The 52T (1952 to 1955) Telecaster lead pickup...
This is the 'second generation' pickup design as
originally used
in
early 'Blackguard' style Telecasters from 1952 to 1955.
This
pickup has many modifications compared to the original
'50B' pickup. First, the coil wire gauge was increased
from 43 to 42 gauge wire to
make the pickup more
even in volume when played with the original rhythm
pickup. The magnets were also changed from Alnico III to
Alnico V for
a brighter, twangier
response to high notes, and the 'twang plate' was changed
from zinc to copper plated steel for easier soldering.

First, we start out with a pair
of our own hand machined Forbon (vulcanized fiber) bobbin
plates made right in house.
Then we assemble the
bobbin with the correct size Alnico V magnets and insulate
the bobbin with a coat of nitrocellulose lacquer
to protect the coil
windings. Then we wind the pickup's coil with period
correct 42 gauge plain enamel wire to customer
specification,
and overwrap the coil with a protective coat of white
string. The pickup is now potted in a black wax bath
to solidify the coil and protect it, a copper plated steel
'twang plate' is added, 'vintage style' cloth covered
hookup wire
is added to the pickup, and the pickup is repotted to
reduce microphonics. Once the pickup has cooled,
it is tested for power, tone, and microphonics, and a data
sheet is written for each pickup.
This pickup is also available in 'RW/RP' (reversed coil
winding direction and magnetic polarity)
for players who want a
'humcancelling' effect in the middle pickup switch
position when used
with the matching 50R
rhythm pickup. If you play with high gain amplifiers and
would like your
pickup made without a twang plate for microphonics
reasons, we can also custom make
your pickups with the height screw holes threaded just
like on a Stratocaster's pickup!
Price $74.95 each