I bought a Black Dove Tele Deluxe about 6 years ago, and through all the comings and goings of guitars I've bought and sold since, it's the one that's stayed with me the longest. I'm bumping it up to Main Guitar, and with this prestigious promotion I figured I'd treat it to some upgrades. I've ordered a new white pearloid pickguard, Bare Knuckle Nantuckets, and a cup jack input with screws so it won't come loose anymore. I'm also struggling my way through finding new control knobs that aren't insanely expensive.
What other simple mods do people recommend? I'd quite like to put better tuners on it but I'm opposed to anything that involves me drilling new holes, as my hand-eye coordination is appalling and there's too much scope for irreparable damage. (I may make the exception for a kill switch though!) Is a nut easy to change? Should I change the metal plate the saddles sit on or just the saddles? Are those Vibramate Bigsbys worth the hassle? Basically I'm fine with soldering, but not so much drilling.
Comments
So, talking about parts, then quality pots switch and jack whilst you are replacing the pickups. Depending on your setup/ how you get on with the bridge, shorter saddle height screws if the current ones feel uncomfortable.
However, probably the best thing a guitar can receive is a good setup.
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/89942/caspercaster#latest
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/99720/tele-deluxe-hum-and-shielding-now-solved#latest
As already said, if the wiring is like the standard Tele Deluxe, the wire run from the jack to the switch is totally unshielded, and replacing it with a shielded cable will make a big difference to the noise. The jack (not just the cup) is also worth upgrading to a proper US Switchcraft, but apart from that there's not a lot which needs doing to them.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
For each tuner;
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
There is also a locking version of the Kluson Revolutions. No idea if they are good, and probably more relevant to 70's Strat's, but the only locking ones I am aware of for this style of tuner.
I have some Schallers ST6's and some original late 70's F tuners and inside the covers they are identical.
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/89942/caspercaster#latest
I'd really like to go over to a three saddle bridge, is there a less expensive version of this: https://www.guitarexperience.co.uk/hardware-components/callaham-hardware/callaham-vintage-hardtail-bridge-with-enhanced-brass-saddles-specialized-for-bigsby-flat-mount-styled-vibratos.html
I'm finding it hard to find a short bridge that's a simple three screw like-for-like replacement. I reeeaaally don't want to drill anything new.
But now I need to find out who else makes them !