How to Wire a Telecaster

How to wire a Telecaster - Video tutorial explaining how to install our Telecaster wiring kit.
We show you how to wire your Telecaster, step by step, using the components within our Telecaster wiring kit - CTS pots, orange drop capacitor, treble bleed kit and a spring action CRL 3-way blade switch.
Links:
- Video tutorials:
• Guitar & Bass Wiring T...
- Telecaster wiring kit
sixstringsupplies.co.uk/produ...
- Step by step photo installation guide
sixstringsupplies.co.uk/pages...
- Guitar wiring guides
sixstringsupplies.co.uk/pages...
- Guitar wiring kits
sixstringsupplies.co.uk/colle...
- Guitar wiring harnesses:
sixstringsupplies.co.uk/colle...

[@StringTechWorkstations]

What a breathe of fresh air ... to hear someone teach so precisely / clearly / articulately ! No fanfare or useless blathering ... just cutting to the quick concisely + elegantly ... love it. Thank you. I'll be directing my students to your videos. Bravo !

[@SixStringSupplies]

Michael McConville wow thanks sir! Have a great weekend.

[@craigkierulff]

Yes, exactly, he is very talented.

[@nickf9392]

I have never seen wires or soldering behave so well...usually when I do this I feel like I need at least two more hand and a Valium to prevent a nervous break down.

[@brysonw1956]

This Chanel genuinely taught me to wire a guitar from scratch. Thank you, super easy to understand.

[@wdsmith23]

Best video on wiring a Tele on KZbin.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks sir!!

[@richardsp2794]

What a well thought out, cool, unbelievably helpful video. I love how he pays special attention to the bits that will trip you up but without actually drawing massive attention to it. I've wired several teles over the years and always struggled with those really little bits and this video made a recent rewire a breeze. Whoever you are, kudos. What a teacher, thank you.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Wow thanks sir 🙏 high praise. Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a very old video too so good to see my old videos are still helping people!

[@place_desjardins]

Great teaching video. Was hoping to see the pickup wires soldered on too.

[@Rogijimbex]

Very nice presentation! Thank you. The only thing I'd recommend is- right at the end you mentioned attaching the pickups "here and here" but the area of the switch was out of view. Not huge but for newbies every bit of information is critical.

[@SixStringSupplies]

it's a fair point sir. Not sure how that happened. The only "fix" I have is to view the wiring diagram linked in the description. Thanks for watching and thanks for the advice

[@carlopipitone6191]

Very nice guide for beginners. The wooden plate with holes for the common pots configuration is brilliant!

[@theworkshed1253]

This is the best best in terms of point to point tutorial based on this I have purchased a stratocaster and telecaster harness and they are top notch and excellent after sales so if using this channel please support this company when you need to buy parts i am just a person who has played 12 hours a day for 50 years but not delved into the mechanics until lock down I have now built 3 telecaster 3 stratocaster and a banjo with the help of these tutorials

[@SixStringSupplies]

Many thanks Mal! Stay safe!

[@rockabillynation]

Excellent!! You really de-mystified the process... I was so nervous about getting started but your video and your calm explanations and little tricks to make things easier and safer was perfect. Appreciate much!

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

Thanks for explaining that treble bleed cap, I just pulled the 500k pots from my new 12 string Danelectro to put in 250k, and I was switching out to orange drops at the same time and I had no clue what it was that they did, they had one in it. I'm going to solder a resistor in and make this mod right now.

[@martyndormer]

Fascinating and very informative. I have never modded a guitar and am pretty inept diy-wise, but this tutorial gives me pause for thought. Thank you.

[@robphillips8351]

Best tele install video I have seen yet, takes all the anxiety away and is excellent and simple in it's layout.. thank you and I'll definitely spread the word for you..

[@roddyrobertson5393]

Great video, I didn't know where to begin until I saw this video. I had bought new Alnico V pups full size pots and an Oak 3 way switch to upgrade my Chinese Tele but the parts have been in their jiffy bag for months until today. I even had an orange drop cap and resistor to make a treble bleed circuit plus an orange drop 022 cap for the tone pot. Well Sunday morning I sat down with your video on my laptop and your wiring diagram on my phone, got out my 40 year old Weller soldering iron and solder and made a start. One and a half hours later and after a burnt finger and a wee bit of swearing I was done! You can imagine my amazement when I plugged it in and the selector selected the right pups, the tone knob adjusted the tone and the volume knob did it's thing too! LOL. Fantastic, it has never played so well. Thanks again, I will recommend!

[@0Imtheslime0]

Building my first Tele next year. This is pretty easy. And your site has tons of wiring info. Can´t wait.

[@brianknickerbocker8518]

Very helpful video, thank you for taking the time.

[@williamlee6249]

I just ordered a solder-less set from Mojotone. The pots had clear signs of bad soldering, and in my frustration I decided I was going to do it myself. This video seems perfect for learning the process. Thanks!

[@ramencurry6672]

Solderless is probably the best for the average joe. Most guys have mediocre soldering skills and in my opinion you need decent soldering skills for this to be solid in construction.

[@69jomen]

Love to see the pups connected as well.

[@mercedesescobarmusic]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@ChristopherDowning]

Nice neat job and no presentation hype. Just a great tutorial.

[@biggstile]

My favorite video for this subject. Thank you.

[@bloodyvikings1261]

Another great tutorial. Thank you! My Tele sounds great!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching

[@perinoveriza1658]

I save your video for my costum telecaster..thanks brother 💓 for help

[@yoyeo1900]

This is the tutorial the rest, who post tutorials, should be watching.

[@RandyRugarMusic]

Man this was perfect. Thank you!!

[@bosephusjr]

True that Sir Leo used Switchcraft back in the day.. if PureTone jacks were available back then, I'd venture to say that would have been his output jack of choice!

[@daddymidwest4111]

Excellent step by step instructions

[@chesterjump1053]

Great, I really would have liked to see you wire up the pickups..Enjoyed,,,,,,,,,,,,Thanks

[@bryanfergusonsingersongwri4505]

Great video, thank you so much,

[@RedArrow73]

Bonus points for J-hooking every solder joint. My V-4B from '73 is done that a-way.

[@jimmygrant3151]

Thank you so much. This was perfect.

[@SixStringSupplies]

no worries Jimmy glad it helped you out

[@johnbual5601]

finally some perfect explanation 👌🏻

[@davidanderson2059]

Melt well done and informative.

[@blahdeblah1975]

Tinning IS a beautiful process to watch. Learned it from me daddy.

[@tronicraft]

Excellent, thanks for info.

[@howguitars2201]

I had a treble bleed in my strat. I took it out n wow. No more treble bleed. Also removed ground going from pot to pot n it's a better guitar now.

[@casualslacksband]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@ChadwickRider]

Agree with others... lots of good videos out there for wiring up a tele, but this one is the best.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks so much. Really appreciate that 👍

[@larsdahl6594]

A+ for clear narration and making me better understand something I know very little about. Best video on the subject I've seen on YT for sure. Top grade for neatness and a good looking job. Nothing like the rat nest on my no-name China-Caster.

[@johngammuto2557]

Good Neat Job, Mate! - Blind John, Phila., PA

[@Mr.Steve-O]

Do you have a video for the wiring of a Telecaster configuration of a Humbucker in the Neck and standard Single coil in the Bridge ? Would love to see that process, and what you may recommend. Your videos are great, I have learned so much from them, Thx

[@nonnoinsandiego8303]

Nicely done! You've given me the confidence, from seeing how it's done, to give it a go. I shared your video on my Flipboard ezine: Telemania..

[@mikaelsjoberg1894]

Very nice! Thanks!

[@sundaynightdrunk]

Man, I was afraid to do this myself, but I have a suitable soldering iron and after watching this, I have confidence I can follow along and get it done. Bravo for a clear, concise video that very neatly wires the controls. Wish it continued to show the pickup connections, but with a wiring diagram, I know I'll figure it out.

[@tommyperkinsmusicofficial]

Hey brother! Just wanna thank you for making this video and sharing your knowledge and experience. I watched it multiple times before trying my first soldering attempt on a Telecaster I'm redoing and you made it much less scary and made me feel like it was something I could do. Excellent video, and thanks again. My first solder job is under my belt, because of you!

[@SixStringSupplies]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@tommyperkinsmusicofficial]

@@SixStringSupplies you're welcome brother!

[@richie780]

Hi Ed and thank you for sharing your knowledge with this brilliant instructional videos. I was wondering if its possible to wire a telecaster with a 3 way switch making position 2 (middle) to be in series rather than parallel and how will it be? Reason I ask is because I find that the 4 way switch requires some modification because onece fitted to the control plate position 1 doesn't engage unless modding the plate or the switch to have engaging all the 4 positions. Thank you for your help

[@rodricyates1823]

Excellent.

[@Trauzzinator]

When you solder the output wire of the volume pot to all 4 lugs of the switch I'm guessing that powers both sides of the switch?

[@chrislunn8546]

Pretty good advice but I can't be sure of where the pickups would be connected as when you mention this I think what you are referring to is out of the picture. There's also no mention of the bridge ground. How is this connected? Please clarify. Also would I need a pair of 500 pots for humbuckers? If so would they be wired in the same way? Sorry to go on. I appreciate the vid because every where else I have looked on the web confuses me . yours is so well explained. Thanks

[@SixStringSupplies]

thanks! follow this photo guide (it has pickups and bridge ground near the end) sixstringsupplies.co.uk/pages/telecaster-wiring yes for humbuckers you would use 500k pots.

[@chrislunn8546]

@@SixStringSupplies Thanks for that. How would you wire a 'closed' 3 way switch with this method? Thanks.

[@devolve42]

These videos have been very helpful to me. You should consider setting up a Patreon or some such so that grateful people could toss you a couple of bucks now and then.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks glad you find the videos useful. I’m not too keen on asking for money in the form of Patreon or similar. I guess just watch a few adverts ;)

[@Gnasherism]

Hello good sir, thanks a bunch for such a brilliant video! I’m currently putting together my first partscaster and this level of detailed information is invaluable. Would you consider a follow up video of wiring a freeway switch? Thanks again

[@SixStringSupplies]

Already done sir! See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHOtf4SrmKhlh6c

[@Gnasherism]

@@SixStringSupplies what a bloody lad.

[@1234588001]

thanks for reply

[@DavidCavitt]

What kind of yellow tubing do I need to purchase to cover the wiring? Also whats the size and kind of the other black tubing to cover the braided wire? I'm trying to find it on Amazon and would love specifics so I know what I'm getting. This video was incredible by the way for helping me keep the wiring clean and tidy!! I hate nothing more than wiring that's all over the place!

[@luciojara8267]

amazing videos, i noticed that you used a different capacitor in the gibson ES 336, something on the sound changes with different capacitors?

[@atlblues]

Thank you for your detailed explanation..... it has been very helpful!!.....but I have one question that I would really appreciatte if you could answered me...... In 4:18 (wiring scheme)...there is a black wire coming from the tone pot to the left....who knows where?.... Is it grounded to the bridge?.... to the body? ....to the shielding? .....Is it really necessary?. Thanks in advance for your response. Cheers!!

[@timothypotter2133]

If your particular pots have indexing tabs, how do you deal with them in order to perform this same procedure?

[@maumex]

Hi, I have an AM STD Telecaster Made in USA. Do you think replacing the stock wiring and switch for this would make a difference?

[@marianopodesta1375]

Thanks

[@Man_named_guiseppe]

What would work for a double humbucker on a strat. Would it be the same thing for wiring or different?

[@Zamus1964]

I am using an Oak Grigsby 3 way switch...can you recommend the grounding of it for me please? Many Thanks

[@guitar-coach129]

Help! I've never done this before and I don't really understand electrics. I followed your instructions step by step installing Seymour Duncans and a telecaster wiring kit with CTS pots, swirchcraft jack and 3-Way switch into a Harley Benton TE-52. I am getting horrendous buzzing, static and noise from the guitar. Any idea what the problem might be? The only thing I wasn't clear on was which capacitor went where. If I put the capacitors on the wrong pots, could that cause this problem?

[@Luqmas]

Would it be possible to have the two orange capacitors positioned towards the metal plate rather than towards the body wood (as it is done in the video)? My main concern is the depth of the cavity on the body. Thank you.

[@bwhit716]

6 years ago but I’ll try a question. Since the pots are connected to the control plate which is always metal on a tele, why is it that I’ve seen a ground wire connecting both pots on many diagrams? Once one pot is grounded, the other should be grounded through the plate, right?

[@bobsegar1242]

For a left handed tele do you do the pots or switch backwards

[@1234588001]

hi thats is a brill video now i know how to do it thanks,whats the cost of post to ireland

[@SixStringSupplies]

LD101 mixer thanks. It’s £7.95 to Ireland. Normally takes 3 days or so (Royal Mail)

[@danieljbdj]

Hello friend this system is Suhr model? what's the difference if soldering the tone capacitor in the volume pot ???

[@Loopyllu365]

Hi do you do a wiring kit for the telecaster that uses humbuckers and 500k pots instead of 250k

[@romannickobuday6409]

hi do you have a video making varitone switch?

[@totalrecall2267]

Will this play both pickups in the middle position???

[@yamlc135]

Please what's the soldering iron you use...brand and the solder wire type? Thanks.

[@farzaanpavri]

Can a stereo jack be wired in a way to behave as a mono jack for the output? If so how can that be done?

[@sy84]

Will this kit work for a squire bullet telecaster?? 😃

[@clintwhite3021]

Hi cool vid, I assume this is for a parallel middle position but what would be the difference to make the middle position in series? Thanks!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hi Clint glad you enjoyed the video - yes this is for parallel wiring, standard Tele. For series wiring, there a few different ways - but each would require modification to the neck pickup (ungrounding and adding a new, third wire, i.e. a second ground wire)

[@clintwhite3021]

Thanks for the reply! Yes I've been learning that i need to disconnect the chassis wire on the neck mini-humbucker. Think i'll learn a bit more before performing it myself or just take it to someone if I'm not confident enough haha

[@reginamirow8999]

Hi. Where do you solder your pickups - bridge and neck and middle.

[@aletam8622]

Where to connect the pickups was not in frame. Which two lugs on the switch???

[@adriannaponcesoprano]

Hola, dónde se colocan las pastillas?

[@powersv2]

I use soldering iron on heat shrink. I expected you to mention a bridge ground.

[@noteboom80]

Do these fit squier telecaster?

[@dba4292]

Hi again. I have double and triple checked both this video and SSS's (lot of S's there) Website. I have follow the instructions and How-to's making what I've done 100% correct and from the looks of it what I have done is the spitting image of what you have presented in this video and on your website, but I have a few issues: #1 without having a pickup selector switch connected and using a multimeter so far what is supposed to be my tone pot (far left) is actually my volume pot *laughs* And #2 my tone pot (now closest to the switch) does nothing to brighten or darken what signal I get from an amp connecting the harness to a jack cable. Maybe connecting a switch selector will fix my issues? What do you think? I can mention that both pots are A500Ks I use these because of preference and both my pickups in my tele are HHs and I've read it doesn't matter if it A pots or B pots they just operate slightly different when it comes to turning them. I have two .33uF caps. connected each to one of the pots and everything looks 100% like in this video. Sorry for the long post.

[@rizzeldeguzman2182]

Does this also work for humbuckers?

[@11611ss]

I wish you'd have shown clearly which lugs of the switch the pickups connect to. You were a bit off camera and the diagram I have is a bit confusing

[@SixStringSupplies]

sorry about that! It's all in this guide: sixstringsupplies.co.uk/pages/telecaster-wiring

[@type197]

7:45 tinning is winning...

[@jimmikus3089]

My 500k CTs vol pot buzzes like it’s not grounded when I attempt to turn it down? Nothing burned. I replaced the pot and same thing. Bridge and pickups are grounded to vol pot. Any thoughts?

[@InfinityNexusReviews]

Good but why didn't you wire in the pickups? I was hoping to see that because I don't know how.

[@terrygoss]

Literally the two lugs I need to see for pickup connections... are out of frame..... >D

[@lozirullo]

What are the treble-bleed capacitor and resistor values? Super video, tks!

[@SixStringSupplies]

0.001uF 150 resistor

[@lozirullo]

@@SixStringSupplies thank you so much!

[@supermanwhereareyounow3081]

Mine has to be jumpered in order to get the middle position to work

[@reginamirow8999]

Help please. Can't find to wire DM - 30 MADE IN JAPAN

[@bobcarpenter3413]

Newbie here...where did you attach the pickups on the switch?

[@elliottnunez1057]

made it look real simple...but when you know what youre doing it looks easy..me i dont know what im doing but after this vid at least now ive got a clue..just dont know the uf on the treble bleed.I ve got a chinese tele im modding already put seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders in..but theres a bad ground somewhere. .so i got Fender pots both with .47 uf caps. .Will a 47 be okay for the treble bleed pot?? Thanks for any help.

[@SixStringSupplies]

elliott nunez thanks Mr Nunez! Regarding the treble bleed it varies....in this vid it is a 0.001uF with a 150k resistor. Resistor isn't always needed. Try with or without see what's better for you and your playing style

[@elliottnunez1057]

Six String Supplies thanks..if its no good i can always take it out right! And make a bigger mess...haha

[@micjam1986]

just looking at a schematic for this setup and they show a capacitor going from the tone pot over to the volume pot.. you have yours grounded to the tone pot.. whats the difference? thx! thumbs up!!

[@SixStringSupplies]

No difference. Thanks!!

[@b.rodclark7349]

I have 250K CTS pots in my Tele and I don't need a treble bleed because it stays clean and bright when rolling the volume down. I installed one in a wiring kit that it came with but then later disconnected it after realizing there was no need for it.

[@XlouietheflyX]

Is the second part of this video sped up slightly? Because there is a bit of an Alvin and the Chipmunks effect

[@SixStringSupplies]

XlouietheflyX yes the whole video is sped up from the recording (my normal voice isn’t like that) but this was filmed on a iPhone and uploading videos longer than 30 mins can take soooo long to upload

[@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo]

Hello my friend! Finally I found someone taking the time to mention about grounding the volume and tone pots. I see you don't use the cable from volume to tone casing for grounding them and I imagine is because the control plate provides the ground for both pots. My thinline doesn't have control plate but has a aluminum paper. If the tester is telling me the pots are grounded with just the aluminum paper do you recommend me still using the jump wire between volume and tone pots to ground them?

[@rubenreza]

What about the pickups?

[@hafizhadzori]

hello. love your vid, just a question though, if i ordered the prewired telecaster set, do i need to remove the soldering on the jack in order to attach it to the guitar, then re-solder it again?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hafiz Hadzori hey, thanks. No you don’t need to remove and re-solder with the Telecaster harness.

[@hafizhadzori]

thanks for your reply. So how do i attach the harness onto the guitar without removing the soldered wire?

[@hafizhadzori]

Sorry, i got my mind mixed up. Fully understood now. Thanks. Will be placing my order soon.

[@glem7570]

I can’t turn the volume off completely You know what I should check??

[@scottwolfe7755]

What type of soldering iron do you use? I have struggled with the pointier ones and am afraid I’m frying my pots in the process!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hi Scott, it's the Hakko 888-d : www.hakko.co.uk/hakko-fx-888d-digital-soldering-station.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxZKir5_E5AIVGeDtCh0mbgE5EAQYASABEgIIxvD_BwE

[@leswhite3524]

WAIT!!! Is the selector switch in back and volume in front with tone in the middle? So the "plastic side" of the switch faces the pups?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hi you can put the switch in either way. It is a 3 way blade switch, so works the same regardless of it's orientation

[@stevepercival4774]

Will the wiring work with rwrp pickups or does the cap need to be soldered pot to pot

[@SixStringSupplies]

Wired the same. One end of cap to middle lug of time pot the other end to ground. Cheers