Seymour Duncan Humbucker STL-3 Quarter Pound Pickup For Tele
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Seymour Duncan Humbucker STL-3 Quarter Pound Pickup For Tele
In stock
- SKU
- 11202-14
Description
Seymour Duncan STL-3 Quarter Pound Pickup for Tele
The STL-3 Quarter Pound delivers articulate, punchy single-coil character with the output and sustain that defines Seymour Duncan's signature approach to Telecaster pickups. Hand-built in Santa Barbara with meticulous attention to detail, this pickup combines classic Tele snap with modern clarity and reduced noise, making it a serious upgrade for players seeking definition without sacrificing vintage authenticity.
Tone & Output Character
A 17.38K ohms DC resistance positions the STL-3 in the medium-hot range, delivering more punch and presence than stock Tele pickups while preserving the brightness and articulation the instrument is known for. The Alnico 5 rod magnets (hand-polished, ¼" diameter) provide warmth and harmonic richness that cuts through a mix without becoming shrill or brittle. On stage, this pickup responds directly to pick dynamics and amp tone shaping, rewarding players who rely on touch and feel to shape their sound.
Live Performance & Reliability
Hand-winding with Forbon flatwork ensures consistent performance and structural integrity across the coil. Wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal and feedback—essential for touring musicians and high-volume venue work where feedback can kill a take or a set. The PVC cable-wire connection integrates cleanly into most Tele wiring schemes and withstands road wear without degradation.
Key Features
- DC Resistance: 17.38K ohms
- Magnet Type: Alnico 5 rod magnets, hand-polished, ¼" diameter
- Hand-built in Santa Barbara
- Forbon flatwork construction
- Wax potted for squeal-free performance
- PVC cable-wire connectivity
- Available for neck (rhythm) and bridge (lead) positions
- Optional tapped dual-output model (STL-3T) available
The STL-3 Quarter Pound bridges the gap between vintage Tele warmth and modern clarity, delivering a pickup that responds to pick attack and amp dynamics with genuine musicality. Built for gigging musicians and collectors who demand both tone and durability night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Seymour Duncan STL-3 Quarter Pound is a medium-hot Telecaster pickup that combines classic single-coil snap with modern clarity and reduced noise, hand-built with Alnico 5 magnets and wax potting for squeal-free performance on high-gain and loud stages. Designed for intermediate to professional players in blues, country, rock, and indie genres, it delivers articulate punch and harmonic warmth that cuts through a mix without sacrificing vintage authenticity. Choose it for a serious upgrade that responds naturally to pick attack and amp dynamics while staying road-reliable under demanding conditions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Blues
- ✓ Country
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Indie
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Djent
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What positions does the STL-3 come in, and can I get a model with switchable outputs?
The STL-3 is available for both neck (rhythm) and bridge (lead) positions. Seymour Duncan also offers the STL-3T, an optional tapped dual-output model that lets you switch between different tonal characters in the same pickup.
Is the STL-3 suitable for metal or high-gain genres?
The STL-3 is specifically designed for blues, country, rock, and indie tones and is not recommended for metal or djent styles. Its articulate, punchy character prioritizes clarity and vintage warmth over the extreme output and saturation those genres typically demand.
How does the wax potting help with live performance?
Wax potting eliminates microphonic squeal and feedback, which is critical for players who push gain or perform at high volumes on stage. This makes the pickup stable and reliable under demanding live conditions.
What output level should I expect compared to stock Tele pickups?
With a DC resistance of 17.38K ohms, the STL-3 sits in the medium-hot range, delivering more punch and presence than stock Tele pickups while preserving brightness and articulation. It's designed to cut through a mix without becoming shrill.
Will this pickup work with my existing Tele wiring?
Yes. The STL-3 features PVC cable-wire connectivity that integrates cleanly into most standard Telecaster wiring schemes, making installation straightforward for intermediate and advanced players.
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