This is a Squier Telecaster with neck humbucker build guide based on the Squier Fat Telecaster that is no longer in production.
Parts List
Gear | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Seymour Duncan Little '59 Bridge Pickup | n/a | |
 | Seymour Duncan SH-2 Jazz Humbucker (for neck) | n/a | |
 | Gotoh Modern Telecaster Bridge | n/a | |
 | Fender Tuning Machines | n/a | |
 | Rotary Tool Wood Kit | n/a |
Build based on this version of the Squier Standard fat Telecaster
Telecaster Body
If you try and do it with a regular Telecaster, you'll need to do some mod work on the body, perhaps with a wood sanding tool (more on that later) used at the neck position to make an opening big enough for the SH-2 humbucker.
Otherwise, this is a theoretical build guide for a Telecaster with a humbucker at the neck position.
Bridge and neck Pickup
We're using the Little '59 which is a Tele bridge pickup by Seymour Duncan, and the SH-2 Jazz neck humbucker, also from Seymour Duncan.
Hardware
Some optional tweaks include the Gotoh Modern Telecaster bridge and the Fender tuning machines, which are both significant hardware upgrades for the Squier Telecaster.
Fender
If you're using a Fender Telecaster for the upgrade, skip the branded tuning machines.
Fitting Notes
Note that the ST59-1 will fit in the standard opening for the Telecaster bridge, making it an easy replacement for the existing Squier Tele pickup.
If you do have to modify the body of your Telecaster, you should be able to mod the existing single coil opening at the neck position with something like the rotary kit we linked to in the left-hand column of this article (top if you're reading this on mobile)
Tone
While these pickups aren't overly aggressive, they'll give you some additional growl and a more blues-friendly tone profile.
The Little '59 in particular is a huge upgrade over the stock Squier single coils.
Your Questions
If you have questions about our Squier Telecaster with neck humbucker build or the suggestions we've made, feel free to drop them into the comments section below and we'll talk a look.
See you there.
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