My first tele mods

[scantron81]

Hey guys,
I'm new around here. Now that finals are over with, I'm planning on doing my first tele mods next week.

1. I've got a 4 way switch on the way so I can switch my pups out of phase.

2. I have a question, how much of a difference do the compensated brass saddles make? I'm considering making the swap so long as they make intonation easier and actually do affect the tone.

3. I'm thinking about swapping out pickups but I'm now 100% sure yet. I like the thin/raunchy tone I get now but I wonder if I would enjoy a pickup upgrade. Perhaps I shouldn't mess with a good thing but I'd like your input.

[boris bubbanov]

Welcome!

Remember when you rewire 4 way to solder that new lead on coming off the Tele neck pup cover.

I find the compensated brass barrel saddles do have a more tasty sound that so many steel ones - I think you're showing us a MIM Classic '60s and if so I think you will like the result.

And if I am seeing that image right, then yes, I recommend you try a set of Fender No-Caster pups in there. They noise cancel in positions 2 and 4, they have a thicker sound which I like, and the bridge pickup especially is many times better. With that crucial base plate.

[Staggered Mag]

The compensated saddles will really help intonation. If they are brass the guitar will sound a little warmer.

[justshane]

I am the same scantron81, just getting ready to make my first mods to my Tele. I just got a FSR Ash MIM Telecaster and it plays really, really well. The action and everything is dialed in just right. I would like to make a few changes though to kind of "upgrade" it. My style leans a little towards the jazz/pop vein so that is what I am going towards. I was looking at the Wilkinson Compensated 3 Saddle-Brass bridge as one of my first mods. Will this just fit directly to my MIM Telecaster? Also, I was thinking about changing out the tuners and the pickups. Does anyone know of any tuners that would just drop-in without having to make any changes or drill or rout anything? And finally, pickups, do you think that the "No-Caster" pickups would work for me as well?

[scantron81]

I took my tele to my guitar guy yesterday. Getting the nocaster pickups, brass compensated saddles, and 4 way switch installed before leaving for summer tour. I'm excited about pulling some new tones out of my favorite guitar!

1-bridge
2-bridge/neck
3- neck
4-bridge/neck beefier tone

I'm so anxious. Perhaps some of you can share some nocaster pickups or 4-way switch stories to help me pass the time???

[scantron81]

got my guitar back from the shop today. $75 for my brass saddles, nocaster p'ups, nickel strings, 4 way switch installed and a set-up. My guitar guy is awesome! SOunds great. Just in time for our Athfest show and our sumer tour.