A Fender Telecaster typically has two pickups, one in the bridge position and one in the neck position. These are both single-coil pickups, which are known for their bright, clear sound and excellent articulation. However, there are some Telecaster models that have three or even four pickups.
The most common three-pickup Telecaster is the Nashville Telecaster. This model has a third pickup in the middle position, which is typically a humbucker pickup. Humbucker pickups are known for their warmer, fuller sound and greater output than single-coil pickups. The Nashville Telecaster is a popular choice for country and rockabilly guitarists, as it offers a wider range of tonal options than a traditional Telecaster.
Four-pickup Telecasters are less common, but they do exist. Some examples include the Fender Custom Shop Telecaster Thinline Deluxe and the G&L ASAT Classic S. These models typically have two single-coil pickups in the bridge and neck positions, and two humbucker pickups in the middle position. This gives the guitar a very wide range of tonal options, making it ideal for a variety of genres.
Ultimately, the number of pickups on a Telecaster is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer the traditional two-pickup configuration for its bright, clear sound and excellent articulation. Others prefer the three- or four-pickup configuration for its wider range of tonal options.
Here are some pros and cons of different pickup configurations for Telecasters:
Two pickups
- Pros: Bright, clear sound, excellent articulation, versatile
- Cons: Can be thin-sounding, less output than humbucker pickups
Three pickups
- Pros: Wider range of tonal options, more power than two-pickup configuration
- Cons: More complex wiring, can be more expensive
Four pickups
- Pros: Widest range of tonal options, most power of any Telecaster configuration
- Cons: Most complex wiring, most expensive Telecaster configuration
If you are not sure how many pickups you want on your Telecaster, it is a good idea to try out different models to see which one you like best. You can also talk to a guitar technician about the different options available and get their recommendations.
