it is better or it is worse"...it's got to do with you.....that's why i play telecaster and strato, because the give to me what i ask of a guitar....

[@p.s8950]

Ha... to heck with the pickups, I could watch & listen to your playing all night, man. thanks.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Ah, thanks man! Delighted to read lovely comments like this! 👍

[@relyiain]

These tones are fantastic . That’s what we seek , you’ve got it in spades..it’s like your going to new places .. superb.

[@joannedoran2215]

I could listen to you play all day. You’re an inspiration Paul. That’s for putting yourself out there. 🙏

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

What a lovely comment! Thanks man 🍻

[@BladeDoomer86]

Both sound perfect in their own way!

[@ristotakkala4188]

One of the best sounding set-up's I've ever heard👌

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you 😊

[@adityapurwanegara8292]

Love that single coil tone, clean and bell like tone

[@SlowRide723]

Me too. Thought the Humbucker was too muddy. Single coil tells the story better.

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

@@SlowRide723 pareil pour moi , a la limite j aurais mis un P90 en position manche , mais pas un double bobinage .

[@joe19912]

Agree. Unless you play a lot of hard rock/metal, the single coil sounds best for 90% of stuff.

[@REM1956]

I stumbled onto your video tonight and was wowed by your playing and tone. Really like the humbucker. It looks great and sounds fantastic. You can't go wrong with a blackguard Telecaster. Cheers from the USA.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi REM1956 😀. Delighted you like my playing. Yes, that Tele feels wonderful to play. Really light swamp ash body, very thin nitro finish and these upgraded pickups just turn it into such a warm sounding instrument. Cheers to you in USA from here in Edinburgh Scotland 👍

[@Tsudkyk]

I appreciate the back to back comparisons, too many demo videos have really long jam sessions before switching to the other tone example. Then often times they are playing something completely different. Also, impressive playing.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you TSYDNYK👍. Delighted you liked it

[@SebastienM2012]

Love your playing style man! So expressive!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you S.M. 🙏

[@lucastriplets]

I'm about to change my Razor single coil into a Seth lover on the neck. It's so BOLD! Loved the video, thank you so much

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Lucas, delighted you liked my vid 👍

[@dannywoody7266]

It’s good when you listen to someone play and they make you laugh. Fabulous looseness

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Danny, your comment made me smile. 😀👍

[@Kreln1221]

*For neck buckers, I definitely prefer Alnico II magnets, as they compress the low end, preventing it from being too bassy and tubby...*

[@boseefusmacmurphy1156]

Same here. But also alnico 2 for single coils in any position. Alnico 5 sounds almost ceramic in a single coil with modern amps and drives then again too many crash cymbals have damaged my hearing..

[@Jxff]

After watching this vid, I went searching for everything on Alnico II and from what I read there is less string pull as well. Definitely Stormy Monday pups for a build I am working on. Excellent tone and playing.

[@brianrollins7275]

@@boseefusmacmurphy1156Alnico 2 is pretty weak for a tele single coil unless you’re talking 10k and above output. I’m running a lipstick neck pickup @ 7.3k with an alnico 5 magnet and my bridge is an alnico 4 @ 7.9k and to me it’s the perfect balance. So I think for lower output pickups you want more than alnico 2. Just my opinion. As we know it’s all personal preference. Take it easy

[@cactus-mcjacktus]

this video is so good, not only for the great demo, but the jam faces are glorious too

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you cactus mcjacktus 🍻

[@michaelmalik5049]

I’m glad you’re happy. I’ve got a Tele with a Seymour Duncan Broadcaster in the bridge & a Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Mini Humbucker in the neck and I love that set up.

[@scundoalex]

My 67 maple cap board Tele was routed (not very neatly) for a humbucker in the neck by the previous owner (I got it in 85). I didn't know this until many years later because I never had the pickguard off LOL. I never installed a PAF until JUST the other day. I installed a QP in the lead a couple weeks ago and love it. I have a bunch of old PUPS and it was a toss up between an old Gibson T-Top and a Shaw PAF from 1980. The T-Top came from my first electric which was a home-made axe. So, it was kinda fitting that PUP go in my favorite guitar. I wish I did it sooner. I'm in love with the sound. Gorgeous. Plus the look is fantastic. Great video Paul. Playing awesome as always. Keep on picking!!!!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Scundo! Sounds like you’re loving your pickup mod. Cheers for watching my wee vid 👍🙏

[@pomegranitejason]

I have the Tim Shaws and some T tops from 1968. My '68 ES335 with the T Tops is my favorite sound. Don't try any others till you put in the T tops, you will never go back.

[@martinskanal]

Fantastic playing. Your phrasing and those legato runs.. just stunning. I honestly think both the regular single coil and the 'bucker sounded great, but I agree with you that the low end growl is very attractive. I checked in to find out how that Bareknuckle sounded, but the main output I got from this video is that I need to practice more hahah

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Lovely comment, thank you martinskanal 👍. Delighted you liked my playing.

[@martinskanal]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 Truly mean that, did you ever release anything with a band? Your playing reminds me a little of Norwegian blues player Knut Reiersrud, who sometimes combine bluesy stuff with the tonal footprint of our traditional folk music . Here he is way back in the 90's (pre Strymon Big Sky) playing in a church with organist Iver Kleive kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJbRnWdtrrirZ8k

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks for the link man, I had a wee listen and really like his playing 👍. I was in a covers band from ‘91 to ‘06, playing guitar based music (Eagles, Dire Straits, Thin Lizzy etc) and loved it. And then in 2017 I started this wee KZbin channel - so it’s great to see it slowly grow.

[@kabemccallister6859]

Man, you made both neck pickups sound so good that I forgot it was even a comparison video sometimes.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Kabe! Delighted you liked it, cheers 🍻

[@glennjohnson7828]

Very interesting Paul it sounds great, I have a Duncan 59 in my Tele and I love that too. Great video thanks👍

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Glenn. Actually, the Duncan 59 does intrigue me..... In fact, it would be quite cool to experiment with a donor guitar and a whole bunch of pickups! Mind you that could get expensive, ha ha 😀

[@catsven1973]

That unexpected Phrygian !!! You’re one of Kind player .. that tele seems very glad the way it responded !! Awesome player !

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Cat Sven, I’m delighted you liked my playing. Cheers to you 🍻

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

Humbucker every time!! That tele looks awesome!!

[@jagarkapten]

Wow! Just blown away by that playing! So enjoyable to hear! Yes!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Victor! Appreciated 👍

[@Learco]

Wow excelent playing. Great tone

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Learco 👍

[@autumnsmith3002]

Came for the gear demo, but your bends and vibrato are out of this world!!!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you so much Autumn Smith👍

[@Light_Of_Zion]

Wow, you deserve a lot more subscribers. I have met/heard a ton of high-level guitar players, and your playing is some of the cleanest I’ve heard.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you man, I appreciate that. Cheers 🍻

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Your lush tones are incredible, and I appreciate the tonal comparisons between the lipstick and humbucker pickups on the Tele.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Daniel! Appreciate your compliment 👍

[@SrDeMaFp]

Man, that Tele is KILLER! As is that Supro and your playing just complements all of it so well. Fantastic tone and phrasing! Much to my surprise, I preferred the single coils! And I'm a humbucker guy all the way.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks SrDeMaFp 👍. Delighted you liked my wee vid. Appreciate your compliment.

[@sEaNoYeAh]

Man there's something about British Tele players. Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Andy Summers, Johnny Greenwood. So many noticeably unique, expressive, innovative players from that island who choose these guitars. And you're keeping that in tradition with some wonderful playing.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you man, your comment leaves me smiling 🍻

[@larryn2682]

*Albert Lee, never heard of J. Greenwood.

[@javiceres]

Those Q Pounds were a joy to listen clean, wow... of course your impro there was a thing of beauty

[@raslolayton2152]

Really hard to stay focussed on the comparison (which is why I came here) when your playing is so mesmerising. Good job on all counts, mate, thank you.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Raslo, I appreciate that. Cheers 🍻

[@tasosbull]

very nice and sensitive playing, both pickups sound fantastic!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Tasos, glad you liked my vid 👍

[@zaldum386]

Good comparison, in your comparison the humbucker sounds louder giving the impression of being better sounding, but if you hear both at equal volumes there is a delicadecy to the single coil that is lost with the humbucker. Both sound great anyway.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Zal 👍. Cheers for watching

[@goodbyepolarbears172]

I was thinking a similar thing. I tried to get around the volume change by holding a bluetooth speaker in front of my face and rapidly holding it at arm's length when it switched to the Bare Knuckle. I was surprised then how remarkably similar they sounded! Still preferred the single coil though I think. And judging by Paul's face he was going somewhere else with that uater Pounder single coil on the crunch playing. Looked as though he was in rapture. I was. 🙃 I can see how the extra poke of the Bare Knuckle could be invaluable at gig volumes though.

[@malachipratton5145]

Single coil is more refined but the humbucker seems to have more life in it, if you will.

[@mikedenkinger9570]

I'm going to go with the neck pickup on this one. I would also encourage you to check out the Lollar "low-wind" Imperial humbucker for the neck. I played a Nash Telecaster the other day that was approximately a 1952 tele copy with one in the neck. I loved it and I'm considering using one in the neck of a Les Paul as well. There's something about a low wind neck humbucker that brings out the guitars ability to sing in that position.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Hi Mike. Yeah, I’ve heard good things about the Lollar low-wind pickups.... I’ve never tried them but would love to. Cheers for watching my wee vid 👍

[@richsackett3423]

That's my first ever "Holy Shit!" reaction to a pickup swap and I'm older than you. Talk about "transforming the guitar". It helps that it's a lovely sounding guitar to begin with but man alive. .

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Rich! I’m delighted you like the result 😊

[@mikec6617]

Real great playing. Both pickups sound great. I hadn’t considered a SD QP neck pickup until seeing this video. I think that might be my next mod to my Tele. Thanks

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Mike, I’m pleased this wee vid was a help 👍

[@bluetweed1]

As always awesome ! remember Tele is the King, what you put in is what you get. Don't cut yourself short and try a 500K pot with the 1/4 lb bridge and Humbucker. I have never heard a Humbucker that did not wake up with a 500K. Also the Seymour bridge would give the old tones plus new with 500K. On my Tele with a Fralin p-92 in neck and a Zangbucker Paul Bunyan in bridge I used a 500K Volume and 250K tone and a .022 tone cap.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Your comment is definitely lingering in my head..... I will definitely keep that idea in mind.... I’m not quite ready yet to try the 500k pots, but it might be something I’ll try at some point. Cheers for watching bluetweed1

[@rohanjangam511]

Can you please tell me what difference does 250k vs 500k pots make?

[@MrMekyto]

One of the best comparisons of any kind I’ve seen on KZbin. Thanks man- awesome & inspiring playing 👌

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Ah, thank you Ken, what a lovely comment 🙏

[@clydelourensz4077]

Excellent. Your video just popped up and it’s very timely as I’m having a mate build me a Tele with a humbucker front pickup. So what exactly is the SD back pickup? And the front one is a Bare Knuckes Stormy Monday…..correct.

[@simononeill941]

From the first notes could tell an immediate improvement. Much better clarity and all round smoothness without losing top end that some humbuckers have.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Simon, yes I’m really happy with how it turned out. Cheers for watching 👍

[@30smsuperstrat]

Great Demo! Looks like you've found your magic sauce. Over the period of about 10 years I tried just about every pickup type and combination, including a Brent Mason build. None of them ever really inspired me. I finally found my magic sauce in a Seymour Duncan Broadcaster bridge, and alnico ii pro tele neck . That bridge dishes out the perfectly thick crunch on a Marshall, the in between has all those R&B, neo soul, funk rhythms I could ever want, and the neck is sweet and warm , for a stand out 3 piece solo, clean or overdriven.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you SMSuperstrat! Delighted you liked my wee vid. I’m liking the description of your pickup choice…. Cheers for sharing

[@maclarke74]

I've experimented with a TV Jones Classic (Filtertron) in the neck and I really liked the results. It's different from the traditional Tele sound but still within the same general ballpark. Also, since the TV Classic is a bright pickup it works well with the traditional Tele caps and pots.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks for your comment Inge. I like the idea of that..... 👍

[@CastlesMadeOf...]

Really enjoyed that Paul. Great playing and great a/b shots of each pup. I am looking at doing something similar with my modded Baja Tele - subbed 👍

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Jimi_jam, delighted you enjoyed my wee vid 😀. Hope you have fun doing your Tele mod!

[@stevemorse108]

I bought the same model today and it has a terrific sound and is inspiring my playing already thanks for the info and the encouragement and keep the great videos coming!

[@stevemorse108]

The only regret I have is the thickness of the neck that is fatter than my preference.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Wow, so you pulled the trigger! Excellent, delighted. I’m sure you’ll get used to the neck. Funny, the fat neck is my favourite bit. Happy practicing Steve! 👍

[@frankcastle9330]

Holy, your playing is straight up fantastic !!!!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Ah, thank you so much Frank 😊👍

[@randybobandy7534]

I hope you took the guitar out for dinner before this video.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

LOL Well put.

[@davidlawlor4317]

No, I hope the guitar took him out for dinner. I've rarely heard a tele so happy.

[@travisavery8339]

Before!?! That guitar needs a snack after , he was all over it😂

[@mikestroud9969]

🤣🤣🤣. Seems to be proper Lmao 🤣😂

[@davieonyourtv703]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 people like the relic look nowadays

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

*thank you* for actually doing this comparison with a tele bridge. so much "sponsored content" out there comparing a tele deluxe to a regular telecaster.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks man, delighted you liked my vid 👍

[@gamer6550]

I like the Just got run over by a truck look.. And I admire your playing skills.. And thanks for playing some clean tones

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks gamer 👍

[@otaviosmartins1]

The tones you get are SO GOOD!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Otávio 👍

[@drewsleyy3836]

Fantastic comparison and excellent playing! Would love to hear you do the same comparison, but with a Filtertron vs the regular tele single coil

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks drewsleyy 👍

[@wozabrown]

Paul you and your Tele are best friends that is clear! Such a beautiful style of guitar playing 100% pure feel! Could never get bored of listening to you play 👍

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Warren, delighted you like my playing 🙏

[@devincomiskey3482]

You can't go wrong with either. Just depends on what you're going for. I prefer the hum bucker in the neck. It's SO much louder, which appeals to me more. Thanks for a great demo!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Cheers Devin 👍

[@jeffmartin52]

Sweet! I don’t see one as better than the other, just different. For me, I’ll almost always gravitate toward the humbucker tone as long as it’s a low output like a PAF or Filtertron. I love the tone coming from the Bare Knuckles. The playing is masterful as always! Man I love that Supro! I just finished winding a pair of Firebird pickups that are slightly under wound at 6.45 DCR for the bridge and 6:00 DCR for the neck, they will be going in a Telemaster I’m building. It’s a Jazzmaster with Tele appointments but I wanted to blend in Gibson’s version of an offset. We’ll see how it comes out in a few weeks!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Man, when I read about your guitar building it makes me want to view them. Do you build them to sell? Or do you have a website where you display them? Or is it a hobby? Well all I can say is that, they sound intriguing. When I finally become a rich rock star 🤣 I will pay you big bucks to build the “Jeff Martin / Paul Cook” signature model. I’m already salivating at what appointments it might have..... Anyway, thanks as always for tuning in to my wee channel 👍

[@jeffmartin52]

Paul Stafford Cook, I would love to do a a PSC signature guitar someday! (When we’re both famous) I’m trying to find someone to demos for me, I wish there wasn’t an ocean between us! You could sell guitars, I guarantee it! As far as a website, the closest I come is a Facebook page @ JTM Music Works. You’re welcome to visit!

[@jl61046]

Man, just found your channel recently and I’m a fan. You have a perfect marriage between technicality, tone and feel. Incredible vibrato too. The kind of playing and feel that is developed over a lifetime. I’m guessing you started early. 7-8 years old..? Either way, you’ve got it brother. Keep’em coming!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Jordan, what a lovely compliment for me to read 🙏. Appreciate you watching 👍

[@ronleccese8678]

Both are awesome just different. Either way your playing is marvelous. Tasty and original.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Ron, it’s a lovely feeling reading comments like this. Cheers for watching 👍

[@DoobTube71]

awesome tones, playing and video! Thank you!

[@craigchapman6613]

I found the Stormy Monday sweet spot is between 5-7 volume with a few tricks in the electrics, Bare Knuckle's best kept secret

[@stevemorse108]

Yup got it by trading in a PRS custom 22 ten top and adding some nosh...here in switzerland things don’t come cheap but before buying a new guitar I always listen to vids and demos and you really make your sing and it has a dirty authentic blues sound with that unique combination of humbucker and télé pickup. Your vids helped ne through some serious stress during this pandemic so many thanks and I’ll be in touch for lessons once I work out where I’ll be living when things calm down. Music is a great lifetime companion.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Steve, it’s so nice to hear that my wee videos are keeping you entertained 😀👍. And yes, you know where I am when you decide you want Skype lessons.

[@stevemorse108]

Paul Stafford Cook I’ll be in touch thanks 😊

[@Tyetheberious]

That guitar and, more importantly, you sound great. Excellent playing.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you man, I appreciate that 👍

[@toddmayer6859]

Love your playing Paul! That is a unique gift from God. One thing I did not read in any of the comments below, but is most likely common knowledge, is that if someone else plays your guitar, the result could be darker or lighter. I was in a church band years ago and the leader wanted me to play a riff a certain way. I let him show me on my Martin D35. I was surprised how much darker my guitar sounded when he played it. I am going to change out the pickups in my Tele, and you pretty much sold me on the 1/4lb Duncan. I love the idea of the Fralin P92 in the neck. I just read that 500k pot is ideal for the P92

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Todd! I think you’re absolutely right… It’s always amazed me how tone really is in a player’s hands, for better or worse.

[@toddmayer6859]

Hi Paul ..... just happened across your video again. Ever consider a SD Psyclone in the neck? Many Tele players love how that sounds. It gives both that single coil sweet tone plus some HB deeper tone. Still very impressed with your playing ... glad I watched your video again

[@doca9357]

came hear to hear some details on pickup choices, enjoyed the tasty, nuanced playing, wonderful, in middle of a tele style build, may have to route the bridge position for a humbucker, thanks for the info on pots, thanks

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Glad you enjoyed it! I’m always envious of people like yourself who have the skills to build a guitar! I was too scared to even change my own pickups 🤣 (I paid our local guitar tech to do it).

[@doca9357]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 I'm also fortunate to play bass with a guy who builds acoustic and electric guitars, electric basses so I've got a great teacher for learning some skills. He used to build all of Surine basses, still does some and the trickier stuff.

[@JHKNVY02]

The Stormy Monday sounds phenomenal for cleans, very jazzy. For crunch I liked the single coil, the Stormy Monday got a little "muddy" and that single coil covered neck "popped" very nicely. I guess the right answer is....BOTH. Wonderful playing and video.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks man, glad you liked the vid 🍻

[@dimitris70]

Both? You mean two guitars? Right?

[@Nick-v7b3l]

I have a squire Tele for a project and have humbuckers from another and was thinking about dropping in a HB. You must convinced me to start this weekend.

[@nickf9392]

To each his own for sure, so only sharing my experience. I always put a humbucker in my Tele neck, and the SD Pro II with no cover is very musical when clean and does a great job with crunch and lead sounds as well. The Slash is also a very good choice if you are looking for just a bit more lead tones, both are very good however. I do wire out of phase with the bridge PU, and run bridge PU set high, and neck HB set low. 250 pots and a .022 cap. Pretty dreamy to my ear!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Nick, cheers for sharing that info. 👍

[@m4ril4r4njinh4]

Considering all, I’m impressed with the Katana tone. Just unbelievable

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I agree - the Clean and Crunch channels (mixed with the Gain knob) make it such a warm, fat sounding amp. Astonishing to think it can compete with valve amps, considering its low price, versatility, reliability, low noise floor.... the list goes on 👍

[@jackblack2321]

One of the best tele players on KZbin

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you so much Jack! Much appreciated 😊

[@crazywisdom2]

Absolutely LOVE your Melodic Soul........... If you had an album i'd buy it. Could listen to you all day.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you crazywisdom2! What a lovely comment 👍

[@BaritoneOneFive]

I don't know if it's just louder, but the bare knuckle just has more presence on the clean tone.

[@TheHalrobot]

The tone, the playing is perfect! Delicate, subtle and nuanced. What pick did you use in this video? Nobody talks about it, but the material and the size of the pick is very important. The tone changes enormously from one pick to another.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you TheHalrobot ! What a lovely comment, it’s appreciated. As regards the pick…. Since the age of 14 I’ve always used white Sharkfins. No particular reason, it’s just what I’ve always found comfy. They just nylon.

[@TheHalrobot]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 ok cool!

[@Thegingerwolff]

Excellent playing my dude. Really is a pleasure to watch.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you so much Stewart! 🍻

[@Thegingerwolff]

Watching this again. Your playing is just so nice and fluid. Please tell me you live in London and do lessons

[@Thegingerwolff]

What telecaster is that? Cs or original??

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

@@Thegingerwolff Ah, I’m actually in Edinburgh. So if you’re ever up this way…… 😊. That Tele is my Custom Shop ‘52 reissue from 2017. Glad you like it. Cheers Stewart

[@Thegingerwolff]

Still always come back to this video for inspiration

[@markartinVA]

I’m pretty sure Albert Collins said he never even used the neck pick up really. It was just there when he got the guitar from someone else.

[@maxpeck4154]

I bought my first Tele when I was 16 and unbeknownst to me it had Quarter Pound pickups in it. To this day, anything else in a Tele sounds thin to me. If I ever get another Tele I'm putting Quarter Pound pickups in it. Excellent playing

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Milt, I totally agree. 👍

[@maxpeck4154]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 I do prefer low-output pickups in just about everything else. I put Bare Knuckle Blue Note HB sized p90s in my SG Standard (A2 magnets, 6.8 neck, 7.5 bridge) and they're absolutely glorious. Didn't care for the A5 Burst Bucker 61s that came in it. Too muddy in the neck

[@jeffroq]

Hi Paul - great video as always. I have a Gordon Smith tele that has the same pick up configuration. I’ve put the SD qp at the bridge and the stock GS humbucker in the neck. When I put the SD in I swapped out the pots and cap for 500s but did the resistor mod on the switch for the bridge pickup so it ‘sees’ the pots as 250s. It has improved the guitar no end.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Ah, now I’ve heard about that.... the resistor mod. Yes, the guitar tech who installed my pickup suggested that we could do this mod if I end up unhappy with the stock 250k pots. So it’s on my radar. But at the moment I’m delighted with how it sounds as is. But thanks for this info Jeff, it’s extremely relevant for anyone interested in adding a bridge humbucker to a Tele. Cheers for watching 👍

[@fhoinstall]

I'm finishing a self build in the next few days of this configuration and I can't wait to see if I get anything close. Fingers crossed. Fantastic playing my friend....someday when I grow up.. I wish.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Ah, thank you Paul 🙏. And I wish you well on your self build 🤞

[@mattlisa69]

I never considered a Telecaster before, but now it's all I can think about, love the mods. Definitely the guitar I'd want. Sounds great.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Matt! Yes, I’m certainly more of a Tele man than a Strat man.... but each to their own. And you don’t have to spend Custom Shop money to get a good Tele..... I played a Tele the other day from Fender’s Vintera range.... I think it was a “50’s modified”.... and I could have sat there for hours 🤣. Lovely deep C shaped neck, really comfy. My one is a custom shop heavy relic ‘52, because I wanted to look like my heroes Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Arlen Roth etc., all of whom had early 50’s Teles. And I love it. Super light swamp ash body, no lacquer on the back of the neck - just feels special. Cheers for watching 👍

[@I_like_turtles_67]

JOHN 5 and Prince kill it on a telly.

[@BillyE5150]

Wow! Man, that tele sounds great! Love the humbucker

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Billy, delighted you like my Tele. Definitely one of my favorites! Cheers 👍

[@BillyE5150]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 I'm just a hobby drummer who loves guitars. I'm working on a custom "OG Tele" (rough & ready) model, now myself. Got a ways to go yet. It will show up on my channel & social media. You can see pix of the progress from yesterday at my instagram @BillyE5150

[@junimeme5626]

I own a strat and was planning to get a Les Paul for some deep jazzy cleans, but hearing the tele with a humbucker made me reconsider it altogether. As much as I love the single coil sound, that neck humbucker is almost THE perfect clean tone.

[@marcelowcr]

No archtopS? :)

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks for watching juni. Hope you find what you’re looking for. It sounds like a fun search 😊

[@David-ig8of]

Yeah o just got a strat this week....already wishing it was a tele....especially after hearing that fat n silky sound coming outta that one.

[@marin4311]

This humbucker really rules. Nice and chunky playing btw.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Marin 👍

[@tompoynton]

Waiting to pick up my Tele that’s just had a neck humbucker fitted and this has really whetted my appetite!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

I’m excited for you Tom, I’m sure you’ll have many happy hours with the results. Would be keen to hear how you like it.....Feel free to let me know. Cheers for watching 👍

[@kissaguitar]

Man, your playing is beautiful

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Sami! Delighted you like it 👍

[@Yvero94]

Nice note for note Albert Lee Lick at 6:36. Hear it many time but only you have the right feel and timing. Great tone and playing. Thank you

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Hibou! I had to have another listen to see what lick you meant.... Yes, I stole that from Albert’s Star Licks videos many many years ago, glad you liked it. Appreciate your comment 👍

[@Yvero94]

Yes it is in the star licks video tape as are the most interesting and looked over Albert's licks. i was looking for ideas for a neck pickup replacement and found your youtube channel. great sound with your tele. by the way i lovedthe Danny Gatton tune you played. one of my hereos. thank you. greatings from France

[@davieonyourtv703]

Both sounds flawless❤❤❤

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you Davie 👍

[@BaritoneOneFive]

Great mod, looks really good with the aged nickel cover.

[@tubularbill]

Keith Richards went with a neck humbucker pickup in the early 70’s and never looked back

[@jocsplatino]

Searching for a good set to out in a telecaster project I found this video. Wonderful tones and playing! Personally I love the cleans of the humbucker but the crunchy tone are perfect on the single.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Jocsan 👍

[@-Pol-]

I managed to bag an American Vintage '52 Hot Rod Tele with the Seymore Duncan mini humbucker in the Neck position - I think it really gets the best of both worlds when it comes to delivering the bluesy grit when driven hardr but retaining some single coil chime and clarity when easing back on the vol

[@xRyuzakii]

truly beautiful playing, oh my...

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Jai, I’m delighted you like my playing 👍

[@Tonetwisters]

I first started seeing Telecasters with a humbucking pickup at the neck, back around 1971 ... a customer came into my brother's Tallahassee music store ... I was really enlightened that day. This Telecaster really looks neat! Round Two went to the single coil again ... humbucking gets too muddy, or that amp is not a good overdrive sound ... (great, clean, though!)

[@ericlittle2369]

I put a Fralin HB sized P-90 in my Tele and haven’t looked back. Tele neck pickups have always left a lot to be desired for me, personally. Killer playing!!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Eric! Actually, if I was to mod this guitar further, I’d probably copy you and go with the P90

[@OnTheFritz602]

Sounds great, and very tasty playing!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks OnTheFritz602, cheers 👍

[@bokononx4606]

wow! researching new buckers for my Tokai Love Rock, and still on the fence with a couple options... Stormy Monday a strong contender, but still deciding. But thank you for that demo! Whatever pickup I get, I hope I can make it sound as tasty as you do here. Well done.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Well thank you bokononx, I’m delighted you like the tones on this vid 👍. And good luck with your pickup searches 😊

[@ranman58635]

I love my baseball neck. It's on a SE stratocaster though. Just my favorite of all time.

[@doubtannihilator2895]

Your playing is on another level 👍👌🤞

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Ah, thank you so much 🙏. Appreciated

[@mattthrun-nowicki8641]

PAF for me, no question- fantastic playing and tone!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you Matt 👍

[@mikestroud9969]

Nice video buddy. Yep the Bare knuckle pops. Good guitar playing too. Thanks you gave me some ideas. 😎👍👌💯🎸🎸. I want to build my own Tele. 👍👌💯

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thanks Mike! Good luck with your build, I hope you do it 😊

[@mikestroud9969]

@@paulstaffordcook8799 😎👍👋🎸

[@matt6288joyce]

You are an absolutely incredible musician! All the tones sound awesome either way, I think perhaps the humbuckers for me

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Thank you so much for the compliment Matt6288joyce 👍