Telecaster pickup question

[mechanic]

I have a made in China Telecaster clone that was a present from my wife.
It has decent action and isn't too bad of a guitar for the most part.
It's neck pickup sucks though and needs to be changed.
I'm looking for vintage telecaster tone as I play alot of old school (think Buck Owens era) country tunes.
Can someone recommend a good sounding Telecaster neck pickup?
Preferably one that doesn't cost more than the guitar did?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Eric

 

[marnold]

Check out the Bill Lawrence Keystones. Someone on the old Squier 51 modding site put the tele set in a Squier Tele and they sounded awesome--just what you seem to be describing. Last I heard they were about $65 for a set.

 

[hubberjub]

Check out the Bill Lawrence Keystones. Someone on the old Squier 51 modding site put the tele set in a Squier Tele and they sounded awesome--just what you seem to be describing. Last I heard they were about $65 for a set.

I'll second that. I was just going to place an order for a Strat set today. Tele sets are $57 if you don't need a chrome cover for the neck pickup and $64 with the cover.

 

[markb]

+1 on the BL Keystones. You might also look out for a Fender Twisted Tele or Modern Vintage neck pickup on eBay. They're both great neck pickups with a lot more clarity than others.
Many people speak very highly of the GFS Fatbody Alnico neck unit too, I'd pair it with their 60's bridge pup for Bakersfield tones.