Volume Pot Hole On Tele/Strat Build

[Rocket88]

Greetings all.....

Question regarding exact position of volume pot hole on Tele build.
I’ve got a Rear Rout Tele body coming soon. It will have 3 Strat pickups in it and I will be using 3 Strat pickup rings (from Stew Mac) around each pickup, so No pick guard. The switch and knob arrangement will be the standard Strat setup. 1 Volume, 2 Tone and 5 way switch. Volume knob will be a smaller chrome dome knob from Allparts, other 2 knobs standard size dome knobs.

I’m concerned that the volume pot is going to be too close to the ring surrounding the bridge pickup. When I place the bridge pickup ring on one of my existing Fender Strats and place the chrome knob on the volume pot, there is a tiny overlap (maybe an 1/8 to 1/4 inch) between the bushing nut on top of the pot and the pickup mounting ring.

I wish I had thought about this prior to ordering the body, I should have gone with a 2 knob setup omitting the standard volume pot hole.

It looks like there are folks on the Warmoth guitar gallery (In the Strat section)  that have done this very thing without issue?
I must have the bridge pickup ring in place, i.e., I don’t want to omit the ring and mount the pickup directly to the body of the guitar.

I’ve got 3/8’” chrome hole plugs, Black hole plugs, etc to possibly fill the hole and use a 2 knob setup, but even these hole plugs look like they may slightly interfere with the pickup ring.

Assuming the distance of the Strat volume pot to the bridge pickup is exactly the same as a standard Strat…… Then I’ve got a problem.

Any help, thoughts would be much appreciated…..

Thanks in advance !

 

[Cagey]

Assuming the distance of the Strat volume pot to the bridge pickup is exactly the same as a standard Strat…… Then I’ve got a problem.

You ain't got no problem, Jules. I'm on the mayorfegger.​

Well, perhaps I've spoken too soon. I thought I had a Tele like that here, but I don't. And playing in the builder with a mock-up of what you describe, I can see why you're nervous.

I did manage to find a "Stratele" project, but it's no help because he's got a pickguard over a top route...

So, then I searched for "Tele Strat hybrid" and there's a boatload of 'em, but none rear routed. I'm beginning to think you can't get there from here. I think if it was me, I'd be on the phone to Warmoth asking some pointed questions. First on the list might be "have you drilled it yet?"

 

[Rocket88]

Thanks for the reply Cagey,

Yes, I've already contacted them and it's already been drilled. They said they've seen what I'm wanting to do done before but weren't exactly sure what was done to make it work. There are indeed several photos in the guitar photo gallery of tele type knobs in the volume pot position on Stratocasters that have Strat bridge pickup rings with rear routs. However, when I put the pickup ring around the bridge pickup on one of my FENDER strats (which has a pickguard), it collides with the washer and nut for the volume pot. It's a tiny amount of interference, but it's enough to not make it work.

Gosh, I really want to make this work....

 

[Cagey]

No doubt. But, if the mounting ring is already hitting the retainer nut for the pot, that means it's only going to get worse with a knob on it. Even Tele barrel knobs are slightly larger in diameter than the nut. Hmm. Well, maybe the Strat clearance test isn't valid for the Tele and we're worried about nothing.

 

[Fat Pete]

I'm under the impression that the Strat pattern pot holes are drilled slightly further out on the rear-routed bodies. A quick overlay seems to confirm this (the rear route holes are the dark ones). Don't take this as definite, but don't panic just yet.

 

[Rocket88]

Thanks for taking time to reply Fat Pete,

I hope that's correct.
Is it possible that anyone from Warmoth could give a definitive answer to this? I realize this is the "Unofficial" discussion site....

Also, a secondary question:
Has anyone ever seen a 1/4 inch diameter, 3/4 inch longer bushing mini toggle switch for rear rout guitar use? I've looked everywhere online and can't seem to find one appropriate....

 

[Cagey]

I'm not sure if this switch would be suitable...

...but it's got a 1/2" long mounting barrel that would make it through the top of a rear-routed body far enough to expose threads for the retainer nut. Thing is, it's got the 3/8" diameter mounting barrel and larger operator like the traditional 3-pos Switchcraft switch used for pickup selection on many guitars. I dug it up to replace a Switchcraft so as to get DPDT operation in a 2 position toggle vs 3 position and fit in the same space.

 

[Rocket88]

I'll check that switch out Cagey, Thank you !

I may just go ahead and order an appropriate pickguard with only the 2 distal pot holes drilled for a backup plan B option. I may possibly abandon the pickup ring approach - I'm not crazy about having a volume or tone knob or switch that close to my right hand anyway. But..... I paid extra for the mega, turbo quilted maple option and hate to cover it up.
I've built 2 quilted Warmoths so far; A standard Tele with no pickguard w/ front control plate, and a  hybrid Nashville Tele with pickguard w/ front control plate. Both are beyond fantastic in looks, sound and playability. So..... if I need to add a pickguard, I'll still be happy !

 

[Cagey]

Covering a beautiful quilt seems like it should be a crime, but if you look upthread to that Mahogany hybrid I posted a picture of, that pickguard seems like it leaves a lot of wood exposed while still providing the mounting options you need, and it looks pretty good (clearly not finished in that shot, but you can see where it's going). It's almost certainly a custom part, but there are dozens of pickguard makers out there if you don't feel like making the mess yourself.

 

[Rocket88]

Absolutely Cagey, I agree....
I'm diggin' that custom pickguard shape.
If I add the Warmoth one, or something like the one you posted, I'll consider it the vibe that it adds, not what it takes away.
Thanks !

 

[Cagey]

Hey! Go check this thread out. Another member just posted a 3 pickup Tele with Strat controls. Not exactly like you describe yours, but should put your mind at ease. There's clearly room for everything.

 

[Hendrix]

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=22737.msg336792#msg336792

I also has a TELE with Strat controls in about thread  , it Volume Pot Hole a bit too close to the  Floyd Rose Tremolo edge , but still OK .

 

[Rocket88]

I'll check those threads out,
Thanks for helping !

 

[Rocket88]

You were right Fat Pete,
The rear rout pot holes were a little further away from the bridge pickup.
I put a black hole plug in volume pot hole spot. It looks just fine.......

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

You could also use the smaller round top dome knobs that are normally used on active bass circuits for the eq section.

 

[Rocket88]

Hey Tony,

Yes, I have one of those and I may try that also. When looking at it "in person", the black plug is not really that noticeable and blends in well with the Tiger Eye finish.

Thanks !

 

[Cagey]

That's a very pretty fiddle! You must be very pleased!

 

[Rocket88]

Very pleased, thanks for your help Cagey......

 

[DustyCat]

So THAT'S what it is that I like about strats!
All this time, who would've thought.  :doh:
I always thought there was something about that volume knob

Gee, am I dumb!  :sad:

:yourock: