Can anyone tell me about Tesla pickups?

urbanite11 · #1 07-22-2007, 06:30 AM

Hi,

I'm planning to buy a Cort GB74, which has an MM-J pickup configuration,

and I thought that since I'll have some money left over from my bass budget, it might be an idea to buy better pickups than the Mightymites installed in the GB74.

I searched through some websites, and I came across some affordable pickups from a company called Tesla.

For their MM-J set, I'd have to pay 123000 South Korean Won (about $135). If you're wondering about the SKW, I'm on holiday in South Korea with a mind to buy an affordable bass.

I'd like to know more about Tesla pickups, and whether it'd be worth buying and installing them.

Also, it'd be nice if you could suggest some alternatives. My budget for new pickups would be somewhere downwards of $300, if possible.

Thank you very much,

MGL.

DavidRavenMoon · #2 07-22-2007, 05:45 PM

I never heard of these so I looked them up.

Tesla pickups don't look very affordable to me. Same price as name brand pickups. At least here in the US.

They might even be made in the same factory as Mighty Mights!

I'd give the stock pickups try... you might like them. If you don't, save up for some brand name pickups.

JAUQO III-X · #3 07-22-2007, 06:01 PM

Lee and the guys at Tesla make pickups that are very much compatible with the more famous and long running pickup brands of the industry that are made in the US and Europe.

The guys at Tesla are very nice and knowledgeable about pickups and where pickups are going today.

I played several basses that were equipped with Tesla pickups and if the pickups didn't have Tesla on them to give you a clue that they weren't house hold names I don't think most users would complain.

check out some of the Spector Basses that have Tesla pickups in them and if you have any questions about their pickups feel free to contact

Lee at

info@teslatek.com

and you can tell him I said hello.

m.oreilly · #4 07-22-2007, 07:54 PM

hey urban, i agree with david, in giving the stock ones a chance (you might be pleasantly surprised), though it sounds like the tesla look to be a contender at a great price, according to J

Shoewreck · #5 07-23-2007, 03:48 AM

AFAIK Tesla pickups were installed in Czech guitars and basses called "Yolana", that were the best in all socialistic countries. Tesla electronic components were highly respected back then. I think if these pickups are cheap they're worth enough trying.

nemo · #6 07-23-2007, 04:35 AM

As a Czech guy I can confirm that Tesla was some decade(s) ago a brand of various consumer electronic products. But now most factories are closed and as far as I know, none of them produces bass pickups. The Tesla pickups today are most probably product of the http://www.teslatek.com/ company.

Shoewreck · #7 07-23-2007, 05:37 AM

Sorry for misspelling, corrected.

JAUQO III-X · #8 07-23-2007, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemo

The Tesla pickups today are most probably product of the http://www.teslatek.com/ company.

Yes they are.

urbanite11 · #9 07-24-2007, 07:54 PM

Thanks very much for all your helpful replies.

I have played the GB74 several times at the shop, and I have no real complaints about the stock Mightymites.

It's just that I was wondering if it would somehow magically improve my sound if I had different pickups

I think Tesla's cheaper here in Korea (which is where I'm spending my summer atm), because Tesla appears to be a Korean company. On the other hand, the more well known brands, such as Seymour Duncan or EMG, seem to be more expensive here than in the UK.

Since I'm a total electornics noob, I don't think I'll be trying to change pickups any time soon, but I've always thought of upgrading my basses as a good option.

Anyways, thank you all again for your polite replies.

MGL

DavidRavenMoon · #10 07-24-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Lee and the guys at Tesla make pickups that are very much compatible with the more famous and long running pickup brands of the industry that are made in the US and Europe.

OK... I never heard of them, but that doesn't mean anything!

eutgard · #11 07-28-2007, 02:27 PM

Tesla VR-B3 (P style p/u - http://www.teslatek.com/vr-b3.htm) on alder body + maple neck + rosewood f/b P clone.

SS roundwound

Recorded direct to computer using LightSnake

http://www.mediafire.com/?5zj2mtugde1

stingray69 · #12 05-23-2008, 02:09 PM

Seems like I'm reviving an old thread, but what the heck. I just installed a set of TESLA Corona B2 (5-string set) Jazz pickups in my passive Squier Affinity Jazz Bass. I really like the improvement of the tone. Much more punch & clarity than the stock pickups. They are on par quality-wise with the SCN's in my MIA Fender Deluxe V, but not with quite the same hi-fi top end. They are very responsive to small nuances in playing style and very clear. They are not quite as mid-scooped as the SCN's - in fact, I find they have a hint of a P-Bass like, hollow grind in their upper mids tone. Scooping the mid's EQ on your amp brings a powerful, nice modern tone with a hint of P-Bass from a Jazz bass - if that makes sense. Overall, I'm very pleased with these and recommend them to anyone looking for a great set of jazz bass pickups. They can be found at www.teslatek.com

Short soundclip (thumbed-groove with no EQ): http://media.putfile.com/TESLA-Corona-B2-Pickups

fr3tl3ssjunki3 · #13 08-24-2008, 05:12 PM

Wow man! I think I just found the pickups I'm gonna buy! I have a MII Squier P-Bass Special-5 and it's in sore need of upgrades! Head East RULES!

diver7atms · #14 12-21-2008, 09:08 AM

I have a handmade fretless with a Tesla J bass pickup in it. It is fantastic for what I use it for. It has a very high output compared to most pickups. I think they are a nice deal

BassistFreak416 · #15 03-20-2009, 08:41 PM

i put a pj set into my ibanez gsr200, sounds AMAZING! destroyed the old set of pickups. small cheap company making quality pickups