The Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic guitars in the history of music. Known for its twangy sound and simple design, this guitar has been played by countless musicians over the years. One of the key components of the Telecaster is its pickups. While the original pickups had a lot of character, they were also known for producing a lot of noise. Thankfully, Fender has come up with a solution: the Telecaster Noiseless pickups. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the wiring diagram for these pickups, so you can get the most out of your Telecaster.
What Are Telecaster Noiseless Pickups?
As the name suggests, the Telecaster Noiseless pickups are designed to reduce the amount of unwanted noise that can come from a guitar’s pickups. This noise can be caused by a number of factors, including interference from other electronic devices, poor grounding, or even just the natural hum that comes from single-coil pickups. While some musicians enjoy the character that this noise can add to a guitar’s sound, others find it distracting and frustrating.
The Telecaster Noiseless pickups are designed to address this issue while still maintaining the classic Telecaster sound. They use a different type of magnet than the traditional single-coil pickups, which helps to reduce interference and noise. Additionally, they are wound in a way that reduces the hum and noise that can come from single-coil pickups.
Wiring Diagram for Telecaster Noiseless Pickups
If you’re installing Telecaster Noiseless pickups in your guitar, you’ll need to know how to wire them properly. Here’s a diagram that shows the wiring for these pickups:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Hot Output |
| Bare | Ground |
| Black | Ground |
| Red | Ground (to bridge) |
| White | Ground (to bridge) |
It’s important to note that this wiring diagram is specific to Fender Telecaster guitars with Noiseless pickups. If you have a different guitar or different pickups, the wiring may be different.
How to Install Telecaster Noiseless Pickups
If you’re comfortable with some basic guitar maintenance, you should be able to install Telecaster Noiseless pickups yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You’ll need a few basic tools to install your new pickups, including a soldering iron, solder, wire cutters, and a screwdriver. Make sure you have everything you need before you start.
Step 2: Remove the Old Pickups
Before you can install your new pickups, you’ll need to remove the old ones. This usually involves removing the pickguard or control plate, unscrewing the old pickups, and disconnecting the wires. Keep track of which wires go where, as you’ll need to reconnect them later.
Step 3: Install the New Pickups
Once you’ve removed the old pickups, you can install your new Telecaster Noiseless pickups. This usually involves screwing them into place and connecting the wires according to the wiring diagram.
Step 4: Test Your Guitar
Once you’ve installed your new pickups, it’s a good idea to test your guitar to make sure everything is working properly. You may need to adjust the height of the pickups, as well as the tone and volume controls, to get the sound you want. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you may want to take your guitar to a professional for setup.
FAQ
Do Telecaster Noiseless pickups sound different than traditional Tele pickups?
Yes, Telecaster Noiseless pickups do have a slightly different sound than traditional single-coil Tele pickups. While they still have the twangy, bright sound that Telecasters are known for, they are designed to reduce noise and interference, which can make them sound a bit smoother.
Can I use Telecaster Noiseless pickups with other types of guitars?
The Telecaster Noiseless pickups are designed specifically for Fender Telecaster guitars, so they may not work as well with other types of guitars. That being said, some musicians have had success using them in other guitars, so it’s worth experimenting if you’re interested in trying them out.
Do I need to modify my guitar to use Telecaster Noiseless pickups?
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t need to do any major modifications to your guitar to install Telecaster Noiseless pickups. However, you may need to make some minor adjustments to the height of the pickups and the tone and volume controls to get the sound you want.
Are Telecaster Noiseless pickups worth the extra cost?
That ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. If you’re someone who is bothered by the noise and interference that can come from single-coil pickups, then the Telecaster Noiseless pickups may be worth the extra cost. However, if you enjoy the character and grit that comes from traditional single-coil pickups, you may be better off sticking with those.
Can I install Telecaster Noiseless pickups myself?
If you’re comfortable with some basic guitar maintenance, you should be able to install Telecaster Noiseless pickups yourself. However, if you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s always a good idea to take your guitar to a professional for setup.
With the Telecaster Noiseless pickups and the proper wiring, you can get the classic Telecaster sound without the unwanted noise. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, these pickups are a great choice for anyone who wants to get the most out of their Telecaster. So give them a try and see how they can improve your sound!
