Best products from r/telecaster

While we're on the subject of cases I feel obligated to plug the Gator dual electric soft case.

Not the cheapest case in the world but if you're doing light gigging (see not throwing your shit into a trailer to get slammed around by large rack cases) and are bringing 2 guitars this thing is fantastic.

Loads of pockets, incredibly soft yet supportive interior for both guitars, and with the backpack straps it keeps your hands free to carry more shit making loadin quicker. Cost less than replacing both of my beat up hardcases.

I particularly like being able to slide in a small amp modeler box in the front pocket and have everything I need for a quick gig strapped on my back. Really useful for ugly lowbudget festival type gigs where there isn't a secure place to store your gear and load-in is a nightmare.

There's even a pocket on the backside with a fitted rain poncho that goes over the whole thing should you get caught in the rain.

It seems like the fear of "performing" in public is really going to be a stumbling block for you to do what's most important, and that's to concentrate on feeling the guitar in your hands while playing. As others have said, the difference in pickups will be minimal in your price range, and at your level. So, get a portable headphone amplifier. Vox makes a range of them for about $40 each. Or, you could get a similar knockoff at Monoprice for as little as $8. Or, for that same $40, you could get yourself an iRig2, use your phone as a portable stompbox, and almost certainly get better quality than either of the above, with multiple amp models and effects in software. The advantages are several, as you can now feel comfortable jamming away at full volume (to you), while no one more than 6 feet away has a clue what you're playing. Bring your own short patch cable and picks, and there's no waiting for a salesman to plugin to an amp for you, then hover nearby whilst you noodle, making you nervous. You can now feel confident in saying "I've got a portable rig I'm going to plug into, thanks". Even pro-level musicians might have a phone or tablet rig they use to sketch up ideas, or when traveling. Feel free to look annoyed if you have to remove your headphones/earbuds, and/or ask for time to yourself. Then, go off into your own little world, play the heck out of those girls, and fall in love. You'll know the right one when you meet her. Or feel her up for the first time. Getting creepy now - better stop.

I have that same guitar! Player series tele in butterscotch, easily became my number one when I got it.

A couple mods I did you may want to check out:

Telecaster Control Plate Custom
This plate has the toggle switch slot angled so that when in the bridge position, it isn't butted up against the volume knob. I prefer this over the old-fashioned "turn the control plate all the way around so switch is in the back."
https://rockrabbitguitars.com/shop/telecaster-control-plate-custom-aluminum/

If you want to see what the control plate looks like, check this out https://imgur.com/a/wvE8nHc, pictures from when I swapped the pickguard.

ElectroSocket Jackplate for Tele Chrome
-This will help alleviate future jack issues as the nut becomes loose. Plus, the scoop makes it easy to insert cable end without looking.
https://www.amazon.com/ElectroSocket-Jackplate-for-Tele-Chrome/dp/B00G964BUY


EDITED FOR FormAtTinG

Soldering is a good skill to have, in general.

And if you're careful, there's not much you can screw up.

Watch a YT tutorial or two and you'll be good to go.

For tools you'll eventually want what is in this kit, but probably not that kit itself.

I bought a Weller WLC100 40 watt kit (definitely get a norrower ST2 or ST3 tip as well), a solder sucker tool (you can use desoldering wick, but the solder sucker is worth the money), a Helping Hands and 60/40 rosin-core solder.

In addition, I like using tip tinner, a wire tip cleaner like this because I found that using a wet sponge reduced the tip temperature too much.

Also, solder fumes are not great so only do this is in a well-ventilated area. I like to use a small fan to blow the fumes away from my face.

The only thing you'll need to do is desolder/clip the existing swtich and wire up the replacement. You don't have to mess with the pots or caps unless you want to.

Phostenix Tele diagram page.

edit: fixed solder type

I was at GC the other day and played the American Vintage 52 Reissue. Loved the pickups. They are these. Totally putting them on once I have $80. They were everything I think a tele should sound like.

You might consider getting compensated ones which will most likely result in better intonation.

You can get Fender ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-American-Vintage-Telecaster-Compensated/dp/B00DDXKQAK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478681533&sr=8-3&keywords=tele+compensated+saddles

Idk if there's a better option than that.

Thank you for your referral, cover!

I looked at those carefully and decided I might as well try non-metal at first. So I ended up ordering a set of these (they are non-compensated though):

https://www.amazon.com/GraphTech-PS816300-Electric-Guitar-Saddle/dp/B0010HS0PY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1478728602&sr=8-4&keywords=graph+tech+fender+saddles

Oh wow...I didn't expect them to use that on a MIM Tele. Are both your pickups single coil or do you have a humbucker?

so a .05uf is basically the same as .047. If I were you I'd get a .022uF capacitor. You don't need anything fancy, vintage, or overpriced. Here's a pack of 10 for less than 7 bucks.

I think you'll find that will change everything for you. I really believe that. Now, if you have a humbucker that changes things somewhat, but if you're rocking single coils this will likely be a very worth while project for you.

Fender AV 62 RI pickup. Not expensive, bright and clear. Classic Tele chime and jangle. Sorted.

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Vintage-Reissue-Telecaster-Bridge/dp/B005SGDN14

I've bought several Musiclily pick guards from Amazon. Never had an issue with them.

They use them on some classical guitars. Just called an arm rest.

Also available in white boxwood).

And in unstained boxwood, too.

Edited to add info & again to fix links

Electrosocket. Absolutely the only way to do Tele output jacks.

Here is the mobile version of your link