The Telecaster is an iconic guitar that has been around for decades. It is known for its bright, twangy tone, but some players prefer a thicker, more powerful sound. That’s where the humbucker comes in. In this article, we will explore the tele humbucker wiring diagram and how it can take your sound to the next level.
What is a Humbucker?
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, let’s first understand what a humbucker is. A humbucker is a type of guitar pickup that uses two coils to cancel out the hum and noise that single-coil pickups are prone to. This results in a thicker, more powerful sound that is often associated with rock and heavy metal music.
Humbuckers are typically larger than single-coil pickups, and they usually have a higher output. They are also known for their warmer tone and increased sustain. In short, if you want a thicker, more powerful sound from your Telecaster, a humbucker is the way to go.
The Tele Humbucker Wiring Diagram
Now that we’ve covered the basics of humbuckers, let’s move on to the wiring diagram. There are several different ways to wire a humbucker into a Telecaster, but we’ll cover the most common method. This diagram assumes that you already have a Telecaster with a single-coil bridge pickup and a single-coil neck pickup.
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Ground |
| White | Series Link |
| Red | Hot Output |
| Black | North Coil Start |
| Bare | Ground |
| Shield | Ground |
Before we go any further, it’s important to note that wiring your guitar can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with the process. If you’re not comfortable with the wiring process, it’s best to take your guitar to a professional. That being said, let’s continue.
Step 1: Remove the Bridge Pickup
To install the humbucker, you’ll need to remove the bridge pickup. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the pickup in place, and gently pull the pickup out of the guitar.
Step 2: Install the Humbucker
Next, you’ll need to install the humbucker in the same spot where the bridge pickup was. Place the humbucker in the cavity and use the screws from the bridge pickup to secure it in place.
Step 3: Connect the Ground Wire
Locate the green wire on the humbucker and connect it to the ground wire of the guitar. This is usually a bare wire that is attached to the back of the volume pot.
Step 4: Connect the Series Link Wire
Locate the white wire on the humbucker and connect it to the hot output wire of the neck pickup. This is usually the wire that is attached to the switch.
Step 5: Connect the Hot Output Wire
Locate the red wire on the humbucker and connect it to the hot output wire of the guitar. This is usually the wire that is attached to the volume pot.
Step 6: Connect the North Coil Start Wire
Locate the black wire on the humbucker and connect it to the north coil start wire of the humbucker. This is usually the wire that is closest to the bridge.
Step 7: Connect the Ground Wires
Finally, connect the bare and shield wires of the humbucker to the ground wire of the guitar. This is usually a bare wire that is attached to the back of the volume pot.
FAQ
Can I install a humbucker in my Telecaster?
Yes, you can install a humbucker in your Telecaster. However, you’ll need to make sure that the humbucker fits in the bridge pickup cavity. Some Teles have a larger cavity that can accommodate a humbucker, while others may require some modifications.
What are some benefits of using a humbucker in a Telecaster?
There are several benefits to using a humbucker in a Telecaster. First and foremost, you’ll get a thicker, more powerful sound that is ideal for genres like rock and heavy metal. Additionally, humbuckers are less prone to noise and hum, which can be especially helpful if you play in a noisy environment.
Do I need to modify my Telecaster to install a humbucker?
It depends on your specific Telecaster. Some Teles have a larger bridge pickup cavity that can accommodate a humbucker without any modifications. Others may require some modifications, such as routing out the cavity or installing a new pickguard.
Can I use a split-coil humbucker in my Telecaster?
Yes, you can use a split-coil humbucker in your Telecaster. This will allow you to switch between humbucker and single-coil sounds, giving you more tonal options.
Can I wire two humbuckers into my Telecaster?
Yes, you can wire two humbuckers into your Telecaster. However, this will require some additional wiring and modifications, such as a new pickguard with space for two humbuckers.
Conclusion
The tele humbucker wiring diagram is a great way to upgrade your Telecaster and achieve a thicker, more powerful sound. While wiring your guitar can be a daunting task, following this diagram should make the process a bit easier. As always, if you’re not comfortable with wiring your guitar, it’s best to take it to a professional. Happy playing!
