Fender Nashville Pickguard: A Telecaster Enhancement
The Fender Nashville pickguard is a popular modification for Telecaster guitars, allowing for the incorporation of a middle Stratocaster pickup. This configuration, often associated with country and rock players, expands the tonal palette of the classic Telecaster, adding a versatile “quack” often found in Stratocasters.
Implementing a Nashville pickguard is more than just aesthetics; it represents a functional upgrade that can dramatically alter your instrument’s sonic capabilities.
What is a Nashville Pickguard?
A Nashville pickguard is a replacement pickguard for a Telecaster guitar specifically designed to accommodate an additional single-coil pickup in the middle position, typically a Stratocaster-style pickup. Standard Telecasters have two pickups: one in the bridge and one in the neck. The Nashville pickguard creates space for a third pickup between these two, significantly increasing the guitar’s tonal versatility.
Benefits of Using a Nashville Pickguard
The main benefit of a Nashville pickguard lies in the expanded tonal possibilities it offers. With three pickups, a Nashville Telecaster typically has a 5-way selector switch, similar to a Stratocaster, allowing for combinations like:
- Bridge
- Bridge and Middle
- Middle
- Middle and Neck
- Neck
This allows players to access classic Telecaster tones along with the “in-between” sounds reminiscent of a Stratocaster, making the guitar far more versatile for different musical styles. You can check Fender Telecaster history on Wikipedia for more detailed informations.
Installation and Considerations
Installing a Nashville pickguard usually requires more than just swapping the pickguard itself. You’ll need to:
- Route the body of the Telecaster to create space for the middle pickup (unless the body is already routed for this configuration).
- Install the middle pickup.
- Wire the new pickup to a 5-way selector switch.
- Potentially replace the potentiometers (pots) and capacitor.
Due to the complexity, many players choose to have a professional guitar technician install a Nashville pickguard. Some manufacturers sell pre-wired Nashville pickguards with all the necessary components, simplifying the process. However, routing the body might still be necessary.
Aesthetics and Customization
Nashville pickguards come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles, allowing players to customize the look of their Telecaster. Common materials include plastic (various types like ABS, PVC), acrylic, and even more exotic materials like wood or metal. Color options are virtually limitless, and you can find pickguards with different textures, patterns, and engravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a Nashville Telecaster?
A Nashville Telecaster provides a wider range of tonal options compared to a standard Telecaster by adding a middle Stratocaster pickup, creating Strat-like “quack” tones.
Is a Nashville Telecaster better?
Whether a Nashville Telecaster is “better” depends on personal preference. It’s more versatile, but some players prefer the simplicity and classic sound of a standard Telecaster.
What are the pickup positions on a Nashville Telecaster?
The pickup positions are bridge, bridge and middle, middle, middle and neck, and neck, similar to a Stratocaster.
Can I install a Nashville pickguard on any Telecaster?
Generally, yes, but you’ll likely need to route the body to create space for the middle pickup unless your Telecaster body is already routed to accommodate a middle pickup.
Does a Nashville Telecaster change the value of the guitar?
It depends. For some, it enhances the guitar’s value due to its versatility. For others, especially collectors, it might slightly decrease the value if the guitar is vintage or considered a collector’s item.
Summary
The Fender Nashville pickguard is a fantastic option for Telecaster players seeking to expand their guitar’s sonic capabilities. By adding a middle pickup, it unlocks a range of new tones and positions, making the Telecaster a more versatile instrument. While installation can be more complex than a simple pickguard swap, the resulting tonal possibilities can be well worth the effort.
Leave a Reply