What material is this control plate made from?

The plate is manufactured from sturdy brass, which is then finished with gold plating for a vintage aesthetic.

How many holes does this plate have for control knobs?

It features a two-hole configuration specifically designed to accommodate one standard volume control and one standard tone control.

Will this fit a Squier Telecaster?

While designed for US and Mexico Fender models, it may fit Squier instruments if they follow standard vintage dimensions, though some modification to the cavity or screw holes is occasionally required.

Are mounting screws included with the plate?

Yes, official Fender gold-finished mounting screws are included in the package to ensure a matching look upon installation.

What is the typical price for this part in the UK?

The typical retail price for this official Fender replacement part is approximately £42.00.

Does this plate accommodate a three-way pickup selector switch?

Yes, the plate includes the standard slot for a vintage or modern blade-style pickup selector switch.

Is this plate suitable for a 1952 reissue model?

Yes, it is specifically designed to match the look and feel of classic models, including those dating back to 1952.

Can I use this plate on a left-handed Telecaster?

This specific model is designed for right-handed configurations; while it can be flipped, the countersinking for the screws may not align correctly for a left-handed build.

Does the gold finish tarnish over time?

Like all gold-plated guitar hardware, it may show wear or slight tarnishing over years of use, which many players feel contributes to a desirable 'relic' or vintage appearance.

Is this a genuine Fender part?

Yes, this is an official Fender replacement component, ensuring factory-accurate specifications and quality control.

Does this plate come with the volume and tone knobs?

No, this product is the control plate and mounting screws only. Knobs such as Aged White Stratocaster knobs or Telecaster dome knobs must be purchased separately.

What is the benefit of the brass construction?

Brass is a traditional material for guitar hardware that provides excellent durability and a weightier, high-quality feel compared to thinner steel alternatives.

Gear article

Fender Vintage Telecaster Control Plate (Gold)

The Fender Vintage Telecaster Control Plate is an official replacement component designed to replicate the aesthetic and functional standards of classic 1952-style instruments. Manufactured from brass with a gold finish, it features a standard two-hole layout for volume and tone potentiometers.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender Vintage Telecaster Control Plate is a premium hardware component intended for both restoration projects and custom builds. As an official Fender part, it is engineered to meet the specific dimensions of the company's long-standing single-cutaway electric guitar design. The plate serves as the mounting point for the instrument's primary electronic controls, including the master volume and master tone knobs, as well as the pickup selector switch.

Design and Construction

This specific variant is constructed from sturdy brass, a traditional material choice that offers durability and a heavy, high-quality feel. It is finished in a polished gold plating, providing a distinct aesthetic departure from the more common chrome or nickel hardware. The plate utilizes a two-hole configuration, which is the standard layout for the vast majority of Telecaster electronics, allowing for a seamless fit without the need for additional drilling on compatible bodies.

Installation and Compatibility

Fender has designed this control plate to be backwards compatible with vintage-style instruments while remaining appropriate for modern production models. Key compatibility features include:

Direct fit for most US and Mexico-manufactured Telecasters produced from 1952 to the present day.
Includes matching gold mounting screws for a uniform appearance.
Precise factory dimensions ensure alignment with standard control cavities.

While designed for official Fender models, it may also fit other T-style guitars that adhere to vintage Fender specifications.

Aesthetic Character

The primary appeal of the gold finish is its 'period-correct' flair for specific high-end or anniversary models. It offers a refined, premium appearance that complements darker finishes or vintage-style 'Butterscotch Blonde' aesthetics. Unlike chrome, which has a cool blue undertone, the gold plating provides a warm, elegant look that ages uniquely over time, making it a popular choice for those looking to upgrade from standard hardware.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard chrome control plates, this gold-finished brass version is positioned as a luxury upgrade. While it functions identically to the Fender American Standard or Mexico series plates, the use of brass rather than steel or zinc alloy provides a more traditional mass. For players seeking a more modern look, alternatives like the 10-Hole Contemporary Jazz Bass pickguards or chrome Stratocaster bridge assemblies offer different visual directions, but for the Telecaster purist, this plate remains the standard for gold-hardware configurations.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is this control plate made from?: The plate is manufactured from sturdy brass, which is then finished with gold plating for a vintage aesthetic.
How many holes does this plate have for control knobs?: It features a two-hole configuration specifically designed to accommodate one standard volume control and one standard tone control.
Will this fit a Squier Telecaster?: While designed for US and Mexico Fender models, it may fit Squier instruments if they follow standard vintage dimensions, though some modification to the cavity or screw holes is occasionally required.
Are mounting screws included with the plate?: Yes, official Fender gold-finished mounting screws are included in the package to ensure a matching look upon installation.
What is the typical price for this part in the UK?: The typical retail price for this official Fender replacement part is approximately £42.00.
Does this plate accommodate a three-way pickup selector switch?: Yes, the plate includes the standard slot for a vintage or modern blade-style pickup selector switch.
Is this plate suitable for a 1952 reissue model?: Yes, it is specifically designed to match the look and feel of classic models, including those dating back to 1952.
Can I use this plate on a left-handed Telecaster?: This specific model is designed for right-handed configurations; while it can be flipped, the countersinking for the screws may not align correctly for a left-handed build.
Does the gold finish tarnish over time?: Like all gold-plated guitar hardware, it may show wear or slight tarnishing over years of use, which many players feel contributes to a desirable 'relic' or vintage appearance.
Is this a genuine Fender part?: Yes, this is an official Fender replacement component, ensuring factory-accurate specifications and quality control.
Does this plate come with the volume and tone knobs?: No, this product is the control plate and mounting screws only. Knobs such as Aged White Stratocaster knobs or Telecaster dome knobs must be purchased separately.
What is the benefit of the brass construction?: Brass is a traditional material for guitar hardware that provides excellent durability and a weightier, high-quality feel compared to thinner steel alternatives.