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A Comprehensive Guide to Telecasters with Humbuckers

by Mark /
21/11/2023

Electric guitars don’t come more iconic than the vaunted Fender Telecaster. As the first-ever solid body electric (called Esquire at the time), the Telecaster has since garnered a serious rock ‘n’ roll reputation.

Seen in the hands of virtually every stripe of guitarist, from rowdy punks to modern indie boppers, the Tele is known for versatility – in part thanks to the variety of pickup configurations you can find them in!

Traditionally equipped with single coils, the standard Tele is closely associated with country, blues, and various rock genres thanks to its ‘twangy’ tones and ability to slice right through a mix.

Since the introduction of the Tele Custom way back in the ’60s, you’ve been able to get your hands on Telecasters with humbucking pickups. These beefy pups kick out warm, throaty sonics that work well for thick distortion tones and rounded jazzy cleans and are sought after for their unique sonic profile compared to the thinner-sounding single coils.

So, if you’re interested in a T-guitar with a huge amount of sonic firepower, continue reading our guide to Telecasters with humbuckers!

In a hurry?

Here are our top three Telecasters with humbuckers…

Fender Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe with TremoloClassic vibes with modern playability at a budget-friendly price.Check the current price
Fender Jim Root TelecasterAchieve the ultimate high-gain attitude with this ultra-performance model.Check the current price
Fender American Performer Telecaster with Humbucking PickupThe classic and quintessential American-made Tele with humbucking neck pickup - the best of both worlds.Check the current price

A brief history of the Tele

To many people, the Telecaster represents the birth of the modern electric guitar – responsible for kicking off the rock ‘n’ roll era. Starting life as the Fender Esquire, this proto-Tele featured a single lap-steel guitar pickup set into the first-ever solid-style body.

As unlikely as it might have seemed at the time, this jury-rigged guitar ignited a sound that would resonate with players for generations: the utterly distinctive Tele twang. Not long after the Esquire’s launch, Fender improved the design by adding an extra pickup for more sonic versatility, renaming the new-look guitar the “Broadcaster”.

Unfortunately for Leo Fender, this new name was to be short-lived. A copyright dispute with Gretsch and their “Broadkaster” drumkit led to the Broadcaster name being stripped from the headstock – giving rise to a period of affectionately named “Nocaster” guitars. Soon after, they settled on the now-iconic name, Telecaster.

The Telecaster’s unique solid body design was a significant departure from the hollow-bodied guitars that dominated the market before. It was crafted with a single piece of wood, ensuring greater sound stability and resistance to feedback.

This pioneering build allowed for large-scale production, making the Telecaster the first guitar to be produced in large quantities successfully. It became a staple for musicians, offering an affordable yet quality alternative to more costly instruments.

In the mid-’60s, the growing popularity of the humbucker and gain-rich amps led to Fender juicing up the Tele with their very own  ‘bucker equipped model: The Telecaster Custom.

The introduction of these new pickups marked a significant departure from the guitar’s traditional single-coil configuration. Humbuckers, consisting of two coils, were designed to ‘buck the hum’, reducing unwanted noise and interference. They provided a thicker, warmer tone than their single-coil counterparts, offering a broader range of sonic possibilities.

With humbuckers, the Telecaster further demonstrated its versatility, evolving to meet the diverse needs of guitarists across genres.

Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe LRL, Charcoal Frost Metallic

The pickups you need to know about

Humbuckers

Humbuckers are designed with two coils, effectively cancelling the hum or ‘buzz’ common in single coil pickups, hence the term ‘buck the hum’. They’re characterised by their warm, thick, and rich tone output, making them a favourite for rock, jazz, and blues genres. These pickups sustain notes longer and are less prone to feedback, perfect for high-gain settings.

Single coils

Single coils are the oldest type of electric guitar pickup, known for their bright and crisp sound. They’re excellent for conveying the nuances of the player’s technique, with their output being clear and transparent. The flip side of this detail, however, is that they can be somewhat noisy, picking up electrical interference easily. Single coils are ideal for blues, country, and surf rock due to their bright and cutting tone.

P90s

P90s offer a middle ground between the powerful humbucker and the bright single coil. They’re single coils in construction but are wider and flatter, providing more coil area to pick up string vibration. As a result, they produce a thicker and warmer tone than traditional single coils but with more sparkle and clarity than a humbucker. P90s are versatile, excelling in various genres, including rock, blues, and jazz.

The best Telecasters with humbuckers

Fender Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe with Tremolo

Fender Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe with Tremolo, Vintage WhiteMain Features

  • Equipped with two Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups
  • Fitted with a 6-Saddle American Vintage Strings-Through-Body Tele bridge for stable tuning
  • Features a stylish Vintage White finish
  • Comes with a C-shaped neck for comfortable playability
  • Incorporates modern modifications, including a medium-jumbo fret size

Pros

  • Versatile in sound, suitable for a broad range of musical styles
  • Modern upgrades enhance playability and comfort
  • High-quality construction delivers durability and longevity

Cons

  • The vintage aesthetic may not appeal to every player

The Fender Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe is a remarkable guitar that merges classic aesthetics with modern playability. Its Wide Range humbucking pickups serve up a robust, warm tone, flexible enough to cater to any genre, from blues to rock.

The C-shaped neck and medium-jumbo frets offer a comfortable playing experience, whether you’re practising at home or performing on stage. One of the reasons I am particularly fond of this guitar is its ability to retain the vintage Telecaster vibe while integrating modern features, making it a versatile instrument for contemporary musicians.


Fender Jim Root Telecaster

Fender Jim Root Telecaster, Flat WhiteMain Features

  • Equipped with EMG Active Humbucking pickups, producing a high-output, aggressive tone
  • Features a mahogany body with a satin finish for a smooth, comfortable feel
  • Comes with a compound-radius fretboard, enhancing playability and comfort
  • Incorporates a hardtail bridge, ensuring stable tuning and accurate intonation
  • Features a minimalist aesthetic with a Flat White finish, keeping focus on playability and tone

Pros

  • High-output active pickups are perfect for heavy music genres
  • The minimalist design emphasises functionality and performance
  • The compound-radius fretboard provides a comfortable playing experience

Cons

  • The aggressive and high-output tone may not suit all musical styles

The Fender Jim Root Telecaster is pure tonal aggression stuffed into the retro Tele shape. Stripped back to essentials, it leaves all the frills at the door to focus on what really matters – playing. The EMG active pickups provide a searing tone that cuts through any mix, perfect for metal and other heavy genres.

The compound-radius fretboard is something shredders and speedsters will love, allowing for easy chording at the lower frets and unhindered lead playing higher up.

This no-nonsense Tele makes my list of favourites thanks to its bare bones-yet-premium approach. It caters to the modern, heavy music player, while blending classic Telecaster design with the practical demands of today’s musicians, making it a must-have for any serious rocker.


Fender American Performer Telecaster with Humbucking Pickups

Fender American Performer Telecaster with Humbucking Satin Surf GreenMain Features

  • Equipped with a Yosemite single-coil bridge pickup and a DoubleTap humbucking neck pickup
  • Features a modern C-shaped neck for comfortable playability
  • Incorporates a Greasebucket tone system, allowing for rich tone control without adding gain
  • Crafted with an alder body for a balanced, resonant tone
  • Comes with a vintage-style Telecaster bridge with three brass saddles for superior intonation

Pros

  • Offers a diverse range of tones, suitable for multiple genres
  • High-quality construction ensures durability and longevity
  • The Greasebucket tone system provides nuanced tonal control

Cons

  • The unique pickup combination might require some time to get used to

The Fender American Performer Telecaster with Humbucking Pickups is the quintessential SH-equipped Tele. American-made, at a great price point, and boasting features that are just classically Tele – it’s one for the purists. The Yosemite single-coil bridge pickup delivers the quintessential bright and snappy Telecaster tone, while the DoubleTap humbucking neck pickup offers richer, warmer sounds.

Added to these premium ‘pups is Fender’s Greasebucket tone system that preserves your high end when rolling off your guitar’s volume control. This handy feature is great for cleaning up your gritty tones and means your sound isn’t hamstrung or flat when backing off the levels. Finished with standard-fare Telecaster class, you can’t go wrong with this thoroughbred Fender.


Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe MN

Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe MN, BlackMain Features

  • Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, ensuring a rich and warm tone
  • Features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile for easy playability
  • Comes with a 6-saddle top-load Tele bridge for maintaining stable tuning
  • Incorporates a large headstock design, adding a striking aesthetic touch
  • Crafted with a lightweight alder body, ensuring comfortable long-term play

Pros

  • Dual humbucker configuration provides versatile tonal options
  • Lightweight body and comfortable neck enhance playability
  • The large headstock design makes a visual statement on stage

Cons

  • The absence of single-coil pickups may limit traditional Telecaster tones

The Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe MN is a great offering for those seeking the warmth and heft of humbucker-loaded performance with the iconic style of a Telecaster. Its dual humbucking pickups offer thick tones with extra punch for distorted growls or roundness for clean jazzy modes.

But it’s the classic Deluxe styling and ’70s headstock lettering which made me pick it out. Authentic vintage guitars are rare on the more affordable end of the scale, but this Squier Deluxe has more than enough Fender mojo to give players on a budget that timeless Tele class.


Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline

Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline, 3-Color SunburstMain Features

  • Equipped with dual Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups
  • Features a semi-hollow ash body design for a resonant, yet lightweight feel
  • Thinline shape provides a slinky and nimble action
  • Incorporates a vintage-style Stratocaster hardtail bridge for reliable tuning stability
  • Showcases a 3-colour Sunburst finish, reflecting its vintage heritage

Pros

  • Semi-hollow body design offers a unique tonal character and reduces weight
  • Wide Range humbuckers deliver a versatile range of tones
  • The vintage aesthetic is appealing and carries a nostalgic charm

Cons

  • Its vintage-oriented design might not suit all modern playing styles

The Fender American Vintage II 1972 Telecaster Thinline is a gorgeous blend of classic design and contemporary functionality. Its dual Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups offer a broad tonal spectrum, from warm, mellow cleans to aggressive, punchy leads that make it a real chameleon for musical styles.

Added to that, its semi-hollow ash body produces a resonant, airy tone that sets it apart from solid-body counterparts, while also reducing weight for extended playing comfort. Its vintage aesthetic harks back to its rich ’70s heritage, and pairs with the semi-hollow F-hole to give it a real sense of old-school cool!

Personally, I love a throwback guitar that has modern playability mixed with classic vibes, so if you’re the same it doesn’t come more authentic than this.


Squier Contemporary Telecaster RH RMN

Squier Contemporary Telecaster RH RMN, Shoreline GoldMain Features

  • Equipped with dual Squier Ceramic humbucking pickups for a wide array of tonal possibilities
  • Features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile crafted from roasted maple for enhanced playability
  • Incorporates a 6-saddle string-through-body Tele bridge, offering superior sustain and tuning stability
  • Super cool modern aesthetic – enhanced by Shoreline Gold colour and black binding
  • Crafted with a lightweight poplar body for comfortable long-term play

Pros

  • Dual humbucker configuration provides versatile tonal options
  • Roasted maple neck offers enhanced stability and a distinctive aesthetic appeal
  • Shoreline Gold finish makes a bold visual statement, perfect for commanding attention on stage

Cons

  • The modern aesthetic may not appeal to traditionalists

The Squier Contemporary Telecaster RH RMN is an innovative take on the iconic Telecaster design, blending modern features with an aesthetic that drags the wizened design into the 21st century. Its dual Squier Ceramic humbucking pickups provide a versatile tonal range, from punchy cleans to aggressive overdriven tones, making it a perfect fit for a variety of musical genres.

The roasted maple neck not only enhances the guitar’s stability but also adds a unique aesthetic touch that sets it apart from traditional models – a great feature at this price point! Personally, I love the Shoreline Gold finish and contrasting black binding, which perfectly complements the modern features, making it a visually and sonically compelling option for any level of player looking for a Tele stand.


Squier FSR Paranormal Offset Telecaster LRL

Squier FSR Paranormal Offset Telecaster LRL, MochaMain Features

  • Equipped with Alnico single-coil pickups for a warm and bright tone
  • Features an offset body shape for unique styling and comfortable playability
  • Comes with a String-Through-Body Bridge, ensuring tuning stability and increased sustain
  • Incorporates a “C”-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable playing feel
  • Showcases a striking Mocha finish, adding a stylish edge to the classic Telecaster design

Pros

  • Alnico single-coil pickups provide a diverse range of tonal options
  • Unique offset body shape sets it apart from traditional Telecasters
  • The stylish Mocha finish makes a bold visual statement

Cons

  • The unconventional body shape might not appeal to purists

The Squier FSR Paranormal Offset Telecaster LRL is something of an oddball on this list – and that’s why I like it! Eschewing the traditional body design, the Paranormal mixes the usual with the unusual to create a distinctive combo.

Standard Tele hardware and SH pickup layout combine with an offset body that to create a bizarre but enticing Telecaster/Jazzmaster crossbreed. It’s a great guitar for newer players or those on a budget who really want to stand out from the crowd, but still need the twangy versatility of a SH Tele.


Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH

Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH, AmberMain Features

  • Equipped with dual Seymour Duncan humbuckers for powerful, versatile tone
  • Features a beautiful flame maple top on a mahogany body, delivering a resonant, full-bodied sound
  • Incorporates a set neck with a ‘C’-shaped profile for enhanced playability and sustain
  • Comes with a 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail bridge, ensuring superior sustain and stable tuning
  • Showcases a striking Amber finish, highlighting the exquisite grain pattern of the flame maple top

Pros

  • Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups deliver a wide array of tones, suitable for any music genre
  • The set neck construction provides enhanced sustain and resonance
  • The flame maple top on a mahogany body offers an attractive aesthetic while delivering a rich, balanced tone

Cons

  • The modern design and feature set might not fully cater to players seeking a traditional Telecaster experience

The Fender Special Edition Custom Tele is simply striking. Just look at it! – an amber-flamed maple top over a Tele body? A match made in heaven, surely! If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a big fan. And its twin SD humbuckers only increase my love for this top-line Tele that kicks a much gnarlier tone than a usual

Sporting some other hardware changes like a Strat-style string-through hardtail bridge, graphite nut, and push/pull coil select toggle, it’s a Tele that looks sublime and has the sounds to match. I should also admit that it puts me in mind of a certain Guns N’ Roses guitarist…

What kind of music can a Telecaster with humbuckers play?

A Telecaster equipped with humbuckers is truly versatile and able to accommodate a wide spectrum of musical styles. The humbuckers provide a powerful, thick sound that single-coil pickups might lack. These warm, rich tones are a staple in hard rock and metal, with the ability to provide distortion-heavy growls while maintaining clarity.

The versatility doesn’t stop at rock genres though. When distorted, the tone is full and punchy, but when played clean, it offers a smooth, warm tone perfect for jazz and blues. There’s also a twang and brightness to a Tele’s tone that makes it suitable for country music, even if you just have humbuckers.

Squier Affinity Telecaster Deluxe LRL, Charcoal Frost Metallic & Squier Affinity Stratocaster HH LRL, Charcoal Frost Metallic

Active vs. passive pickups

As well as deciding between humbuckers and single coils, it’s also important to consider whether they’re active or passive.

Passive pickups, the more traditional choice, use a magnet to create a magnetic field around the strings, and the vibrations of the strings through this field generate the electrical signal. They offer a dynamic, organic, and full-bodied tone that has been the staple of many classic records across genres.

Active pickups, on the other hand, employ a battery-powered preamp. This design enables a higher output and ensures the pickups aren’t as susceptible to noise and interference. Active pickups provide a consistent, clear, and focused tone, making them a popular choice for heavier music styles where you need precision and high gain. It’s important to note, however, that the use of a battery adds to the maintenance of the guitar.

Neck vs. bridge pickups

If you’ve decided on a humbucker Tele that’s great! But the next question is – where do you want those? The most common layouts you’ll see are HH (humbucker at bridge and neck) and SH (single coil at bridge, humbucker at neck.

Far less common (and you might have noticed we have none on our list!) is the HS layout – humbucker at the bridge and single at the neck. That’s because the Tele’s single coil bridge pickup is what most people consider to be its defining aspect – the rich twang that players love!

Of course, everything is down to personal taste. HH is great for players who love the Tele shape but want a thicker, weightier tone. SH is probably the most popular, as it offers the best of both worlds, and as before, HS is rare but might be preferred by players needing a thumping bridge tone and lyrical neck pickup.

Fender Vintera II 70s Telecaster Deluxe

FAQs

Can a Telecaster have humbuckers?

A Telecaster can have humbuckers; in fact, many modern Telecaster models come equipped with humbuckers. These offer a fuller, warmer tone compared to single-coil pickups. Telecasters with humbuckers are versatile, offering a wide tonal range, ideal for many music styles.


Who played a Telecaster with a humbucker?

Many famous guitarists have utilised a humbucker-equipped Telecaster. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones is perhaps the most notable, with his signature ‘Micawber’ Telecaster. Other renowned players include Jeff Buckley, Danny Gatton, and Bob Dylan.


Why do Telecasters sound twangy?

Telecasters sound twangy due to their single-coil pickups and solid body construction. These factors create a bright, clear tone with a sharp attack – the signature ‘Tele Twang’. This unique sound is favoured by country and rock musicians alike for its bite and clarity.

Final thoughts

With its iconic shape and distinct sound, the Telecaster has proven to be an incredibly versatile instrument. Whether equipped with traditional single-coil pickups or fitted with humbuckers for a broader tonal palette, the Telecaster continues to offer a unique blend of style, comfort, and sonic versatility.

The addition of humbuckers has expanded its reach into heavier music genres, while still maintaining its characteristic twang, beloved by many. Whether you’re a purist or a trailblazer, there’s a Telecaster with humbuckers out there for you.

 

Content Writer (Guitars)

Mark has been a guitar aficionado for around twenty years. A lover of all things 6-string, he spends his days putting pen-to-paper about all manner of interesting instruments. From entry level Squiers to the most coveted Custom Shop desires, Mark's written about them.

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