What Are Your Thoughts on Fender Pure Vintage 61 Pickups?

Instruments Guitar and Bass
1

Seeking Advice on Fender Pure Vintage 61 Pickups

I’ve been eyeing the Fender Pure Vintage 61 Pickups for a while now, and I’m really curious about everyone’s experiences with them. As a guitarist looking to achieve that classic '60s Fender tone, I’ve heard a lot of great things but also a few mixed reviews.

Key Considerations

Here are some points I’m particularly interested in:

  • Sound Quality: Do these pickups really nail that vintage sound? How do they compare to modern pickups?
  • Installation: Is it an easy swap out for those of us who aren’t professional guitar techs? Any tips?
  • Tone Characteristics: How do they perform with different music styles? I’m mainly into blues and rock.
  • Value for Money: Are they worth the price? Any better alternatives you can suggest?

Additional Info

I’d love to hear any sound samples that you have or even comparisons with other pickups you’ve tried. Whether it’s a personal review or just general opinions, your input would be incredibly helpful!

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

2

I’ve been using the Fender Pure Vintage '61 pickups for a while, and I love their clarity and warmth. They really bring out the best in my Strat.

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Totally agree! I find them perfect for blues. The tone really cuts through without being harsh.

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What I love about them is the vintage vibe they bring, especially for rock and roll. Do they handle distortion well?

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I’d say they do! I’ve played them with some heavier gain and they still hold their character.

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I’ve compared them to some of my other pickups, and I find that these have a more pronounced midrange, which is great for classic rock.

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That midrange punch is definitely what makes them stand out! I’m leaning towards them for a jazz project. Thoughts?

8

I hear you! They can get a bit bright, so keep an eye on your tone settings if you’re playing jazz.

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Has anyone tried these in a Tele? I’m curious how they perform compared to the standard Tele pickups.

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Good question! I haven’t tried them in a Tele, but I can imagine the clarity would suit country very well!

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What sets these pickups apart is their ability to maintain definition while playing complex chords. They’re great for indie music, too!

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Exactly! They shine in rhythm work as well! Perfect for a lot of genres.

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I heard someone mention the price, aren’t they a bit pricey for just pickups? Can’t you get similar sounds cheaper?

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I get that concern, but sometimes you pay for quality. They really have a unique character that cheaper pickups might lack.

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Yeah, and if you are after that vintage tone, it might be worth the investment! Gotta love the old-school sound.

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I wonder if the '61 design really makes a difference. What if I just go with something more modern? Hmmm…

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I’ve installed the Fender Pure Vintage '61 pickups in my Strat, and they sound fantastic! For installation, you’ll need a soldering iron, wire cutters, and some basic hand tools. Just take your time and follow the wiring diagram closely.

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Great advice! I also recommend using heat-shrink tubing for your connections. It keeps everything neat and reduces the chance of short circuits.

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I’d suggest a multimeter to test the ohms of the pickups before and after installation. It’s a good way to check that everything’s working properly!

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Using a multimeter is brilliant! Just make sure to double-check your soldering points to avoid common mistakes like cold solder joints.