4 way switch concern

I'm looking to replace the pickups in my tele. I currrently have fender noiseless pickups in it with a 4 way switch and want to go with something like fender OV's or SD antiquities. The tech at a local music store is telling me hat if I install those pups I will have to lose the 4 way switch. I'd like to keep the 4 way. Is the tech right about losing the 4 way switch?

Yes and no. In order to use a 4 way switch, you need a separate ground for your neck pickup cover. Most pickups do not come with a separate ground, but it is not a big deal to add that separate ground wire. It will probably void the pickup warranty if they don't do it for you at the factory, though maybe certain manufacturers will allow the tech at a dealer to do it. I've never asked that question, but maybe I should.

Hard to believe the tech didn't say he could add that ground wire for you. Probably time to find a new tech.

Thanks for the response Kokotele. I've already run a separate ground from the pickup cover on the noiseless neck. He was telling me that the 4 way was impossible because the fender noiseless were humbuckers and the OV's are single coil.

Wha? I really think it's time to start consulting a new tech :-) That's just silly.

Wha? I really think it's time to start consulting a new tech :-) That's just silly.

For sure.

I've got OV's with a four-way. Excellent set up, works just fine. Get a new tech.

:roll:

The guitar tech has been summarily dismissed and been advised to remove his cranium from his rectum. Thanks for the input guys!!

I've got OV's with a four-way. Excellent set up, works just fine. Get a new tech.
Me too, not a problem. And the tech has some strange info going.

The guitar tech has been summarily dismissed and been advised to remove his cranium from his rectum. Thanks for the input guys!!

Good move. I don't whether you're interested in them or not but as another alternative you could also look at a set of Keystones which already have a separate ground wire attached.

that fellow doesn't deserve to be called a 'tech' given what he's telling you is totally inaccurate ( as well as demonstrating little understanding of fundamental pickup electronics--and that's not rocket science!)
Stay well clear of him and learn to DIY (as well as keeping asking questions around here!)