Seymour Duncan APTL-3JD

First of all I must admit I hadn't heard of Jerry Donahue before I discovered this pickup. I was actually looking for a replacement pickup with certain characteristics. Through the always accurace product descriptions on the Seymour Duncan website I decided to order it from Thomann (as always Thomann has it on stock and helps me avoid import tax and shipping costs getting stuff from the US :=).

I placed the pickup in a Fender Japan 60's Telecaster reissue with alder body and maple neck (not basswood as many Japan guitars have). This pickup with alnico II magnets has a warmer, more bluesy and mid-level focused output and to my ears provides a major upgrade in the general usability of this guitar. It is somewhat similar to the SD STL-2 pickup but with a different character, perhaps more 'open' and with a more regular sound impact in combination with neck pickup.

In short: highly recommended upgrade for player looking for a warmer, bluesier but still transparent tone that does not dominantly impact the sound character in combination with a neck pickup. Works really well with low gain pedals like Mad Professor Sweet Honey overdrive in a clean channel or the FAT channel on a Blues Junior amp.

I use this in my tele with a Duncan antiquity humbucker. Awesome combination. This pickup is great for lead, though at times piercing. At that point though a little EQ adjustment here or there does the trick. I find the sound fantastic sent through an overdrive pedal. Also sounds great fuzzed out.... pretty much just sounds awesome period.

It is for sure a lead pickup. Too bright IMO for most rhythm parts but awesome for leads. If you were going for a really aggressive rhythm though.... might just be your cup of tea. Obviously coming from master of the telecaster jerry donahue its great for serious no BS straight up nashville lead sounds.

The tele I use it in is my main guitar for rock/americana/indie rock/whatever and I am very happy with the choice.