Tele 4-way switch mod worthwhile?

NOGE

NOGE

New member
I'm about to replace bridge pickup and pots in my telecaster.

While I'm in there, I thought I might try the 4-way switch mod.

Is this mod worth the effort? It seems the cavity and switch slot need modifying to fit.
 
The switch should be physically the same size as 3-way's and 5-way's. I've never needed to mod the cavity to make it work.

As to it being worth it, it mainly depends on what pups you use. Some play nice in series, and some don't. You almost need to try it hear for yourself. The good news is, changing the switch in a Tele is one of the easiest jobs in all of guitar work.
 
Yes, it is absolutely worth it if you have lower-output vintage-type pickups. Not at all worth it if you have higher output pickups.
 
I've done this to pretty much every Tele I've got with single coils in it and even a friend's guitar too. Is it worth the roughly 20 bucks for the cost of a switch? Absolutely yes. I love it because it's an invisible mod and is completely reversible if you want to take it out. Just remember to cut the ground jumper for the neck pickup cover and then add a third wire to ground the cover independently.

I personally find it very useful. You get all three stock switching options and one bonus option. The sound in series is usually thicker and a bit louder - which is perfect for solos or lead lines.
 
I don't think I'd use a series option with a Jerry Donahue...it would get muddy, I think.
 
I think I'll tack the two PU's in series for a listen and then buy a switch if I like the result. Thanks folks!:beerchug:
 
Well I tried the JD in series with the La Brea neck pickup and it's sounds harsh and muddy imho. So I'm staying with the 3 way switch. Thanks for the advice everyone!
 
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I've got a bit of an odd setup; hot tele bridge pickup (Cavalier Fat Lion) and a Supro goldfoil-type neck pickup and the series position on a 4-way switch is pretty great! I also have a bass cut knob on this guitar, and dialing it back just a little bit clears up the flubby-ness. Sounds like a tele bridge pickup on steroids.
 
Part of the problem with 4-way switches is if you're using higher output pickups in series you are running something hotter than a humbucker through 250K pots.
 
idsnowdog said:
Part of the problem with 4-way switches is if you're using higher output pickups in series you are running something hotter than a humbucker through 250K pots.
Click to expand...

Hotter single coils in series just doesn't sound that great even no matter what value pots. It sounds like running through mud with boots on.
 
I have a set of Fender CS Twisted Tele pickups on a 4 way in my Tcaster and I think it sounds great . That extra position adds a very useable beefier sound to the mix. Different pickup would bring different sounds to the party though.
I went for many years resisting going to a 4way thinking I just wanted to keep it simple.. I have no idea what the heck I was thinking now that I have it. Works great for me.
Give it a shot, If you don't like it it's an easy fix. I'm definitely glad I tried it.
 
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