I want to convert my Strat to Tele pickups. Is it possible?

Jerry Donahue has spent many years getting Teles to make Strat sounds and vise versa. One thing he realised is that the position of the Tele bridge pickup is further from the bridge that on a Strat. This is one key component in the sharper, more defined treble on a Tele, compared to the more 'feathery' treble of the Strat. The other key issue is the effect of the metal mounting plate of the Tele bridge pickup (I'm talking about the one underneath the pickup) in focusing the magnets onto the strings. At the very least, you'll need a new scratchplate with the Tele bridge pickup position cut in it and a body route to accommodate the pickup in the correct position, metal plate and all. Ideally, you'll also fit the entire Tele bridge assembly because that also affects the tone. The bridge pickup will be less of a prob but bear in mind that most go direct into the wood, rather than mounting on the plate, so final assembly may be a little tricky. Good luck!

Simon Croft
June 2010