I totally support that opinion. Pickups are so subjective. I have a installed and bought so many different sets for myself and other people. Some I hate and some I love and all of them at VERY different price points I'm hoping this video shows that you can get functional and quality pickups at really reasonable prices. But most of all, it's how it sounds to you for the sound you want to get1
Just did mine today! I grabbed the same 3 way switch but ran into a weird problem. The switch wouldn’t fit into the cavity. Had to break out a hammer and chisel to chip away enough room in the cavity. Got it all in there and I’m so happy with how it came out
I have the same guitar for practising/recording stuff (I'm actually a bassist) and I've already eyed the PAF-like Alnico 2 version of those FLEOR, for a bit more versatility and dynamics for low and medium gain stuff - IME (as bassist) it's generally easier to boost stuff afterwards than tame it, within reason. I'm glad to see yet another good review for them - though these are the Alnico 5. Stock ones are rather microphonic through actual amps and the neck one is really bassy. Plus I guess they're ceramic and their output is quite high and compressed for cleaner stuff. You're right about the switch, it might be worthwhile starting on a clean one with better soldering points, especially 'cause I might be tempted to wire them with the splitting option. Thx and cheers btw
Ive just finished mine; Locking tuners, Graphtech black xl nut, Roswell humbucker sized P90 in the neck, Roswell Quarter pounder Humbucker in bridge, 500k pots, orange drop .033. I also did the same to the Strat; but with Roswell Quarter pounder single coil in neck, Roswell Hot rail Blade in the middle (with splits on pos 2&4) Roswell Quarter pounder humbucker in the brigde. Both sound and look amazing The cost in total for each one was around £200
Great video, real informative. Looking to do something similar with this guitar. Would it be a bigger job to remove the neck pick up, switch and tone?. Want to have bridge pickup only with volume pot only
No not at all. You can get a pickup cover with no pickup hole. Same with a specialized control panel for 1 volume - could even get a blank and drill your own hole. Wiring wise, there are a ton of sites with wiring diagrams if you get stuck
Clean the stock pickups really shine IMHO, but for drive I think the new pickups are superior and more bassy/bouncy. I feel that stock ones are more shimmery clean in a lovely way.
I found that too, I've the new ones in a couple of weeks now. Through heavy distortion they're great but clean and a little light drive they're a little clunky to the old ones. I also adjusted the pickup height after this video so when they're driven really hard they have a little more attack
I prefer the stock pickups myself. If ‘upgrading’ a HB, I’d recommend first the strings, then the pots then the tuners. For pickup… try Cathy on scar my guitar. Easier maybe when swapping parts, de solder one wire at a time and then so,def the new wire where you took the old one off. Takes a bit more time to do it one by one but hugely reduces the chances of getting it wrong!
Awesome video my friend! Did you have any issues with the screw holes lining up with the new pickguard? I don't mind grinding the pickguard down a little at the neck and bridge, but i really don't want to have to fill the existing holes and drill new ones. Thanks!
That sucks. Looks like I'll be ordering a pickguard off of ebay. They sell them specifically for the te-20hh now for like 28 dollars american with tax and shipping. I just didn't want to wait 3 to 4 weeks for it to ship. Thanks again!
@@lucas031981 it'll be worth the wait if you're not in a rush. Even reshaping this was a hassle. A lot of slow deep breaths needed haha. Nice that there's options available out there
Curious: the electrical hum was removed by the new pickups or do you need also the new switch? Did the old switch made any nasty sound? I didn't find a switching moment in the video, thank you!
Hi Philip, the main hum from these guitars is from the black paint on the bridge stopping the earth wire making proper contact. I have the process laid out in another video. Cheaper guitars (and a lot of Harley Benton's) with black hardware have this problem. After I fixed that issue I started playing this guitar more so I gave it a bit of an overall overhaul. If you've an earth buzz problem it's usually a contact issue with the earth wire - especially if it goes when you're touching the strings
It is a small world, I just found out I know your dad, I am just off the phone from talking to him lol. He was telling me about his son's RUclips Channel lol. I was already subscribed to you. I have a background in History and sometimes work with your dad doing talks. I don't know if I asked you, but what do you think of the Harley Benton Fusion III, I was looking at one with a H S H configuration and a roasted neck. I am more of a Blues player, I love Gretsch and got myself 3 Vintage V 100's for a LP sound, but I am looking for a Metal guitar. I love your channel and wish you well.
Ah that's mad! The fusion iiis are great guitars. Most HBs have a similar neck radius so they have a pretty consistent feel. I've always wanted a fusion and I've been eyeing them up for years Plus the roasted neck means you won't have to adjust the truss very often
Hello. Nice video! Do you think it could be possible to install 2 single coils instead of humbuckers and convert it to a more "conventional" tele? Are the holes compatible (changing pickup and bridge of course) without looking weird or shabby? Thanks
I'm between buying this one and a MB-20BK (the one that looks like a BC Rich body) For playing classic metal and maybe some AC/DC. Would love your advice on this conundrum 😅
They're fine but considering a pair are 10 quid, I'd stick some new ones in. Make sure they're metric though or you'll have to drill the control plate holes wider
You can get tele pickguards with no hole cut for the neck pickup. You can also get blank control plates where you can drill a hole for the volume. If you visit sites like Etsy, you can also get these pre-drilled. You can simply wire straight to the volume and then to your output. Some luthier or guitar part websites will off all the blanks in one place. The only downside on HBs, and other non fenders, is sometimes having to reshape the square at the bridge as it's not always a good fit. Get some calipers and take lots of measurements before buying your parts as it will save a lot of headaches when you go to fit
@@Rosborough dude thank you 🙏 that’s so sick. I’ll do some searching now, unless you’ve got a link in mind that would be helpful as well. Again I appreciate you for responding so fast!
@@Rosborough in the U.S. I found me some cheap options for a scratch plate but for pickups I’m going with Seymour Duncan SH-13. And I’v got some plugs to fill the switch plate with to make flush so I don’t have to replace that at least.
Thanks oscar! Might do a video of a few different pickups as well just to show how objective they are. I've stock guitars at £100 that sound better than my most expensive and vice versa. It's all subjective and personal when it comes to them. Sometimes shopping for pickups is like shopping for snake oil!
@@Rosborough it is so difficult buying online, you don't get to hear it or try it. I used to love the experience of going into a local music shop, trying a new guitar and choosing the one that I liked. Recently I have just had to risk it and buy unheard because all the smaller music shops have closed.
It was a bit of a pain but if you use a little Dremel at the part that meets the neck it'll fit fine. Just sand it back bit by bit and you shouldn't run into trouble
It seemed to be. I liked the old one and new one up and got a rough feel but to be honest it worked out better just slowly removing material from the neck end
I would personally go with the purple squire. I think they look amazing. Quality wise will be similar enough to these but you'll not have any noise issues. I find the cheaper HB really good if you're into modifying guitars
Would be interesting in another video to maybe A/B a few pickups
I’ll be honest I really prefer the stock pickups
I totally support that opinion.
Pickups are so subjective. I have a installed and bought so many different sets for myself and other people. Some I hate and some I love and all of them at VERY different price points
I'm hoping this video shows that you can get functional and quality pickups at really reasonable prices. But most of all, it's how it sounds to you for the sound you want to get1
Agree completely
Have to agree with you but pickups are subjective
The stock ones sound awful to my ears...
Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz pickups in mine, Graphtech Black Xl Nut, locking tuners and 500k pots for mine. Sings like a charm!
Ah such a nice spec! I've the JB and Jazz in a chibson I was gifted. Great sound from those pickups
Just did mine today! I grabbed the same 3 way switch but ran into a weird problem. The switch wouldn’t fit into the cavity. Had to break out a hammer and chisel to chip away enough room in the cavity. Got it all in there and I’m so happy with how it came out
Ah good job Kody. Nothing more nerve wracking than chipping away with a chisel!
I have the same guitar for practising/recording stuff (I'm actually a bassist) and I've already eyed the PAF-like Alnico 2 version of those FLEOR, for a bit more versatility and dynamics for low and medium gain stuff - IME (as bassist) it's generally easier to boost stuff afterwards than tame it, within reason. I'm glad to see yet another good review for them - though these are the Alnico 5. Stock ones are rather microphonic through actual amps and the neck one is really bassy. Plus I guess they're ceramic and their output is quite high and compressed for cleaner stuff.
You're right about the switch, it might be worthwhile starting on a clean one with better soldering points, especially 'cause I might be tempted to wire them with the splitting option. Thx and cheers btw
Thanks for this! Some really good points and insights
Ive just finished mine;
Locking tuners, Graphtech black xl nut, Roswell humbucker sized P90 in the neck, Roswell Quarter pounder Humbucker in bridge, 500k pots, orange drop .033.
I also did the same to the Strat;
but with Roswell Quarter pounder single coil in neck, Roswell Hot rail Blade in the middle (with splits on pos 2&4) Roswell Quarter pounder humbucker in the brigde.
Both sound and look amazing
The cost in total for each one was around £200
Sounds amazing by the specs Ian! I'd love to try the quarter pound Roswell!
The P90 in the tele is the nuts, i got all the pickups and hardware off DV247@@Rosborough
I can send a pic if you like, It looks like it was always meant to@@Rosborough
Yeah do! My Instagram is rosboroughofficial
Great video, real informative. Looking to do something similar with this guitar. Would it be a bigger job to remove the neck pick up, switch and tone?. Want to have bridge pickup only with volume pot only
No not at all. You can get a pickup cover with no pickup hole. Same with a specialized control panel for 1 volume - could even get a blank and drill your own hole. Wiring wise, there are a ton of sites with wiring diagrams if you get stuck
Wow. They sound a lot better than the stock ones
Just ordered mine ,not sure if I'll mod mine or not it's surprisingly impressive stock.and the price will blow ppl away.
It's unbelievable what you get for your money!
Clean the stock pickups really shine IMHO, but for drive I think the new pickups are superior and more bassy/bouncy. I feel that stock ones are more shimmery clean in a lovely way.
I found that too, I've the new ones in a couple of weeks now. Through heavy distortion they're great but clean and a little light drive they're a little clunky to the old ones. I also adjusted the pickup height after this video so when they're driven really hard they have a little more attack
i prefer the old pickup but perhaps need to fix some wiring issues for the buzz
I prefer the stock pickups myself. If ‘upgrading’ a HB, I’d recommend first the strings, then the pots then the tuners. For pickup… try Cathy on scar my guitar.
Easier maybe when swapping parts, de solder one wire at a time and then so,def the new wire where you took the old one off. Takes a bit more time to do it one by one but hugely reduces the chances of getting it wrong!
Great video, very entertaining. More HB stuff please, great job.
Thanks very much !
Awesome video my friend! Did you have any issues with the screw holes lining up with the new pickguard? I don't mind grinding the pickguard down a little at the neck and bridge, but i really don't want to have to fill the existing holes and drill new ones. Thanks!
Yeah, it was a bit of a nightmare to be honest!
That sucks. Looks like I'll be ordering a pickguard off of ebay. They sell them specifically for the te-20hh now for like 28 dollars american with tax and shipping. I just didn't want to wait 3 to 4 weeks for it to ship. Thanks again!
@@lucas031981 it'll be worth the wait if you're not in a rush. Even reshaping this was a hassle. A lot of slow deep breaths needed haha. Nice that there's options available out there
Curious: the electrical hum was removed by the new pickups or do you need also the new switch? Did the old switch made any nasty sound? I didn't find a switching moment in the video, thank you!
Hi Philip, the main hum from these guitars is from the black paint on the bridge stopping the earth wire making proper contact. I have the process laid out in another video. Cheaper guitars (and a lot of Harley Benton's) with black hardware have this problem.
After I fixed that issue I started playing this guitar more so I gave it a bit of an overall overhaul.
If you've an earth buzz problem it's usually a contact issue with the earth wire - especially if it goes when you're touching the strings
@@Rosborough these are great informations thank you, I'll check your other video
No problem at all. Any other problems just ask!
Good video!! I'm planning to buy the same guitar but first I wanted to ask a question. Is the pickguard suitable for a left-handed guitar?
I just reshaped a standard fender one with a Dremel, but I think some Etsy sellers sell HB ones
@@Rosborough i mean, the piece of pickguard you bought from Amazon, will fit in the same guitar but left shape? Thanks for the reply!
YOu are providing excellent videos. Thank you.
Sounds much better!
It is a small world, I just found out I know your dad, I am just off the phone from talking to him lol. He was telling me about his son's RUclips Channel lol. I was already subscribed to you.
I have a background in History and sometimes work with your dad doing talks.
I don't know if I asked you, but what do you think of the Harley Benton Fusion III, I was looking at one with a H S H configuration and a roasted neck. I am more of a Blues player, I love Gretsch and got myself 3 Vintage V 100's for a LP sound, but I am looking for a Metal guitar.
I love your channel and wish you well.
Ah that's mad! The fusion iiis are great guitars. Most HBs have a similar neck radius so they have a pretty consistent feel. I've always wanted a fusion and I've been eyeing them up for years
Plus the roasted neck means you won't have to adjust the truss very often
Hello. Nice video! Do you think it could be possible to install 2 single coils instead of humbuckers and convert it to a more "conventional" tele? Are the holes compatible (changing pickup and bridge of course) without looking weird or shabby? Thanks
Yeah, as you say, a new scratch plate and bridge would sort that out
You just need to find a Tele scratch plate that's cut for a single coil rather than the lipstick, but they are out there
stock sounds so much better than the upgrade, at least for metal
I'm between buying this one and a MB-20BK (the one that looks like a BC Rich body)
For playing classic metal and maybe some AC/DC. Would love your advice on this conundrum 😅
I'd go for the MB. It's got a little wider nut for lead and it has chrome hardware so you'll not get any grounding issues
Just ordered mine today with the new Fender Kingfish pickups. Should be fun putting it all together. What were your thoughts on the pots?
They're fine but considering a pair are 10 quid, I'd stick some new ones in. Make sure they're metric though or you'll have to drill the control plate holes wider
@@Rosborough Well said. 👍🏼 Do you know if the original pots are 250k or 500k? Thanks
I’m looking to upgrade mine, but I wanna do only one pickup (bridge) and only a volume knob do you have any advice for that?
You can get tele pickguards with no hole cut for the neck pickup. You can also get blank control plates where you can drill a hole for the volume. If you visit sites like Etsy, you can also get these pre-drilled. You can simply wire straight to the volume and then to your output. Some luthier or guitar part websites will off all the blanks in one place.
The only downside on HBs, and other non fenders, is sometimes having to reshape the square at the bridge as it's not always a good fit. Get some calipers and take lots of measurements before buying your parts as it will save a lot of headaches when you go to fit
@@Rosborough dude thank you 🙏 that’s so sick. I’ll do some searching now, unless you’ve got a link in mind that would be helpful as well. Again I appreciate you for responding so fast!
What country are you based? I'm in the UK so I use axesrus and Northwest guitars for parts
@@Rosborough in the U.S. I found me some cheap options for a scratch plate but for pickups I’m going with Seymour Duncan
SH-13. And I’v got some plugs to fill the switch plate with to make flush so I don’t have to replace that at least.
@shipsthesizeofcastles4720 Ah that's super. Hope it sounds fantastic!
To honest I liked the S stock HH better. Great video
Thanks oscar! Might do a video of a few different pickups as well just to show how objective they are. I've stock guitars at £100 that sound better than my most expensive and vice versa. It's all subjective and personal when it comes to them. Sometimes shopping for pickups is like shopping for snake oil!
@@Rosborough it is so difficult buying online, you don't get to hear it or try it. I used to love the experience of going into a local music shop, trying a new guitar and choosing the one that I liked. Recently I have just had to risk it and buy unheard because all the smaller music shops have closed.
@@Oscarhobbit we have only a small one where I live. Still, nothing beats trying it out and taking it home that day
Just ordered the pickguard in the video description for my te20 HH. How much of a pain is it to get it the fit? And any tips?
It was a bit of a pain but if you use a little Dremel at the part that meets the neck it'll fit fine. Just sand it back bit by bit and you shouldn't run into trouble
Legend thanks for this! Is it just the neck and bridge end that are the problem?
It seemed to be. I liked the old one and new one up and got a rough feel but to be honest it worked out better just slowly removing material from the neck end
Amazing, thanks!
nice video! but what language is that? it sounds like very strange english
Thank you! Yeah I'm from Northern Ireland. It's nit an accent you hear a lot!
The stock pickups are waaaay better...
A lot of people prefer them! I'm collecting a few different humbuckers for a comparison video soon, all different price points etc
@@Rosborough would be great to hear.
#65_WhatWatt_Ohm_My_My_AlnicoTwoToTheRescue_YouEwe⚠️
That's the best one yet
Whats would you recomend this tele or the new telecaster squire sonic single humbucker in purple
I would personally go with the purple squire. I think they look amazing. Quality wise will be similar enough to these but you'll not have any noise issues. I find the cheaper HB really good if you're into modifying guitars
Yeah love that purple telecaster single pickup sonic I need one thanks for reply