This build covers a Fender Telecaster (or a Squier if you prefer) and combines it with EMG pickups, which we've loosely based on Roy Buchanan's setup that used the Guild T-250.
Instead, we're assuming you'll be working with a Fender base Telecaster with a typical SS configuration.
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Gear for this Build Guide
Gear | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fender Player Telecaster | n/a | |
 | EMG T-System Pre-wired Active Tele Pickups | n/a | |
 | Gotoh Modern Telecaster Bridge | n/a | |
 | Elixir Electric Guitar Strings | n/a |
This build is loosely based on Roy Buchanan's Guild with a Telecaster body style.
If you want to mod it out like the T-250, the EMG T-System Pre-wired active Tele pickups will do the job.
We've also thrown in a Gotoh bridge swap (the modern version) and an upgrade to Elixir strings.
If you really wanted to go all out, you could dig around for the gold Tele hardware, like we see in the Guild T-250.
Personally, we think silver looks better.
Note that the active pickups will need a 9V battery, which is easy to attach to the pre-wired system, all of which is super-easy to install.
Conclusion
This mod will make your Telecaster a lot more aggressive, and will root out a ton of excess noise, making it an appealing move if noise is currently a problem. Many Telecasters, especially the cheaper ones, have trouble with noise.
The active humbuckers should effectively eliminate these issues.
It'll also make your Tele a better "heavy" instrument, able to handle higher amounts of gain and distortion.
You'll still be able to do blues, but rock and metal will suddenly feel much more attainable.
Build Summary
- Guitar base: Fender Player Telecaster or Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster (based off the Guild T-250)
- Pickups: EMG active Tele pickups (pre-wired for bridge and neck positions)
- Bridge swap: Gotoh Modern fit
- Style lean: Lead, country, pop, rock, and blues
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Written by GC Editorial on Electrics and Build Guides
Written by GC Editorial on Electrics and Build Guides
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