Nashville Tele Wiring: Unleashing Versatility in Your Telecaster
Nashville Tele wiring adds a middle pickup to the traditional Telecaster configuration, significantly expanding tonal possibilities. This modification enables a wider range of sounds, blending the classic Tele twang with Strat-like tones. Essentially, Nashville wiring gives your Telecaster the flexibility to mimic some of the tones associated with a Stratocaster, particularly positions 2 and 4 on a 5-way switch.
What is Nashville Tele Wiring?
Nashville Tele wiring involves installing a Stratocaster-style single-coil pickup between the traditional Telecaster bridge and neck pickups. This requires routing space for the new pickup in the body of the guitar (if it doesn’t already have a “swimming pool” route) and often replacing the stock 3-way switch with a 5-way switch. The 5-way switch allows for new pickup combinations that weren’t possible with the traditional Tele configuration. The Telecaster originally featured only two pickups.
Benefits of Nashville Tele Wiring
The primary benefit is increased tonal versatility. The 5-way switch provides the following positions:
* **Position 1:** Bridge Pickup
* **Position 2:** Bridge and Middle Pickup (in parallel)
* **Position 3:** Middle Pickup
* **Position 4:** Middle and Neck Pickup (in parallel)
* **Position 5:** Neck Pickup
Positions 2 and 4 offer scooped-midrange tones similar to the “quack” found on Stratocasters, making the Nashville Tele a versatile choice for various musical styles. It blends the Tele’s characteristic bite with the smoother tones of a Strat.
Considerations Before Wiring
Before undertaking a Nashville Tele wiring project, consider the following:
* **Routing:** Check if your Telecaster body has enough space for the middle pickup. Some guitars require professional routing.
* **Pickup Selection:** Choose a Strat-style single-coil that complements your existing Telecaster pickups. Consider output and tonal characteristics.
* **Wiring Diagram:** Follow a reliable wiring diagram to ensure correct connections. Several reputable diagrams are available online.
* **Potentiometers and Capacitor:** Ensure the pot values (typically 250k) and capacitor value (typically 0.047uF) are suitable for the pickups being used.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Is Nashville Tele wiring difficult to do?**
A: It depends on your soldering and wiring experience. Routing the body for the middle pickup can be challenging and might require professional assistance. The wiring itself is relatively straightforward if you follow a clear diagram.
**Q: What kind of middle pickup should I use?**
A: A standard Stratocaster single-coil is the most common choice. However, experiment with different output levels and tonal characteristics to find a pickup that complements your bridge and neck pickups.
**Q: Does Nashville Tele wiring change the original Tele tone?**
A: It enhances the tonal palette. Positions 1 and 5 still deliver the traditional Telecaster tones, while positions 2, 3, and 4 offer Strat-like sounds.
**Q: Do I need to change my pots and capacitor?**
A: Using 250k pots and a 0.047uF capacitor is a good starting point for most Nashville Tele configurations. However, you can experiment with different values to fine-tune the tone.
**Q: Will a Nashville Tele sound exactly like a Strat?**
A: No, it will not sound *exactly* like a Strat. The body wood, bridge design, and scale length still contribute to the overall tonal character, so it’s more like a Tele with added Strat-like tones.
Summary
Nashville Tele wiring is a popular modification that significantly expands the tonal capabilities of a Telecaster. By adding a middle pickup and a 5-way switch, players gain access to a wider range of sounds, including Strat-like tones, while retaining the core Telecaster characteristics. While the modification requires careful planning and execution, the resulting versatility makes it a worthwhile project for many Telecaster enthusiasts.
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