Tele Deluxe with SD's

[kfarrell]

I'm building a Tele Deluxe, and I'm thinking of putting SD 59 in the neck and SD Custom 5 in the bridge.

I will play mostly alternative grungy music, but also blues, jazz etc.

What do you think? Will this combo work?

[MUYFUE]

I had that very combination in a Flying V HOLY HELL I loved it!
The custom 5 is one of my favorite pickups. It has a great bottom end, powerful but not Whompy. The high end is present but not harsh. Mids are...depends on the amp, i'd say.
The 59...well that reputaiton speaks for itself. a great warm and articulate neck pup. It keeps up with all my rabid solos!

I dig the combo! good choice.

[Rick]

Also, in the bridge, you might want to consider a Duncan Distortion.  It's just not for metal and would match well with the relative clean neck pup.  Just saying it's something to consider.

[kfarrell]

Awesome guys, thanks for the advice.

Am I right in thinking an SD Distortion is hotter, and more top end then the 59?

[MUYFUE]

The distorto is hotter than the 59 for sure!
Check out the Duncan site for some sound samples.

The top end of the '59 is deceptive. It's not a high output unit at all, but it's still bright when pushed, mellow when played softly.

The distortion is much more high output and has a lot of high end too, but it's more...'grindy' if that makes sense. To my ears it has more mids.

Personally I wouldn't use the 59 in the bridge though, based on what style you say your going after. It's not going to have enough oomph. Lots of folks use it in the bridge, it just aint my thang. I have found it to be a great neck pickup though.

Check out the clips on the duncan site, they are short but well recorded and helpful.