For Those Who Own Tele Replicas......

[Fajah]

.....this may be of interest.

I just finished the installation of GFS' Neovin neck pickups (NeoTN7) in three SX STL-50's. The physical installation was straightforward. On one of the three guitars, the bottom edge of the hole in the pickguard needed to be filed down a bit so the pickup would sit straight up and not on an angle. The pickup on my guitar is on a slight angle but barely noticeable and the third guitar was fine.

Wiring it up was also straightforward although if you follow the included diagram, it will be out of phase with the STL's stock bridge pickup. This was consistent with all three guitars. The "out of phase" sound is very interesting when in the middle position, but a tiny bit of hum comes through at higher volumes. The hum does get picked up when you record. I found this out when I did a recording with the pickups out of phase before correcting it.

I find that the Neovin is cleaner and brighter than the stock neck pickup while still maintaining some warmth and bottom end. Most important for me.....it's dead quiet. When in the middle position, it cuts down the single coil hum coming from the bridge dramatically.

Here a link to the sound sample I recorded for your listening pleasure:

http://www.box.net/shared/nyk74y8q87

First sample is the stock STL neck pickup, followed my the Neovin neck pickup, and then both the Neovin neck and stock bridge pickups together. My guitar was plugged into a Cube 60 set on JC Clean with a bit of reverb. Tone controls on my amp were set flat with the volume and tone controls on my guitar wide open. My strings are Ernie Ball Slinky 10's and I used a medium pick. Lastly, I haven't changed my strings since the summer.

One last thing on the setup. The neck pickup's height is set very close to the strings (as per GFS' instructions). The bridge pickup height has to be adjusted for tonal taste and balance for when in the middle position, it can overpower the neck and lose some warmth. It's personal taste of course.

All in all I'm really happy with it. Like all GFS pickups I've used so far, it's great value.
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[Stickman]

My understanding was that the Neovins are a bit iffy. Some models are great and others aren't very good. Reviews run hot and cold.

[shoretyus]

Opinions of GFS anything is all over the map. Some love them some don't. The only experience I have had was a pair of Dream 180's which were a marked improvement over what was in the guitar. But a LONG way from a pair of Jon Moore's V57's... Long way.

Speaking of Tele neck pu's somebody should buy that Moore Tele neck pu that SteveS has for sale.

[Fajah]

Reviews on the Neovins are few and far between and all the ones I could find were for strats. I can appreciated the quality and tonal characteristics of Moore's, Bill Lawrence, Barden, and the like. If I was playing the guitar more than I am now, I would make the investment. The driver for me was to eliminate single coil hum in the neck, maintain a certain tone, and do it cost effectively.

I also looked at it as a $45 (CDN, all in) experiment that may help others determine whether they like it or not. Call it a donation to the guitar playing community's cause. Now that it's done and I'm happy, it's back to the bass.

[Rocco]

I'm going to change the pickups on my stl as well, just can't decide between the keystones or the GFS. Did you do any other mods to them? Like the tuners, bridge etc???

[Fajah]

Originally Posted by Rocco

I'm going to change the pickups on my stl as well, just can't decide between the keystones or the GFS. Did you do any other mods to them? Like the tuners, bridge etc???

I've replaced the following on the three STL's I've modded to date;

1) EZ-LOK tuners from GFS using 3 styles;

http://store.guitarfetish.com/wiezlotubl6i.html

http://store.guitarfetish.com/wiezvisttufo.html

http://store.guitarfetish.com/wiezlotu6inf.html

They all work the same and drop right in.

2) Roller String Trees from GFS. Two different colours;

http://yhst-50206111187217.stores.ya...frosttrch.html

http://yhst-50206111187217.stores.ya...frosttrbl.html

3) Stainless Steel Saddles from GFS;

http://yhst-50206111187217.stores.ya...tstsafitr.html

4) I installed a Graph Tech nut on my STL Ash because the stock nut had cracked;

http://www.guitarpartscanada.com/pro...roducts_id=193

I wouldn't order from these guys again. Very slow and the service is poor. Besides, it's an Allparts nut so you could order direct if you couldn't find one locally.

Lastly, one of the STL's turned out to have a neck issue and I ended up having to do a neck and bridge replacement. Check this thread out which includes a link to some detailed info;

http://www.guitarscanada.com/Board/s...ad.php?t=21877

IMO, the tuners, trees, and saddles are a must. It takes care of any tuning issues. The stock nut is cheap plastic but works fine although it doesn't hurt to replace it. Pickups are just a matter of personal taste and how much your willing to invest in the guitar.

Hope this helps.

[Rocco]

Thanks, I'm going to start with those as well before I move to the pickups. I'll see what's left in my budget once I get my amp back.