5 tele mods under $100.00 - DIY Tele Upgrades

[@DizzySaxophone]

"teles are blank slate." so true. A tele can be a tele, a strat, a les paul, a gretsch, or any combination of those. It really is such an amazingly flexible platform.

[@chippsterstephens6800]

This is false a tele sounds like a tele. Nothing like a Strat and definitely not anything like a LP.

[@DizzySaxophone]

@@chippsterstephens6800 except you can get teles with double humbucker and 4 knobs, or you can do a Nashville and put strat pickups in instead. Or you can put in filtertrons. The tele body is a blank slate that can be used, and is used regularly for those sounds. Maybe not a strat often, but the others are common tele types.

[@richardbspeck147]

I've a SX Telecaster Lefty, replaced the pickup's with Fender Custom Shop, Texas Special. Swapped pick guard to Black. Upgraded pots to 250K, replaced string's to 0.13 gauge, tuned to Drop C# kept the mustard colour. Posted a photo on Google Australian Tour Guide & got 56,000+ views.

[@globalnova]

Alpha pots are generally fine, if they work there's no need to replace them to CTS just for the hell of it.

[@chippsterstephens6800]

Look at the white sheet on an Alfa pot and a CTS. Ohhh wait Alfa doesn’t publish white sheets. And that’s a problem. I am an engineer, alfa pots suck. CTS don’t.

[@globalnova]

@@chippsterstephens6800 ok boss

[@dejannisic9770]

I did exactly same thing, bought dirt cheap Chinese obvious tele knockoff under 100$, started improving things one at the time, bridge, tuning machines, did fret job, neck job, action job and intonation job by myself, important thing it will let you know much more about your instrument, got different pickups, cheap but much better than what it came with stocked, and it sounds nice to my ear, so I got Epiphone Humbucker (ones with ROHS sticker) neck pickup and random 15 kOhm Zebra bridge pickup, but for me it sounds really nice, I'm thinking about doing some switching of electronic in the future, it works fine now, but I just want to experiment, serial vs paralel, coil split vs humbucker and similar stuff, I also like your idea of combining that jack with electro socket, it feels secure, a lot of useful tips I've got from you, for example thanks to watching your video I realized I put one of humbuckers out of phase, luckily one of them had all 4 wires out so it was easy to switch polarity on that one and change witch wire will join ground , now middle position sounds awesome. in the end I've decided to cover fake Fender logo and just put piece of reflective tape over the headstock, and it looks really sick. thanks a lot for tips and advices, we might be looking for a different tone, but your tips are useful in common sense of what instrument player should know about his instrument

[@monstroguitars4550]

That's not a bad price for such a huge tone upgrade. Your channel is awesome. So much information. Thanks

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

I like that bridge, top mount AND through body mount! I don't think there's any tonal difference having tried both but still nice to have the option. I went with individual Graph Tech String saver saddles on my FSR Bullet Tele. For anyone who hasn't tried your pots, they need to really check them out. Super high quality and smooth as a baby's behind to roll off or on. I put your 500k's on my 94/95 MIJ Tele and it made a tremendous difference!!!

[@jmhdsn]

My first tele mod was replacing the input jack plate with a piece of plastic I cut out of a binder, then forced holes through using a pocket knife or something. I don't know, it was 25 years ago and I was a kid. I bet these mods are way, way better though.

[@MonteD1]

4-way and a no-load tone are must do mods for any Tele.

[@caerphoto]

I put a pre-wired high-quality 4-way switch setup in my Squier Affinity Tele because I wanted that 4th position, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much better it made the regular 3 positions sound - good pots and caps apparently make more of a difference than I realised.

[@chippsterstephens6800]

Learn to solder…it’s simple.

[@whatsadoran]

These are great tips! That Electro socket one is killer, nice and flush. Gonna try that right now.

[@UncleDanBand64]

I always flip the control plate. I also install a lefty bridge, that requires a little wood removal. I find that makes the lows snappier and highs smoother.

[@BaronQ]

I've reversed the control plate on a couple of custom builds, going, volume, killswitch (instead of a tone pot - Dylan rolls his eyes.... 😆), three way switch. The volume knob placement is better for players used to say Charvels/other hot rodded guitars 🙂

[@jnparesa]

Great video Dylan!

[@mortenjrgensen6729]

Remember ! plenty of room for a locking washer `tween the cup `N`Jack . Cheers Dylan .

[@SoloSi2024]

Always like a six way bridge. The 3 saddle bridge = ice pick.

[@brianbrown543]

Next time a plane flies over while you're recording just look up at the sky, shake your fist at the plane and yell "Damn you wright brothers!"

[@emmanuellehuu8818]

Good one hahaha

[@DMSProduktions]

Indeed! That's telling ol' Greta!

[@TooBarFoo]

I've put different saddles on a oscilloscope, same guitar just change the saddle from steel, brass, bar and folded. except for lack of intonation on bar saddles their is no difference in the sound. The signal on a oscilloscope are identical. If you think it sounds different you are listening with your eyes. So it may feel different on the hand but it does not effect the sound. Again, interanion is a issue with bar saddles, and that you may hear. On a acoustic the saddle makes a massive difference as it transfers the vibration from the string to the sound board but on electric none. Personally I my best Tele mode is to flip the control plate, being able to bring the volume dynamic into playing is great. I'd recommend everyone gives it at least a try.

[@robertturtle]

Treble bleed is an easy and cheap mod if one is already replacing pots.

[@gimmeagig]

Does your wiring kit have a 3 or a 4 way switch? Do I need to make a modification to the pickups for the 4 way to work?

[@vanshankguitars]

Great video as always Dylan. I'd put a drop of red LockTite on that output jack.

[@Majik53]

On the output jack screwed into the 'cup'... After tightening the nut behind the cup, put a dot of nail polish on the nut and threads of the jack for a more secure install.

[@steverolfeca]

Lots of good info here, as usual for your channel! An question and an observation: The Puretone jack is way expensive- is it really worth that much over Switchcraft? PS: the last Telecaster I bought, came with an aftermarket 4-way switch. I love the way both pickups in series sounds- like a big, wide humbucker. I'll never buy another 3-way again.

[@kellykane312]

I use Electrosocket and pure tone output jack on all my tele style guitars

[@dioza]

cool video and nice weather

[@robert_olen]

This is awesome! Thanks for the great information.

[@ronj5485]

Hi. Maybe switch vol / tone knobs ,,5 way always in front .

[@JoeMama410]

I put a stacked pot in the tone position to provide separate tone for each pickup. I probably should get better pickups to make it worth it

[@Michaelgracon]

Thank you for the videos and information. Always helpful and educational.

[@kentravitz7395]

Do you guys not do a four way switch wiring package? You got me all excited for a second lol

[@johnCjr4671]

Whats a no load tone pot ?

[@camarotrash]

Hot Rails set with 1 meg pots. Never looked back.

[@russellives6069]

Teles are the ultimate guitar for modding. I started with a squier, but am developing a bad habit of buying stew mac kits for the bodies and necks and then making something unique from there.

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks for the upliad...RAWK!!! 🤘🏼

[@michaelmenkes8085]

I just made a couple telecasters and can offer these three cents: Metal square jack plate>$6 and better than any telecaster style Jack plug Gotoh compensated brass saddle bridges are awesome and the intonation is perfect. 4 way wiring is awesome and Stewmac sells a very high quality kit with all the parts and wires needed. Serial mode is like adding a neck humbucker. It’s a telecaster that chugs.

[@johnsieff2921]

I use the square plates on imports, but won't drill the extra holes on a REAL Tele.

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

What a cool video. I've been thinking about my Tele too.

[@PherotoneStudios]

Great audio. Which mic are you using?

[@ronj5485]

I'm gonna do that tonight .. on my Jay Turser orange-black Tele

[@BluegillGreg]

You are the Voice of Reason on YT Guitar, thank you. I've looked at the wiring kit on your site. Is that switch 3-way or 4-way?

[@paulgibby6932]

Great presentation! Thanks

[@edwinwise6751]

My s.s. player series has a lot of crackle in the electronics … especially the neck pickup ….. why?

[@aleksandrnestrato]

1:04 Oh, yes, desperately! A belly cut and a forearm slant. And maybe a contoured heel joint.

[@CrazyLazyDave]

I have a Squier Offset Telecaster...and China installed the bridge or neck slightly off resulting in the strings low E being awful close to the edge of the fret (which of course gets worse the higher up the neck you go. Not bad down low). What would you recommend as the easiest fix? I am cool with narrower string spacing. I do not feel confident in trying to re set the bridge or neck. I just need a way to move all my strings over a hair or narrow the spacing a but. The guitar is playable, it's just annoying. If it was further off I'd just move the bridge. It is unfortunately so slightly off that moving the bridge would probably be a pain in the but. (It's a 4 screw 3 saddle ash tray) I definitely don't feel confident in re setting the neck myself. I don't feel confident in messing with the neck pocket. Plus I'd have to dowel the neck etc. Sounds like something I could easily ruin.

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Loosen the neck screws...seat it in the pocket...retighten has worked for me on several with high-E issues. Didn't have to shim any of them. Follow up in how you did...Later oN 🤘🏼

[@CrazyLazyDave]

@@DJPLAYNICE I tried that already. Unfortunately it ain't moving the direction i need it to without modification. Even if I open the body holes up some, drill them bigger....I'll need to do neck pocket work I think. I could maybe be wrong. But it appears that way. Definitely would need to shave a little off the pick guard too, but that's not a big deal. But the neck is all the way against that side of the pocket already.....unless it's slightly crooked. It could be slightly crooked. I guess. PS: coincidentally I did also need to shim the neck too to get the angle right. China didn't do a great job. Even left masking tape in the pocket sides all around 😞🤦‍♂️, which is maybe what actually caused the problem. Probably wouldn't seat in the right place like that. But the bridge could just be in the wrong place.

[@DJPLAYNICE]

@@CrazyLazyDave FacePalm....Medic!!!

[@grantstewart8915]

I am currently building a tele and plan on using a P90 neck pickup. Do you sell a P90 neck and a standard tele bridge pickup set?

[@DylanTalksTone]

They are both available on the website

[@grantstewart8915]

@@DylanTalksTone Thanks

[@NathanSink]

Dylan, what is your experience with barrel saddles and a Bigsby B5 on a Tele? I’ve seen a lot of your guitars with the rocking bridge setup. Is the barrel saddle setup (like the Vibramate saddles) with a Bigsby usable (especially concerning tuning?)

[@roderickgful]

LOLLAR for Tele, FRAILENS for Strat🔥🔥

[@MrAntpre]

I Dylan do you have a video on your channel that displays your kit in action (tele pickups and wiring, and pots ... The all kit ) ?. Tks

[@DylanTalksTone]

On the website

[@MrAntpre]

@@DylanTalksTone tks I found the product page on your web site. But I was searching for a video where you would demo the sound result of your pick up set...

[@travisbartley58]

Has anyone done a No caster build with a ashtray bridge cover. I have looked at GFS XP bodies. I did a GFS jazz bass build 3years ago action is high though even after a set up from the local shop.

[@TooBarFoo]

Just shim the neck and you will be able to drop the action. I shim when ever the grub screws can be felt. Just to make sure that if the player uses a lot of muting it's comfy. The advantage of bolt-on necks.

[@jerrymacklow1452]

What about machine heads (tuners). Are they a useful thing to upgrade on a tele?

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Only if you don't like the ones you already have. I have one Squier Tele I put d'adario locking tuners on because they're self cutting and quicker to change strings on. My other Fender Tele has the Fender vintage style top speed loaders which I hate for the "B" and high "E" strings but I'll live with them. If the ones you have already work, I wouldn't waste the money.

[@jerrymacklow1452]

@@devinsinderwitcz9134 I think that applies generally. People feel a need to upgrade. Sometimes it's an improvement but sometimes it's fixing what isn't broke.

[@MaartenAnna]

You can even transform it to a baritone (Yinfente neck).

[@chippsterstephens6800]

People sure think marketing is telling you the truth. The swichcraft jack is the best jack made. It’s the spring steel they use. Read the white sheet.

[@DylanTalksTone]

Meh…

[@hargisP2]

Ok, I wired a 4way switch on my Tele, added the extra ground from the neck, wired everything according to everyone’s diagram, and get nothing but squeal when I plug it in. And there is nothing coming from the pickups. What’s wrong?

[@TooBarFoo]

You have a ground loop. Grounding must always be a singular line. It must never have two paths to the ground from any point or you get a feedback effect.

[@ColinStuart]

I'm not yet so sold on the "constipated" saddles, but I'm thinking of a P90 or the G&H equivalent, for the neck pickup. Also with my health problems, I want locking tuners, because of 5 trokes, I have lost hand-eye control, and cannot change my own strings! Except for a Levys #1 strap (which is no longer available, making weight no longer a bear)! All for under $50. each! None of this is a must, I have two more Teles, and have stuck with them for 56 years of playing! I have always had great techs, which have never needed to use "constipated" bridge saddles.

[@juffurey]

I can't tell if this is sarcasm. Isn't that kind of saddle standard for a tele? Strat saddles are more customizable.

[@flylvr5918]

ok

[@johncecilia4517]

Why are you so focused on Teles vs other guitars? Interesting channel

[@DylanTalksTone]

I mean…. In the last 60 days we have made Gibson, epiphone, Schecter, Strat, and acoustic content….

[@johncecilia4517]

@@DylanTalksTone You have more videos on Teles than any other guitar on your channel and you're not a big country guy. Just curious.

[@DylanTalksTone]

Lol. Who says I’m not a country guy? That’s funny

[@johncecilia4517]

@@DylanTalksTone Lol

[@billycramer8066]

Because. Teles rule!

[@shanewalton8888]

I got all the upgrade parts. What I don't have is the guitar which Fender postponed once again. Hello July 2022.

[@Trauzzinator]

Performance enhancing is illegal in some workplaces!!! HAHAHAHA!!!

[@RobertFisher1969]

Once I finally put a 4-way switch in one of my Teles, I don’t know why it isn’t standard. (I mean, I can see why someone wouldn’t want it, but I think they’d be a minority.)

[@johnsieff2921]

The way they were originally wired, you couldn't even get both pickups on at the same time. Leo's Masterpiece is still a 'Work in Progress'

[@DougHinVA]

the video is 90% him talking and NOT about Telecaster upgrades...

[@DylanTalksTone]

It’s actually 100% me talking about telecaster upgrades. Get your facts straight 😂

[@DougHinVA]

it's actually MY comment and not yours. I am the person who watched the video and clicked through it. I did not want nor need any reply from you. 'Comments' do not call for a reply .

[@DylanTalksTone]

@@DougHinVA I like to make sure that info is accurate. The response was not for you. It was for others who may have gotten the impression from your inaccurate comment that this video was any less than 100% me talking about tele mods.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I like your glasses, what brand ?

[@goodboyringo9716]

Two years and he never answered my question. I'll be unsubscribing now .

[@monstroguitars4550]

That's not a bad price for such a huge tone upgrade. Your channel is awesome. So much information. Thanks