Jazz Control Plate

[Goober1206]

I'm just wondering if the three hole version is an easy drop in when replacing the four hole version. Same size and all with the only difference being one less hole and hole spacing of course. Specifically I'm replacing a MIM Deluxe Jazz Plate with a Fender 3 hole plate from darrenriley.com

Thanks

[john grey]

Yea that's not too big a thing. But the term "drop-in" is sort of inappropriate in that new pilot holes need to be drilled. Be careful about drilling perfectly vertical & not close to leads and weak points. Use a 1/16" drill and put some tape on it (@ the 1/4' mark) so visually you know not to drill to deeply. Always use a hand screwdriver so you don't strip out wood screws.

[Goober1206]

Originally Posted by john grey

Yea that's not too big a thing. But the term "drop-in" is sort of inappropriate in that new pilot holes need to be drilled. Be careful about drilling perfectly vertical & not close to leads and weak points. Use a 1/16" drill and put some tape on it (@ the 1/4' mark) so visually you know not to drill to deeply. Always use a hand screwdriver so you don't strip out wood screws.

New holes need to be drilled? The same ones won't work?

[john grey]

My bad: I checked again and they should work fine. There was one (hole) that I thought was off enough to have to re-drill (as this issue came up before with a project of my own).
Some after-market pick-guards, control-plates, etc gave different spacing holes. This happens occasionally with certain "non-original" products. It's not the case here, I was incorrect: at least with what I saw on a MIM swap several hours after you posted. Apologies.

PS: IF for ANY reason you DO have troubles PLEASE PM me and let me know. I keep a pretty extensive technical notebook and patterns are something I like keep track of. I've found a lot of items that are supposedly original equipment pattern, and don't drop in. Even a single (hole) can be an issue if the drill area is too thin, etc- Thanks.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by john grey

I've found a lot of items that are supposedly original equipment pattern, and don't drop in.

that is annoyingly true.

USA and mex fender pickguards and control plates should fit right on, though.

(some pickguards may have an extra hole or two, but the actual shape is usually dead-on.)

[ShirazBop]

I've swapped 'em out on a MIA 2000 Standard Jazz... no problemo...

Did you buy your 3-hole yet or would you like to get a used one??? PM if so and I can pop it on to the Classifieds for your...

[john grey]

Goober1206: I'd buy the used one: you know it fits!

[Goober1206]

I appreciate all the help and the offers thanks! But I did buy a new one, and it dropped right on. Holes lined up, and my new all parts black pickguard was a match as well.