72 Tele custom Jack replacement

[Big Alex]

Mine has the circular jackplate with no screws. Do I have to remove the pickguard to asses the jack?

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by Big Alex

Mine has the circular jackplate with no screws. Do I have to remove the pickguard to asses the jack?

Yes, you do. Also remove the external retaining screw on the jack socket itself and then you can withdraw the socket through the route under the control plate.

[Guitarmadcat]

No, you don't. So long as your OK with removing/ replacing the retaining clip in the socket channel.

Remove the nut and cup then, using snipe-nose pliers, remove the retaining clip and the socket will come out on about 3" of wire.

If you're unhappy about messing with the retaining clip, then you will have to go in via the scratchplate (pickguard in Yankese!), or control plate - depending on which Custom you have.

[KevinB]

IMHO removing the pickguard is a whole lot easier

[Big Alex]

I guess I´d better remove the strings do this work right?

[jwells393]

I'm with KevinB on this one. Removing the jack plate clip would be a big mistake unless you're planning an Electrosocket replacement.

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by Big Alex

I guess I´d better remove the strings do this work right?

You will at least have to loosen the strings. You may (or may not) have to remove them. You just have to get the pickguard moved enough to get at the socket.

The problem with removing the retainer clip, is that it wasn't exactly Leo's best ever design! You could certainly get it out with a pair of pliers, but putting it back in securely with pliers is not easy. If yours is stable right now, I wouldn't mess with it. There are tools available - like the one below from StewMac, or you can make one yourself - to put these clips in properly, but to do it you need to have the socket out.