Quick Tip 8: Installing a Telecaster Jack Plate/Cup

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The quick tips series consists of short videos on a guitar or amplifier repair or maintenance topic. In this episode, I install a jack cup and Switchcraft jack on a Fender Telecaster, and I show my homemade tool I made for the task. Today's subject is a pine body that I will be using in an upcoming Tele build.
Some parts used in this episode:
Fender Nickel Jack Cup: amzn.to/3HNYNYA
Switchcraft #11 Mono Jack: amzn.to/3HmALTe
Who am I? I'm just a hobbyist, not a luthier. I've picked up a few skills along the way, and I continue to learn. If you're into DIY projects and musical instruments or gear, you may enjoy my channel. If you do, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment.

[@kellykane312]

I have been repairing Telecasters for years and I only use Electrosocket it takes less than 5 minutes to install and you will never lose your nut and the jack goes into the body. No fancy tools,in the time it took him to explain how to do it his way I installed an electrosocket. I love switchcraft jack but check out puretone jacks they have 2 contact points for the tip and 2 contact points for the sleeve. No more pops and crackle just a very snug connection

[@hacksguitarhobby]

I appreciate the comment. Electrosockets and Pure Tone jacks are both good, but this video is help for those who want to install original equipment.

[@b.r2180]

Yeah I agree but some people like vintage/ original parts. I was rocking an electrosocket on my tele but I just wasn't feeling the vibe until I put a vintage socket plate. I love this tele more than any of my other guitars.

[@jmakc3541]

I agree about Electrosocket cups. No-brainer if not doing a full vintage build. And as far as Switchcraft, I have had some serious hit and miss QC issues from them lately (2-3 years). Not with output jacks as much as bad toggle switch blades or switches that rattle.

[@in2mu5ic]

Huge help! I went with the 4" carriage bolt as suggested and used a second 5/8 inch socket on the other side of the clip to take up the extra space between the back of the clip/washer and the two jam nuts. This positioned the jam nuts so they are visible in the control cavity when the tool is inserted to the working position for installation. Worked like a charm and made the jam nuts readily accessible for easy removal of the tool. GREAT tips!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Nice idea about the second socket!

[@79943]

One of the best instructional videos I have seen on YT. The clarity of camera work and vocal presentation, the content focused on work description in an understandable way. This is pro level work instruction. Thanks.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks. I knew this topic hadn’t been covered anywhere else, so I wanted to do it justice. Glad it helped.

[@catboyzee]

This is very clever and effective, in more ways than one. It has convinced me to go with the tried-and-true screw-in Electrosocket that I've used in some of my previous builds. Thank you for this how-to demonstration; very informative and much appreciated.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks, and that was the opposite of my intention, but I’m glad it helped nonetheless.

[@MikeM-Colorado]

This works great. I didn't have all the parts laying around, so went to the local big box. I bought everything for $5, not including the socket. I discovered that M10 flat washers fit on a 3/8 bolt and are near the perfect OD, so no washer filing needed. Thanks much for posting this!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Awesome, and good tip on the washers! I love finding inexpensive solutions to problems.

[@CraigBillmeier_aka_Ums]

This worked quite well, thank you! Note to people trying this - pay heed to all the measurements he's providing, there is little margin for error. Once I got everything to fit inside the barrel hole I was thwarted by the masking tape marker - I should have measured the 3/8" from the washer in front of the socket, and not the socket itself - LIKE HE SAID, TWICE.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Exactly, thanks for pointing it out!

[@armandosoto6485]

Good, thank you

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thank you too

[@jason_celeste]

This is genius. On my first Tele build and was mystified as to how I was going to install the plate/bracket. $3 at the hardware store and 10 minutes later the plate is in. Thank you for your service.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Very glad I could help.

[@andybeisel8205]

Great video and a big help! Just a heads up for anyone making this, when measuring 3/8” back from the edge of the clip before applying tape, keep in mind the thickness of the washer you used. Mine were a bit thinner than the ones used in the video and had to adjust my tape slightly.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Sure! The tape starts 3/8" back from the face of the washer that touches/compresses the clip. So, yes, the washer thickness is part of that 3/8".

[@andybeisel8205]

@@hacksguitarhobbyoh ya good point haha. I may have just messed mine up. My clip ended up being a little too deep. I have to make some adjustments!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Knock it back into the body, then bend it back into shape once it’s out. Turn it 90 degrees in the hole when you reinstall it to get into fresh wood.

[@kidtunes1]

I found this video to be terrific for me and it’s the first time I’ve ever worked on the any part of the electronics of a guitar.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Awesome, thanks!

[@user-yc7om3db9e]

Thanks. My guitar shop said I could probably fix move myself. I’m amazed that they said that now that I’ve found your video and done it. But like you said using things I had lying around and with your guide - voila!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Rock on!

[@markprentice1961]

I have to say that this is a GREAT instructional video. Explained very well and nice camera work. Well Done, Sir!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Worked hard on this one since I hadn’t seen a good video about it on KZbin before. Appreciate it!

[@jasons783]

Your jack tool hack and instructions worked perfectly! I could never quite get that cup to fit tight but it does now. Thank you!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Great to hear!

[@jeremylewis3183]

Thank you so much for this video I had no idea what to do before I watched your video thank you again !!!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad I could help!

[@davemcquade2950]

Great hack.. thanks

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Very welcome.

[@funeralparties]

New Fender Tele owner here, came with missing output jack nut. This was very helpful.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad to help!

[@justinjuk]

Huge help! Worked perfectly. Thanks!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Great to hear!

[@1sttvbn]

Thank you, I’m building a B-bender Tele. Your video was ultra informative. Oh, and not only is Stew Mac’s tool $39 plus tax, and shipping. It’s also unavailable right now.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bristolfashion4421]

dude - you’ve just won this week’s “top youtube ‘leccy guitar assembly time-saving tip” award…. 😊

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks! I wish to thank the Academy… :)

[@mrmanch204]

Well, I followed your instructions as best I could and it worked like a charm. Many thanks from Paul in th UK. Your descriptions and camera work, excellent, very easy to understand.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Great to hear!

[@antmills]

This worked a treat. Thanks so much.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad it helped!

[@meltedwheeliebin]

Brilliant

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks!

[@Kmaczzz]

Thanks. Very helpful. Will take a look at the rest of your stuff.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Great, thanks!

[@robertruckman4859]

Good video

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MortalKastorR]

Hi, greetings from Belgium! I had everything in my stash and It worked perfectly, thank you!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

You’re welcome! Happy to help.

[@TheStrat1957]

Great video. You have a wonderful way of explaining things.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

I appreciate that!

[@kevingplumb]

Great video, thank you so much, just what I was looking for. Worked a treat. The only modification I made to your method was rather than wrapping masking tape around the socket to act as a depth stop I cut a piece of PVC to 1" length (I'm not sure what size but it was a little smaller diameter than the socket), then I split it so I could open it up and slide it over the socket. It worked great. I also took your suggestion and made sure the carriage bolt was long enough to project into the cavity once I'd removed the outer nut. This made it ver easy to remove the lock nuts.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Great! I’ve also seen someone use a hose clamp and a thick O ring as the depth stop. Whatever works. :)

[@andrewsrea]

Works like a charm! Great instruction, to the point and at a good pace.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad it helped!

[@mistersparkle]

This is one excellent video! I've never had the pleasure of installing a traditional Telecaster jack cup, having used various alternatives in the past including the popular Electrosocket. But I'm currently building a Buck Owens silver sparkle Tele and I need to use the original jack mounting scheme. As for the tool, I did make a few substitutions in my version including a 3/8" shaft collar in place of the two jam nuts at the end of the carriage bolt (much easier to remove than the jam nuts) and a 7/8" shaft collar on the socket instead of the wrapped masking tape (eliminates the chance of the tape compressing). The tool I ended up with is a definite keeper.....at least until I need my 5/8" socket.🙂

[@hacksguitarhobby]

I feel the same... my socket has been a part of the tool so long, that I'll probably just buy a socket to replace it. :)

[@k9er233]

This is the type of video that makes me very happy to be one of your subscribers. 😁

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Happy to hear that!

[@paulturner8253]

Thanks!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

You’re very welcome

[@galaxy-id3cj]

Perfect

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks!

[@superfluity]

Yep, worked for me. Didn't need the ratchet at the end though, used 5" bolt and wound the compression bolt all the way out when done and pushed the bolt in to expose the two nuts at the other end in the control cavity and used a spanner - good tip to use a 5" bolt though. Thanks for the vid.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

That’s mostly why I recommended at least a 5” bolt, but also so both jam nuts can be fully on the threads of the bolt… I had to leave one hanging off a little. Glad it helped!

[@superfluity]

@@hacksguitarhobby Ya, I made one up but it was 4" and when I watched again to make sure I was doing it right, I heard you say about 5", was a good tip, thanks

[@bluesbubba7429]

Extremely informative video. I originally had the other jack plate holder that is mounted using screws. However my Billy Bo body that I purchased had the jack hole too large. I therefore purchased the jack plate cup to see if that would be a better fit, but no. I then got the idea to use plastic wood and build up the hole. The first holder worked after some sanding but it's a decent fit. Great tool you made. I will keep it mind if I build a Telecaster. Thanks again for the video. Great demonstration!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad you enjoyed it. Not that difficult after you see it, right?

[@bluesbubba7429]

Yes! I like Stewmac but the prices can be quite costly. You created a tool for literally pennies. That's what I love about ingenuity! @@hacksguitarhobby

[@cream2331]

Thanks, super helpful!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jburtonca]

I've never liked the cup jack plate. I use the standard jack with the "football" jack plate. This allows me to use a right angle jack and run the cord between the strap, body and strap pin.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

That Charvel TX build I did had the football jack stock. It worked fine. I could never find a video on how to install the jack cup for a traditional Tele build... so I made my own. :)

[@bobbymusselman3080]

Yes! I also like to be able to sit on a bed, sofa, chair, etc. without bending/breaking a strait cable because the Tele cup doesn't allow right angle plugs.

[@Quikshiver]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@hacksguitarhobby]

No problem 😊

[@49VinCom]

Thank you for doing this video, very very helpful.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Glad it was helpful!

[@49VinCom]

@@hacksguitarhobby Did the trick very well and cost no money because I had all the stuff lying around. Thanks again.

[@gwEmbassy]

Great! Appreciate the video

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thank you.

[@TommySG1]

Nice video, I have already purchased the tool via Stew Mac so there’s no reason for me to make this although I watched out of curiosity here. I see so many Tele’s with the jack either loose or replaced with those hideous jacks with the two Phillip headed screws, which just look like crappy imo. The good thing is that you can go back to the original plate that’s meant to be there though in the first place which I’ve done to a few as well. The last Strat I put together I ran the jack out the side as well which is so much nicer than the jack coming out of the face of the guitar, the cable is more out of the way too with this set up. Especially if you have a nice one piece body now you don’t have the jack assembly covering up the nice wood too 🤙 Too bad all Strats weren’t made this way hah, why Leo decided to go with the front plate is beyond me, maybe you know? I can’t think of a reason as to why.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks, I have one guitar with an electrosocket that I installed before learning this method. Those have their place, but I much prefer the original!

[@nickmhobbs1]

would have been really good for you to mention the 5inch bolt and the jam nuts getting locked in at the start.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thought I did?

[@olavbrynildsen]

Very well done. Super instructional video. BTU All the best Olav -new subscribe

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Thanks for the sub!

[@kcb5150]

How do you like those pine bodies from Nebraska?

[@hacksguitarhobby]

If you look for the right ones, they are great. I’ve bought four, and I looked for ones that didn’t appear to have cracks in the seams, chips around the string ferrule holes, or unstable knots. All of mine were good after minor sanding of the neck pocket area.

[@kcb5150]

​@@hacksguitarhobbyThank you for letting me know. Anyone you recommend for tele necks?

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Not really, unfortunately. The Fender replacement ones I have used (Mexico) have been inconsistent.

[@kcb5150]

@@hacksguitarhobby Been thinking of trying one of those allparts japanese made licensed ones. If anything, Japan is fastidious about details

[@ARTaudio440]

Too many stuff. Me, just 1 socket all things good☺️

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Not sure I understand, but thanks for watching.

[@DougHinVA]

Look at the comment below... This is too complicated for most fellows and they do not have the tools/skills to do it.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Anyone who thinks it is too difficult will probably talk themselves out of being successful, but it's really pretty straightforward and only uses tools that would benefit anyone to own (socket wrench, wrenches, etc.).

[@mboyer68]

Excellent work! Absolutely horrible design. I mean, what's wrong with two little screws in the outside of the jack? Crazy. Someone at Fender was definitely high when they designed this jack.

[@hacksguitarhobby]

Well, the design is about 75 years old or so, so I’ll cut them some slack. :)