The Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic guitars in history, and it remains a favorite among players of all levels. However, some players crave more tonal options from their Telecasters, and that’s where the 4-way wiring mod comes in. This mod adds a fourth pickup position to the standard Tele wiring, providing a series connection between the two pickups in the middle position. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of wiring your Telecaster for the 4-way mod.
Tools and Materials
Before we get started, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials:
Tools | Materials |
---|---|
Soldering iron | 4-way switch |
Solder | Wire (22 gauge) |
Wire cutters/strippers | Control plate (optional) |
Phillips head screwdriver |
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to wire your Telecaster for the 4-way mod:
Step 1: Remove the control plate
Using your Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws holding the control plate to the body of the guitar. Carefully remove the plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Identify the wires
Locate the wires coming from the pickups and the switch. The two pickups will have a hot (positive) wire and a ground (negative) wire. The switch will have six lugs (solder points) and a ground lug (often labeled “GND”).
Step 3: Install the new switch
Remove the old switch by desoldering the wires from the lugs. Install the new 4-way switch by soldering the wires back onto the appropriate lugs. Refer to the table below for the correct wiring configuration.
Switch Lug | Wire Color | Connection |
---|---|---|
1 | No connection | |
2 | Black | Ground (to volume pot or separate ground wire) |
3 | Yellow | Neck pickup hot |
4 | Red | Bridge pickup hot |
5 | White | Series link (connect to lug 3) |
6 | No connection | |
GND | Bare or green | Ground (to volume pot or separate ground wire) |
Step 4: Reinstall the control plate
Carefully feed the wires back through the holes in the body of the guitar and reinstall the control plate with its screws.
Step 5: Test the wiring
Plug your Telecaster into an amp and test the wiring. Make sure all positions work as expected, and that the series link (middle position) sounds different from the other positions. If everything checks out, you’re done!
FAQ
What is the 4-way wiring mod?
The 4-way wiring mod is a modification to the standard Telecaster wiring that adds a fourth pickup position. This position connects the two pickups in series, providing a thicker and more powerful tone than the traditional middle position.
Is the 4-way mod reversible?
Yes, the 4-way mod is reversible. Simply remove the 4-way switch and reinstall the original switch, reconnecting the wires as they were originally.
Will the 4-way mod work with any Telecaster?
In general, the 4-way mod should work with any Telecaster that has two pickups and a three-way switch. However, some models may use different wiring configurations that could affect the mod’s compatibility.
Do I need any special tools to wire my Telecaster for the 4-way mod?
The tools required for the 4-way mod are relatively basic: a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters/strippers, and a Phillips head screwdriver. You’ll also need a 4-way switch and some wire (22 gauge).
Is the 4-way mod worth the effort?
That’s a matter of personal preference. Some players swear by the 4-way mod, while others prefer the traditional Telecaster wiring. Give it a try and see if it works for you!