Hello From Kuwait - Question about my Tele

Hi All,

My name is Mike... I was born and raised in Oklahoma, but have been living and working in Kuwait since just after the first Gulf War (nearly 20 years now!)

I have a band here. We're called "Bar None". I started it one year ago at the request of the US Embassy Consular Officer to provide music for the 9/11 observance. We have a band web site: www.bar-none-band.com

I have a Custom Shop Telecaster, but have a question about it.

The pick-up switch (I think it's a four-position switch) is located on the neck end of the plate, with the two knobs 'behind' it. In looking at photos, it seems that the vast majority of the switches are located on the bridge end of the plate, with the two knobs towards the neck end...

It came that way directly from the custom shop... and the knob closest to the neck is the volume knob, and the knob between that and the switch is the tone knob...

Is it right? I'm confused about why it's 'different'...

I look forward to participating in the forum, and any input/advice that anyone here can offer.

Thanks in advance,

Mike in Kuwait

The original/normal/standard Tele controls are like this

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/562/esq_2831.jpg
Switch-volume-tone

A lot of people flip the plate and swap the vol/tone. So it's volume-tone-switch, making the volume knob closer to you fingers.

A few models do come from the factory with the backwards control plate.

The original/normal/standard Tele controls are like this

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/562/esq_2831.jpg
Switch-volume-tone

A lot of people flip the plate and swap the vol/tone. So it's volume-tone-switch, making the volume knob closer to you fingers.

A few models do come from the factory with the backwards control plate.

Tdot,

Thanks for the response... so, I guess it is what it is...

Appreciate the info...

Mike in Kuwait

The pick-up switch (I think it's a four-position switch) is located on the neck end of the plate, with the two knobs 'behind' it. In looking at photos, it seems that the vast majority of the switches are located on the bridge end of the plate, with the two knobs towards the neck end...

It came that way directly from the custom shop... and the knob closest to the neck is the volume knob, and the knob between that and the switch is the tone knob...



Boy did I type that wrong...

The switch is located on the BRIDGE end of the plate... just opposite of the one shown in Tdot's photo... That's what I get for thinking and typing at the same time...

So, apparently, at the Custom Shop, they decided to swap the plate around and wire the knobs with the volume closest to the neck, followed by the tone knob, followed by the switch...

Mike in Kuwait

Sounds like a "Custom Classic", which has the control plat flipped, and a 4-way switch as stock!

We like photos!

We like photos!

Ask and ye shall receive....

Just went downstairs to the rehearsal room and snapped these...

Mike in Kuwait

A couple more.... in the rehearsal room...

Mike in Kuwait

and finally,

oh... I'm actually a keyboard player, but am starting to learn how to play guitar...

All the equipment in the room is mine... believe me, it is much easier to get musicians in Kuwait if you have the instruments for them to play... that's why I have all the equipment. Many of the guys here can really play, but either can't afford to bring their instruments with them, or didn't.

Sounds strange, I know... but that's the way it is.

Mike in Kuwait

Yes, you definitely have a problem with that Tele. Very big problem. You should send it to me, and I will take a look to see if I can address the problem. I'm a little back logged right now, so it may take 10 or 20 years, but I'm sure I'll eventually be able to fix it for you.:wink:

Yes, you definitely have a problem with that Tele. Very big problem. You should send it to me, and I will take a look to see if I can address the problem. I'm a little back logged right now, so it may take 10 or 20 years, but I'm sure I'll eventually be able to fix it for you.:wink:

uhhh.... I'll get right on that....!

:lol:

Thanks for the reply....

Mike in Kuwait

Nice!