Wiring route

I was curious, what year did fender put the extra rectangular route in the body between the pickups? I see its in Tdowns Blueprint and have noted it in some aftermarket bodies. I have a Tele I bought new in '75' I'm refinishing right now that doesn't have it. Was this a route that Fender put in originally (and if so what years?) or was it a aftermarket route to ease putting the wiring hole between the neck pickup and control cavity? Its just something I wondered about. Thanks for any info, I'm relatively new here, been reading a lot and appreciate all your posts and shared information. Thanks again.

Regards,

Rev. Don

I don't know the answer to your question, but I find that extra route more hassle than its worth. I drill my bodies from through the neck pocket straight through the neck route and into the bridge. Then I just run my neck wire to the bridge cavity and through the same hole as the bridge.

I use a long bit and drill from the corner of the neck pocket through the neck pickup cavity and into the control cavity. That way you won't have to remove the bridge if you ever need to replace the neck pickup. I wouldn't do it with a bit smaller than 1/4 in.

The wiring channel rout was still there in 1966.

......http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/jwells393/66%20Telecaster/PGoff66.jpg

Thanks guys, I just wasn't sure when it came into being. I would agree it appears it isn't really required, on my 1975 they drilled as you guys are doing, from the bridge straight to the cavity and from the bridge to the cavity. Thanks for the reply.

Regards,

Rev. D.

Good point Jack.
I have had that bite me once. But taking the bridge off isn't a tremendously big deal.