The Fender Telecaster is a legendary guitar that has been used by countless musicians for over 50 years. One of the unique features of the Telecaster is the S1 switch, which allows you to change the wiring of the guitar to achieve different tones. In this article, we will discuss the Fender Tele S1 switch wiring diagram and how it can be used to achieve different sounds.
What is the S1 Switch?
The S1 switch is a small button located on the top of the volume knob on the Telecaster. It is a simple on/off switch that changes the wiring of the guitar’s pickups to give you a wider range of tone options. When the S1 switch is off, the guitar’s electronics are wired in a standard Telecaster configuration. When the switch is on, the wiring is changed, and you can access new sounds.
What Does the S1 Switch Do?
When the S1 switch is engaged, it activates a parallel circuit that is wired directly to the volume pot. This circuit allows you to access a wider range of sounds by using both pickups together in series and parallel configurations. The switch also allows you to use the pickups out of phase, which creates a unique twangy tone.
With the S1 switch on, you have six wiring options to choose from. The options include:
| Position | Wiring | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard Telecaster | Classic country twang |
| 2 | Series | Fatter, warmer tone |
| 3 | Parallel | Brighter, more articulate tone |
| 4 | Out of Phase | Thin, twangy tone |
| 5 | Series/Parallel | Thick, creamy tone |
| 6 | Series/Out of Phase | Quacky tone with a lot of midrange |
Wiring Diagrams
Standard Telecaster Wiring Diagram:
The standard Telecaster wiring diagram is the wiring that is used when the S1 switch is off. The wiring diagram is as follows:
In this diagram, the pickups are wired in parallel, and the tone control pot is connected to the bridge pickup. This wiring produces a classic Telecaster sound.
Series Wiring Diagram:
The series wiring diagram is used when the S1 switch is in the second position. The wiring diagram is as follows:
In this diagram, the pickups are wired in series, which produces a fatter, warmer tone. The tone control pot is still connected to the bridge pickup.
Parallel Wiring Diagram:
The parallel wiring diagram is used when the S1 switch is in the third position. The wiring diagram is as follows:
In this diagram, the pickups are wired in parallel, which produces a brighter, more articulate tone. The tone control pot is still connected to the bridge pickup.
Out of Phase Wiring Diagram:
The out of phase wiring diagram is used when the S1 switch is in the fourth position. The wiring diagram is as follows:
In this diagram, the pickups are wired out of phase, which produces a thin, twangy tone. The tone control pot is still connected to the bridge pickup.
Series/Parallel Wiring Diagram:
The series/parallel wiring diagram is used when the S1 switch is in the fifth position. The wiring diagram is as follows:
In this diagram, the pickups are wired in a series/parallel hybrid configuration, which produces a thick, creamy tone. The tone control pot is still connected to the bridge pickup.
Series/Out of Phase Wiring Diagram:
The series/out of phase wiring diagram is used when the S1 switch is in the sixth position. The wiring diagram is as follows:
In this diagram, the pickups are wired in a series/out of phase hybrid configuration, which produces a quacky tone with a lot of midrange. The tone control pot is still connected to the bridge pickup.
FAQs
What does the S1 switch do on a Telecaster?
The S1 switch on a Telecaster changes the wiring of the guitar’s pickups to allow you to access a wider range of tones. When the switch is off, the guitar is wired in a standard Telecaster configuration. When the switch is on, you can access new sounds by using both pickups together in series and parallel configurations, as well as out of phase configurations.
What are the different wiring options with the S1 switch?
With the S1 switch on, you have six wiring options to choose from. The options include:
| Position | Wiring | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard Telecaster | Classic country twang |
| 2 | Series | Fatter, warmer tone |
| 3 | Parallel | Brighter, more articulate tone |
| 4 | Out of Phase | Thin, twangy tone |
| 5 | Series/Parallel | Thick, creamy tone |
| 6 | Series/Out of Phase | Quacky tone with a lot of midrange |
How do I wire my Telecaster for the S1 switch?
The wiring for the Telecaster S1 switch can be complicated, so it is recommended that you have an experienced guitar technician do the installation for you. However, if you are experienced with guitar wiring, you can find wiring diagrams online or in guitar wiring books.
Can I add an S1 switch to my Telecaster?
If your Telecaster does not already have an S1 switch, you can have one installed by an experienced guitar technician. The installation process can be complicated, so it is recommended that you have a professional do the installation for you.
What is the difference between the S1 switch and the 4-way switch on a Telecaster?
Both the S1 switch and the 4-way switch on a Telecaster allow you to access new tones, but they work in different ways. The S1 switch changes the wiring of the pickups to achieve new sounds, while the 4-way switch swaps the connections of the pickups to achieve different combinations of pickups.
What are some popular songs that use a Telecaster?
Many famous songs have been recorded using Telecasters, including:
- “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
- “Creep” by Radiohead
- “Mother” by Pink Floyd
The Telecaster has a unique sound that has been used in many different genres of music, from country to rock to alternative.
Conclusion
The Fender Telecaster is a classic guitar with a unique sound that has been used by some of the greatest musicians in history. The S1 switch allows you to access new tones and expand the range of sounds that you can achieve with the guitar. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, the Telecaster is a versatile and reliable guitar that can be used in a wide range of musical styles.
