Help! Tele Control Plate Wont Close all the way

[m.z.]

Just modded my tele w/ 4 way wiring and reverse control plate... can't get control plate to close all the way (switch side) ... not an issue of wire being in the way... seems to be the switch doesn't fit. Do I remove some wood? If so... what's the best way to do this?

[m.z.]

:cry:

[Jan Folkson]

You could try bending the soldering tabs to the side.

[m.z.]

Did that a bit... didn't want to risk breaking them off though... Thanks... might do that a bit more... Any other suggestions guys?

[VTX-XTC]

I've run into this before. What I find works best is to cut away some wood using a forstner bit. It's best to use a drill press where you can precisely set the depth of cut. Measure, measure, measure......and then measure some more before you start cutting....you don't want to go through the back of the guitar.....that makes for a bad day.

[jaydawg76]

Would you measure the depth of your control cavity for use? It's pretty rare, tho not unheard of, for the cavity to be so shallow as to not allow enough clearance for the switch.

You might want to also measure from the underside of your control plate to the bottom of the switch to get an idea of just how much clearance you need.

[m.z.]

Thanks.... doesn't seem to need much more room.... 1/8 inch or less might even do it. Thank you guys for the suggestions...

[m.z.]

Quick question.... (just finished the dreaded wood removal... went well! It fits!... YAY!) Do I need to shield the bare wood in any way? Leave as is?

Thanks again!

[VTX-XTC]

Opinions vary, but I think that sealing the wood against moisture (loss or gain) is helpful. Just painting over the area with some enamel is quick and effective and it's not visible so you don't have to be real choosy about color, etc.

[jaycee]

I used a hammer and chisel to remove some wood from my cv tele. Worked fine.

[m.z.]

She's all put back together... Just need to do a few adjustments to the neck and pups... Love it! Thanks for helping out guys... :band