nashville tele pickups

Nashville Tele Pickups: Exploring Tone and Versatility

Nashville Tele pickups, often referring to the addition of a Stratocaster-style single-coil pickup in the middle position of a Telecaster, dramatically expand the tonal palette of this classic guitar. This modification offers players a blend of the Tele’s signature twang with the bell-like chime of a Strat, opening up a wide range of sonic possibilities.

This configuration is a favourite among country, rock, and blues guitarists seeking greater versatility without sacrificing the core Telecaster sound.

The Nashville Telecaster: A Brief History

The Nashville Tele modification isn’t an official Fender model, but rather a popular aftermarket alteration. Originating within Nashville’s vibrant session scene, where guitarists needed a diverse array of tones to cover various musical styles, adding a middle Strat pickup became a common solution. The Fender Telecaster‘s popularity and simple design made it an ideal platform for this kind of modification. This customization allows players to get close to iconic Telecaster tones.

Tonal Characteristics and Benefits

The primary benefit of a Nashville Tele setup is its expanded tonal range. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Classic Tele Tone: The bridge and neck pickups retain the traditional Telecaster sound – bright and twangy in the bridge, warm and round in the neck.
• Stratocaster Quack: The middle Strat pickup introduces the distinctive “quack” and bell-like tones associated with Stratocasters, particularly in the 2nd and 4th switch positions (bridge/middle and neck/middle).
• Combined Tones: The addition of the middle pickup allows for unique combinations not possible on a standard Tele, creating fuller and more complex sounds, especially useful for rhythm playing and clean leads.
• Versatility: Covering a wider range of genres becomes much easier. From chicken pickin’ country to bluesy overdrive, a Nashville Tele can handle it all.

Wiring and Switching

Typically, a Nashville Tele utilizes a five-way switch, similar to a Stratocaster. The switch positions usually correspond to the following pickup combinations:

1. Bridge pickup
2. Bridge and middle pickups
3. Middle pickup
4. Neck and middle pickups
5. Neck pickup

However, some players opt for custom wiring schemes to achieve different pickup combinations or to add features like coil splitting or series/parallel wiring, further expanding the guitar’s tonal possibilities.

Choosing Pickups

The choice of pickups is crucial in achieving the desired tone. Many aftermarket pickup manufacturers offer sets specifically designed for Nashville Tele configurations. Consider the following:

• Output Level: Match the output level of the middle pickup to the bridge and neck pickups for balanced volume across all positions.
• Tone: Choose pickups with tonal characteristics that complement each other. For example, a vintage-style bridge and neck paired with a slightly hotter middle pickup can create a versatile setup.
• Brand: Reputable brands like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Lollar, and Fender themselves offer excellent options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Telecaster and a Nashville Telecaster?

A standard Telecaster has two pickups (bridge and neck), while a Nashville Tele adds a third Stratocaster-style pickup in the middle position. This third pickup increases the guitar’s tonal versatility.

Is it difficult to convert a regular Telecaster to a Nashville Tele?

The conversion involves routing a cavity for the middle pickup and rewiring the electronics. It’s generally recommended to have a professional guitar technician perform the modification.

Does adding a middle pickup change the classic Telecaster sound?

While the middle pickup expands the tonal options, the core Telecaster sound of the bridge and neck pickups remains intact. The middle pickup adds versatility without completely sacrificing the original character.

What kind of music is a Nashville Tele good for?

Nashville Teles are excellent for a wide range of genres including country, rock, blues, pop, and funk. The added versatility makes them suitable for session work and live performances.

Are Nashville Telecasters more expensive than regular Telecasters?

Since Nashville Teles are often modifications of existing Telecasters, the overall cost depends on the price of the original guitar plus the cost of the pickup, routing, and wiring.

Summary

The Nashville Tele configuration is a popular and effective way to enhance the tonal versatility of a Telecaster. By adding a middle Strat pickup, players gain access to a wider range of sounds, making it a valuable modification for those seeking greater flexibility without abandoning the iconic Tele twang.