Building a tele, confused about jack cups

[dlheidemann]

I'm building a telecaster with a body from MJT and a neck from MusiKraft. I'm sourcing all of the other parts myself and the time has come for me to look into hardware.

Jack cups are my current struggle. I know I want a vintage correct cup with the retainer clip instead of the screws and all that, but I don't understand how I can install the retainer clip. Is that something I can do at home on my own work bench?

I know there's a new design with the two screws to hold it in place, but I'm not really a fan of those. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

 

[tele_pathic]

D,

I understand the devotion to "period correct" hardware. And I get it, I really do. I built a Fender '51 Nocaster which all vintage correct hardware EXCEPT the jack cup. There, I used the Electrosocket jack cup. WHY? Well, two reasons: 1. who, I mean really, who is going to notice that itty-bitty detail? No one, that's who! 2. The electrosocket is screwed down and MOUNTED in there, solid! The vintage correct cup simply presses into place. While it might not come out, it might!

In my mind, given that this is a such a small component that absolutely does not impact tone or feel or playability or look, why use an inferior design? The electrosocket it a great feature! Think of it this way: You can spend the $3 for period correct press cup and it may hold, but if it pops out, you will probably be extremely frustrated by that. Or you can spend $12 for the electrosocket, mount it, forget it, and NEVER have to think about it ever again.

 

[mojoatomic]

Here's a video -



and here's the tool... (link removed)

If this is the type cup you want, this is the tool you need.

 

[dlheidemann]

You're totally right in that regard, but I'm the one who's going to notice hahaha! It absolutely isn't a big deal, but it just seems like something I'd want to do. Plus I vastly prefer the look of the vintage cup over the screwed in one.

I'll scope out some solutions and see if I can find an easy way to do it. I just found a vide of guy putting it in there with a bolt, two washer and a nut. No need for a $20 tool I'll use one time.

 

[PeterUK]

I know I want a vintage correct cup with the retainer clip instead of the screws and all that, but I don't understand how I can install the retainer clip. Is that something I can do at home on my own work bench?

You really don't. They are horrible, unreliable and difficult to fit without a suitable tool. The electrosocket was designed to placate every Tele player from the frustrations of the traditional clip and cup.

The electrosocket is cheap and very, very effective. An alternative and a little more pricey is the Rutters Cup:

(link removed)

image removed

You'll make up your own mind, but if you avoid the traditional cup and clip you'll thank us in the long run.

Good luck and tell us how it worked out.

Peter

 

[PeterUK]

You're totally right in that regard, but I'm the one who's going to notice hahaha! It absolutely isn't a big deal, but it just seems like something I'd want to do. Plus I vastly prefer the look of the vintage cup over the screwed in one.

I'll scope out some solutions and see if I can find an easy way to do it. I just found a vide of guy putting it in there with a bolt, two washer and a nut. No need for a $20 tool I'll use one time.

Here ya go! If you insist.

Check out this thread:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/193165-how-fit-vintage-tele-jack-cup.html#post2231299

Peter

 

[dlheidemann]

See, that thread was way more helpful. Thank you.

 

[guitarbuilder]

Not helpful without pictures but here is another thread. You can use your imagination.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-technical/261220-home-made-tele-jack-clip-tool.html

 

[PeterUK]

See, that thread was way more helpful. Thank you.

Ha ha! No problem.

We always come through in the end.

Peter

 

[ltdave32]

+1 on the Stew-mac jack cup installer/remover.

If you want the original jack setup, the SM tool is the only way to go.

Makes installation/removal a snap, and the price is right at near $15.

A tele-building must-have tool.