Not Your Typical Telecaster - This One Has So Many Tones!

This is definitely one of the best Telecaster mods I've ever seen! Love the tones!
If you enjoyed this video, be sure to like and subscribe to the channel :)
FREEWAY SWITCH:
www.solomusicg...
www.freewayswi...
AMERICAN PERFORMER HONEYBURST:
imp.i114863.ne...
DARRELL'S GUITARS & GEAR LIST!
imp.i114863.ne...
T-SHIRT STORE:
teespring.com/...
TAB STORE:
Songs, Lesson Worksheets, and Guitar Techniques!
www.etsy.com/c...
MY AMPS:
Mesa Boogie - imp.i114863.ne...
H&K Grand Meister Deluxe 40 - imp.i114863.ne...
Orange Rockerverb 50 - imp.i114863.ne...
Mezzabarba Trinity - www.overdrived...
PATREON:
Become a Patron to be eligible for exclusive Gear Give-Aways and Lesson TABs!
/ darrellbraunguitar
ALBUM:
iTunes:
itunes.apple.c...
FAVORITE FRET-END FILE:
www.solomusicg...
OTHER FAVOURITE GEAR:
*Obsidian Wire Solderless Kits - obsidianwire.com?aff=5
*Guitar Build Kits - www.solomusicg...?ref=1931
*Links to gear in the video description may contain affiliate links
SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@johnnyjaime123]

4:52 neck 3:57 parallel in-phase 3:19 parallel out-of-phase 5:09 series in-phase 4:09 series out-of-phase 3:06 bridge Great video as always Darrell! :)

[@zosojstro]

You are consistently one of the best KZbin R’s for sound and content. Really appreciate your commitment to making videos that help us mortals make better decisions!! Thank you

[@kevinblackburn3198]

^^^what he said^^^

[@KibatsuMusic]

Bought this guitar back in 2020. It changed my life. I now play music everyday because of my tele. She's beautiful and the tone just inspires me to play and write music. 2.5 years later I'm still amazed that I even watch videos on it still. Best purchase of my life 🎸

[@ramencurry6672]

Guitars are female?

[@brianrollins7275]

I hear ya. I bought mine in 2021 so I’ve had it 2 years now and I still think about playing it when I’m not. I really like the Yosemite pickups and the necks on these are excellent imo. I put an ObsidianWire custom 4-way tele switch in mine and I like it even more. A beautiful guitar indeed and it plays beautifully as well. ✌🏻

[@JS_Guitar09]

@@ramencurry6672 They do have an input jack...

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I absolutely loved the Freeway Strat switch and I love this one too! Enjoy :) HoneyBurst Tele Link: imp.i114863.net/dbadM

[@jayess1382]

that burst finish is the best i seen before

[@trollfacegamiong8349]

What song is the intro?

[@juniellangga2620]

Beautiful guitar sir🎸❤ i really love ii

[@ridoyrupam883]

Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩❤️

[@DobDog151]

Actually said ‘Wow!’ When the bridge switch from single to upper position was made. Holy crap.

[@rayschoch5882]

I had my tech put a Freeway on my Squier Affinity - a little bit of routing was needed, and I don't have a Dremel. Great sound and versatility, and since the guitar itself was inexpensive, I'm getting really good tone for not a lot of money.

[@bldallas]

Gorgeous guitar. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a “honey burst” Telecaster. That six-way switch is really cool, too.

[@rodney4057]

Thanks for this video! I just finished my first Partscasterand put the threeway-switch in it, and it's really nice! Was my first soldering with more than a pickup and a volumepot, so great experience. Keep up the work, it really helps and it's great fun!

[@gergemall]

Excellent

[@duarteestelita7257]

man,...i can’t thank you enough for this one. i’m DEFINITELY getting this. This seems to be the one mod that is making me going clearer with the Tele i want for myself. Cheers from Portugal

[@masonmensch1159]

Well I definitely just learned something new about guitar parts today. I had no idea that there were switches that do that. Great video as well.

[@warmachine2098]

A Telecaster with a Hurst Dual Gate shifter!! Genius 😄

[@kevinblackburn3198]

Great analogy

[@thomaslthomas1506]

😂

[@nigelbarnes818]

😂

[@francescoschmitt2000]

I modded my Pacifica to a 10-way freeway switch after seeing your first video, and I love the tones. I only had to get a new bridge humbucker because the stock one was not splittable

[@Orville123]

Very good. A lot of the old school country music players flipped the whole unit to keep from hitting the selector switch while strumming and have access to volume control as it was switched to the front as well to create boost or tremelo.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Dis, it is a fun mod for some players. Over the years different production runs have had variations in the cavity routing so to anyone trying it, measure and check the routing depth and shapes of either end of the cavity before going too far. I got a great deal on a really nice FSR Tele with the reversed plate mod on it but eventually found the mod uncomfortablea for me. Changing it back to the standard configuration required some routing and lengthening one wire.

[@austinledley]

I own the Strat freeway switch and I have a Tele freeway switch that I have yet to install. This video confirms that I need to get this one put in ASAP

[@miguelangelperez8113]

Very cool, and you can notice the different tones much more clearly in the tele. In the strat video, I couldn't hear that differences. Great job Darrel!

[@stephanematis]

The mid out of phase has that far away or "AM Radio" vibe.... love it.

[@numbersabcdefg]

Was there a volume difference?

[@stephanematis]

@@numbersabcdefg Don't think the volume know was altered, I doubt Darren did anything but switch positions. But there was this cancellation of upper and lower bands, with a haunting tone that I dig. I would love it as a into/outro sound, certainly shoegaze or even as an option for doubling something else. But may just me, though I suspect it resonates with others.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Teles are already a gem! If one is even more versatile, you know it will be good!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

👍👍👍

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar 👌

[@Afurthyclays]

That’s a very cool & convenient mod! I have a Baja Telecaster that I love, same types of tones, but that switch is VERY handy.

[@ryanbrokaw]

I just ordered one. I can't wait to see how it makes my 2016 classic vibe 50s tele sound.

[@kylecoonrod9291]

Darrell you are my favorite guitar player, tech, guru on KZbin. I bought this freeway switch bc of this video. Finally got around to putting it in tonight. While doing so I found out my tele 60 classic vibe, which I also bought bc of this channel, had fender custom shop pick ups in it... no wonder it sounded so good! I ended up pulling those and putting in a custom set of pick ups built by Sonny’s Custom Shop out of Plano, TX. Bc of your channel, I have built up my tele cv to be what I believe is the ultimate tele! Thank you so much for helping to teach me to be a better player and give me confidence to build this guitar up! Now on to my next project!

[@eldritch6871]

so, it's like having a Baja telecaster, but a little more efficient

[@ipuya]

The baja has a secret 7th position

[@eldritch6871]

@@ipuya what is it?

[@ipuya]

@@eldritch6871 if you position your switch between 2 & 3 with the S engaged you get a 7th tone

[@Gene_Cali]

@@ipuya Sssssss,... that's suppose to stay a secret. ;)

[@elwrongo]

Think I prefer the Baja setup, no routing too

[@78tag]

Thanks Darrell, you did a great job on the demo. That new Tele is awesome looking and the new switch seems like a good idea too - but $1,300 to add a $50 switch to a Tele? No, that ain't happenin'.

[@soofitnsexy]

well cheap guitar...cheap mod...whats the big deal

[@anthonybizzell3857]

That middle position, with the Freeway engaged, is cool sounding. Like listening to the guitar through an AM radio. So low-fi.

[@ipuya]

I got the freeway for my Strat because of your video and I absolutely LOVE it!!!! I would get this too for my tele except i have the baja which already has these options on it. But if ever i got a second tele this mod would be a no brainer. Thanks Darrell!

[@kingstumble]

Ingenious. The series combinations are really good alternatives. The out of phase series combination makes me think of Peter Green---OK I know he played a Les Paul but this is definitely in the same aural ballpark. And Free-Way switches are Made In England--we don't make much of anything any more, so this is great. Quality assured!

[@HowardBobson]

Keep in mind one of the big reasons why the Performer series is at it's price point is because it comes with a gig bag instead of the $200 hard case. So yes it is the entry American tele, but the difference is negligible to the Professional series or whatever the next level up is....

[@SaurianSoul]

The prices of all the american Fenders make me want to cry. I bought my 2006 American Standard Tele in 2012 for $650 of CL. To think of spending $1600 + tax on what is the simplest guitar to build seems ludicrous to me. They play great but they're asking the price of a mid range PRS when it's essentially a slab of ash with a bolt on neck,

[@bassinblue]

@@SaurianSoul Which is why it's important to pick ONE good one for yourself, pay the price, and never look back. I'm currently deciding on my next fender, which will be my last.

[@yoshiki.g1450]

Beautiful color, beautiful tone. Perfect guitar. 😊

[@WrinkledPlatypus]

I'm not a big tele guy, but this switch produces some really cool tones!

[@garymcaleer6112]

That's quite a tone palette there, Darrell. Every tonal color of the rainbow. You know me, I always go for the jazz tone. And the barrel bridges contribute to that.

[@soupertimor]

I have a strat and a gibson les paul and I thought it was surely enough....since I have felt in love with this one, it is really crazy, plugged in a roaring vox mini beetle and with all these 6 position, you have so much rock tones ....it is awesome ...before I was much on solo working , now I am addicted to rythm....especially because of these very addictive pleasant telecaster....and so beautiful !

[@nj0rdin]

Id love to see what a hotrail in the bridge would do on one of these switches

[@ricmel8008]

At 7:35 I love hearing the final thoughts of our favorite KZbinrs, well that's one of the main reason I watch, to hear your recommendations and final thoughts.

[@72_Seasons]

Nice!!! Thanks for reviewing this! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@nigelbarnes818]

I had my custom Humber Guitars Tele built with this switch and it's a GREAT mod and so easy to use. Thanks a Darrell.

[@therealcharliebrown]

Wherever they can fit, and as long at the guitar doesn't have push-pull pots on them, I install a freeway. 10 way, 6 way (blade or toggle). I love the ultra on Gib and Epi that have 4 wire pickups to be able to split, parallel, in/out of phase, and coil tap.

[@AndreasAtSea]

Darrel love you man! Saw your previous video and already transformed my Strat to 10 tones! Now will use again free way because of you and upgrade my Tele spending only 40 dollars!! You are a legend

[@adyuriar]

I always am about to change channels at the intro music, but am SO glad I watched the whole video. Such useful and well done videos. Keep it up, brother. Subscribed.

[@philsequeira3180]

As always, great content! Thanks again for the channel!!

[@bengonzalez8706]

I always wanted to own a telecaster, thanks for the showing Darrell!

[@valebliz]

Got freeway switches on my fender tele and both my partscasters. Absolutely love the things.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

After your Strat Freeway video, I immediately placed an order with StewMac. That previously out-of-reach bridge/neck combo was the selling point for me. After the new positions 1 & 2 of this video, I was prepared to write this one off. After all, I'm never going to want my tele to sound like a battery-powered transistor radio from 1973! Then, I heard the new neck position... hmmm. Maaaybe...

[@brianhelgerson3870]

The second I heard you play those switched positions , the very first thing that popped into my head was my old G&L F100 Series II. The tones were so similar.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

I have that exact guitar and love it. The neck pickup is so underrated. I didn't know such a clever stealth mod like that existed so cheaply. Already have one on order.

[@grene1955]

I dunno... the first two upper positions just sounded like an old 6 transistor radio. The neck position was better, but didn't seem like that big a difference...I wouldn't bother,

[@brandonklevans7473]

I hear what you are saying but I think they sound badass

[@jordanpearce8079]

Sounds great and now I need one for my MIM Tele. Was thinking about replacing the pickups but this may just do the trick

[@69jomen]

Sounds Amazing... A freeway switch seems the way to go.

[@alexandrebeauvilain6488]

You definitely convinced me, I was not so much on the strat mod, but on my fav tele, it seems to be the best mod ever. Great vid as usual.

[@rjb7569]

I know you love your Teles (I've got *about* ten myself; hard to keep track). This one's a beauty. $50 bills, not so bad. I'm going to have to load one in. That HB neck sound is appealing.

[@Musiknird]

Nothing beats a tele. I have a Morgan custom made, a brand no one ever heard of but everyone that plays it loves it. The sustain and twang is amazing! It's so easy and comfy to play. The only negative thing with it is that it's so heavy. But it diesent matter because it's sounds beautiful and guitar techs loves it.

[@briannelms158]

That is a great addition to a telecaster !! Thanks !!

[@aaronarcher2356]

Great demonstration of sould. Shows very different tones. Always enjoy seeing what you are up to

[@florentintise]

That looks gorgeous 😍🎸😍

[@milo3270]

The face you make in the thumbnail is GOLD! I swear it's the same face I make when my lady asks for it XD

[@Bigjoedo66]

Freeway has created a giant step in guitars!! I just added the 10 way to my strat. Tele is next

[@terriwinn6806]

I like the sound selection options .

[@dragan4658]

A beautiful honey burst finish on this tele and with an inexpensive upgrade to give you double the tones, what more can you ask for. I know... A Bigsby! 🤟

[@scottreynolds6317]

Great tones and beautiful guitar!!!

[@mikeaustin4138]

Put the 5-way in my G&L ASAT Classic S and it's amazing. All 5 additional tones are very useful. I don't like the new, out of phase, tones in this configuration. In addition, I think it would have been better if they'd have put the both pickups in series choice in the middle position; it seems more logical to me. Great review!

[@marcellofreitas7356]

This is maybe the most beautiful tele I´ve ever seen. And it sounds great too. If I had more money... : )

[@brianrollins7275]

I have the same guitar and it is beautiful for sure. Best money I’ve spent on gear in 30 years. If you can save up and grab one it would be a great investment. Take it easy

[@barchetta3]

I got a Freeway switch for my G&L Legacy for Christmas and installed it, but was somewhat disappointed, though not really surprised. When it puts two coils in series like a humbucker, the tone is fatter and hotter, but also a little muddy. My take away...if you want humbucker tones, use humbuckers. The position I found most useful was bridge/neck in parallel, that one is cool. But that guitar is gorgeous!!

[@craigwillms61]

I love it. It makes me want a Tele again. What a fine idea. Two thumbs up.

[@pk2podcast493]

Finanlly, more Freeway switch videos, i love this mod, can you make more videos about the different models? love your vids

[@KakuraZenom]

Thanks to your vid on the freeway 5 way I installed one on my Fender Strat and I can tell that it is mind blowing ! Best mod ever

[@OnAir21]

If I were playing a “Darrell Braun says Tone” drinking game, I’d be trashed after the first 30 seconds of this video.

[@ellisagutierrez9574]

Love it!! I love the fat tones and well...the rest too! This switch makes this Tele sound like it’s right up my alley! So cool!

[@jamesmarchetti3286]

Wow! Amazing Tone and Sustain! I own 2 Les Paul Style guitars! If I ever advance to playing lead this will definitely be my 3rd guitar, No Doubt! I have about 5,000 invested in my acoustic and electrics! But this literally something Special! I can't wait until Someday to get there! Thank you very much!

[@ToruTsuzaki]

Sounds similar to the Fretking / Vintage Jerry Donohue Tele but without the custom wiring. Very neat.

[@intotheblue50]

Fantastic Darrell fantastic, as always. Thank you.

[@DodgeDartSongs]

Super surprise tones, Darrell. I just kept cracking a smile.

[@DavidRamos-nz4bh]

I am addicted to your show.. hopefully my pocketbook can keep up! Thanks!

[@nelsondoss7300]

I’m right there with man me to.

[@nikkoberserker]

Hello Darrell ! Best wishes for 2021 ! When i saw your video about the strat's freeway switch with 10 positions ,i buy it ! i put it on a project a strat copy with wilkinson alnico 5 pickups with maple neck and fretboard ,it's awesome mod ! Now i see this freeway switch for telecaster for sure i buy it for my squier tele ! thanks for the video ,take care and be safe !

[@thaddeusproshansky5389]

very cool Darrell. thanks brother.

[@MendedPerspective]

I was going to get the tele version with the humbucker, but after seeing this i think I'll stick with the single coils and equip this switch.

[@mathprodigy]

Dude the versatility is amazing, and yes it looks to match. Great playing and great video, thanks A

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Middle position upper switch setting sounds terrible to me? Everything else is pretty nice and useable though. Good video! Thanks!!

[@billmiller7138]

I have a 5 way on my Tele with a both in series position. Like that tone a lot.

[@marvinbush7304]

Wow, that certainly puts a new light on the Telecaster.

[@ky9999]

5:34 wow that sounds just like a bridge humbucker!

[@Jydmd]

I have the same tones on my Tele build, but it's a 4-way switch + a push-pull for the phase switching. I think the Freeway works better, but I already had the parts laying around!

[@ChristosNikolis]

Hi @Jessy , which one do you have, the Obsidian?

[@Jydmd]

@@ChristosNikolis If you're talking about the 4-way switch, it is an Oak Grigsby. If you're thinking wiring harness, I did it myself. You just have to combine a 4-way wiring diagram with a pull-pull phase switch diagram.

[@ChristosNikolis]

@@Jydmd Cheers, thank you mate!

[@sunnytaufiq07]

Oh my... the tones are amazing.

[@karlbjornsson9090]

Hi Darrell, thank for the video 😃✌️ this will be a great update for my Squier Tele CV

[@nelsondoss7300]

Great Darrell I’ve bought one for the strat and my tele your expensive to watch just so you know. Love it

[@secretguitarlab]

Great demo!!!

[@cjburian1]

Thanks for this mod review! The series in-phase sounds awesome. I'd just go for a 4-way switch to add that. --- Hey, you showed us that in 2017. Thanks for that, too.

[@gregjarvis3288]

These switches are great. I also fitted one to A Jimmy Hendrix tribute SG. Triple humbucker with a vibrola. Three separate volumes and a push pull tone give 12 different sounds.....I prefer sounds to tones.

[@ursafan40]

I'd never use the 4th , in series out of phase. The rest of the tones were pleasing

[@216trixie]

Agreed, I call that the wired incorrectly tone.

[@davidjohnson00001]

For some of us, the out of phase tone is wonderful. It defined Peter Green's sound after all. Each to their own.

[@huginstarkstrom]

@@216trixie as if that has ever happened...lol. I did that with the middle PU. Will change it back. I have given it a try but found no use to out of phase tones.

[@ZitherBeast]

Damn! That is slick, and a great looking chunk of wood.

[@andredavanzo3632]

great vid! just ordered one!!! like you mentioned great mod for 50 bucks, can't go wrong with that...

[@ScreaminEagle07]

I like how he just yeets the guitar on top of the house in the intro

[@44scoots]

He does it in every intro.

[@ScreaminEagle07]

@@44scoots I know I'm not stupid

[@44scoots]

@@ScreaminEagle07 I thought you were a new viewer, sorry to have upset you.

[@ScreaminEagle07]

@@44scoots You didnt upset me i was joking

[@gergemall]

Love you Darrel

[@natejackman7705]

If I get this done I'll never need another guitar.

[@CoreyIsKorean]

knew immediately what it was as Helen made a vid on it awhile back i think

[@normfpv1104]

Well, another thing to add to the absolutely needed list. I gotta have it now. Thanks to you. ;)

[@TheRycooder]

You NEVER FAIL to deliver a GREAT Video. Truly EVERY VID is amazing.

[@byronofcalgary6985]

very cool - beats the Fender Blacktop HH Strats - Two 5 ways in tandem but only offered 5 tones - then there's a 5 way in the Nashville Tele's - some are SSH... giving Tele SH Custom tones and Strat too

[@ZDavis-qt5ce]

beautiful guitar

[@kylecoonrod9291]

Great video! Thank you!

[@not_aounz5716]

I've said it once and I'll say it again your channel makes me want to get a tele

[@jlutie2943]

Sure 🎸

[@achimdg6335]

Well, if you are into soldering, you actually can get this cheaper. An Oak Grigsby 4-way-lever to add the in-series and a push-pull to add the out-of-phase-options. Thats for unter 35€. To me, that's also pretty easy to remember.

[@1969RestlessNative]

Was going to fit one of these in my baja tele (my #1) as it is exactly the same sounds except it’s 3-way instead of 4-way switch and NO S-1 switch

[@darkestfugue]

very cool, but the only sound id use in there are both pickups in series, which is why i have a 4 way switch on my modern tele, the thicker sound comes in handy