Pre-Wired Guitar wiring harness | 'Reverse' 3-way Telecaster kit | Right Handed
Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.
Order times
I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!
Model Description
The Telecaster is an iconic instrument, one that defined a brand, inspired so many musicians and set the bar for the solid body electric guitar moving forward. I want my Signature Series wiring harness for this legendary guitar to earn the right to be a small part of that through a choice of quality components and respect for it's design. The schematic is a simple recipe, based upon the late 60s wiring methods which is perhaps the most commonly known and broadly liked wiring style for Teles. Earlier 60s and 50s 2 pickup Teles were wired from the factory with what most players would find 'quirky' switching and tones, known as the Dark Circuit wiring style. This specific pre-wired kit however is the wiring style most of us would be familiar with and come to expect from Tele controls and tones. I hope it helps you get the most out of your pickups, and your tele with reliable use for many years to come.
This exact harness listing is for a 'reverse' plate harness version of the 3 way tele kit, for players that like an easier access to the volume pot, and perhaps don't mind the switch being the furthest item back! So the volume is closest to the neck, then tone and finally switch.
How the controls and pots work
Master volume control
Master tone control
Switching (3 way)
Position 1 - Bridge pickup
Position 2 - Bridge pickup and neck pickup in parallel
Position 3 - Neck pickup
Please note, website example photo(s) may differ visually from the wiring kit you receive. This could be for a number of reasons but ultimately, don't be alarmed if you do spot differences between the stock photo and your supplied kit.
Product Options
Tone capacitor value
I offer this pre-wired kit with a choice of tone capacitor. For many years (bulk of the 8+ years I've been making these for that matter) as standard I have installed 0.022uF value tone caps to this kit. I opted for this as standard as I consider this a really versatile, 'modern' so to speak cap value choice and has served very well as a standard option over the years. In our trusty guitar player terms, I personally find the 0.022uF equipped wiring by comparison to be clearer, and has served well. But I thought it might be useful to also offer the slightly more 'period correct' so to speak 0.047uF cap value as an option too.
Since Fender introduced this particular way of wiring their Telecasters in the late 60s, they've used 0.047uF caps, and do still continued to do so on a number of models to this day. But must say a great deal of 'modern' production models have been featuring a 0.022uF, with both Fender and many aftermarket pickup makers recommending it for optimal use too.
Which is right for you, may simply down to personal preference, but if you're not sure or not familiar with these specs understandbly, I would firstly recommend double checking the recommended specs by the pickup maker/model you have in your Tele or plan to fit to your Tele.
To briefly summarise, the 0.047uF by comparison to the 0.022uF will have a subtly 'darker'/warmer tone from full throughout the tone pot sweep, and if you A/B'd the same guitar with the tone pot set at 0 between the 0.047uF to the 0.022uF it would be noticable darker.
With or without Treble Bleed?
First up, what does it do? A Treble Bleed kit takes the 'high' treble tone frequencies out of the circuit at the volume pot, and puts them back in the circuit as the signal leaves the volume pot. This means the treble frequencies are prevented from naturally bleeding out of the circuit as your turn your volume pot down. The result is a smoothed out treble and a more uniform tone from 1 to 10. Reducing the treble drop out as the volume pot rolls off. Some guitar players wouldn't be without a treble bleed, and many have never used one on their guitars. Truth is, it is very much personal preference. If you like the idea of retaining treble as you roll your volume pot down, then a treble bleed is for you! As standard I use the .001uF & 120kOhm parallel wired treble bleed mod.
Pot shaft type?
Traditionally you would expect to see Solid Shaft pots used in a Telecaster. This is by far the most popular option and will accomodate for grub screw secured control knobs such as the traditional knurled/barrel type control knobs used on Telecasters for decades.
But I also offer the option of split shaft pots, so if you fancy mixing it up a bit and using some alternative style control knobs that require a push-fit then you'll need to choose this option.
For reference CTS solid shaft pots are 6.35mm (1/4") and require a control knob that secures in place via a grub screw fixing.
CTS split shaft pots are 5.95mm w/24 splines and require a control knob that secures in place by push-fit.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Telecaster, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and simple to follow wiring diagrams for each wiring style. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. But in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Tele or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.
Can I fit this kit myself?
This ultimately comes down to whether you own the equipment needed to correctly and safely install the kit, or how comfortable you feel working on your own guitar. I do feel that installing a pre-wired guitar harness is do-able for many guitarists but only if the correct tools are used and care is taken to ensure you do not damage the kit, your guitar or yourself! There are detailed installation guides here on my website, as well as simple to follow wiring diagrams all to help make the process as easy as possible and in my experience, these have helped thousands of my customers carry out their own install. But if for any reason you have concerns about fitting the kit yourself which is entirely understandable, then I'm sure you'll agree that it is likely best to have a professional fit the kit and help ensure your purchased kit, and your beloved guitar are both looked after and worked on correctly.
If you are local to me (Stourbridge, West Midlands) I take on guitar work no problem at all so will certainly be able to help install your Signature Series harness.
Will the pots/jack fit my control plate and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the control plate to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new control plate that is already suited to the US spec components. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a control plate and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. You can easily widen the holes in the control plate too if you would prefer, I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA or Mexican made Tele, then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
Centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre of Switch to volume pot - 40mm
Centre of volume pot to centre of tone pot - 64mm
These measurements for my templates were taken from a USA Fender telecaster control plate. There is a small amount of 'give' in the wire lengths between the components, but if for any reason the measurements on your Telecaster are drastically different to those stated above, please do get in touch and I may be able to make your kit with an allowance for this. You will need to provide your centre to centre measurements to me.
What control knobs will fit?
The CTS Solid shaft pots have a solid shaft diameter of 0.248" / 6.30mm. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements and secure to the pot via a grub screw on the control knob.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.
If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.
Which switch tip will fit?
Much like with the control knobs, the CRL switch used in this kit is USA spec, with imperial sizes. Therefore you need a switch tip which will fit a CRL switch, which measures 0.185" / 4.72mm
If you do require a US spec switch tip, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Switch Tips category on the store.
Will the jack socket fit my mount cup/plate?
Much like with the control knob and plate fitting notes, this will ultimately come down to where your guitar was made and/or what hardware it has already. The jack socket I use in this kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.367" / 9.32mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount. If you have a threaded electrosocket style jack cup, you will need the imperial thread pitch version. The jack comes provided with washers and mounting nut
Grounding/shielding
As standard I pre-solder a ground wire between the switch and pots for guaranteed ground continuity on your pre-wired kit. If by chance you already have effective copper shielding across the pickguard, or are certain the plating on the control plate provides sufficient ground continuity, then let me know prior to ordering and I will leave these standard ground wires off as to not introduce a ground loop upon installation.
Specs/Parts included
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance audio taper short shaft pots - 250k
- 1x 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- 1x CRL spring loaded 3 way lever switch
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
- For optional treble bleed - It will be a ceramic .001uF cap with a carbon film 120kOhm resistor parallel wired.
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting screws.
Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day.
Harness FAQ's
I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE
'Ground Bug' deal!
Looking forward to installing your new wiring, but a little worried about making the ground connections to the pot casings? First time soldering and hear the horror stories of frying pots, or just simply want to neaten up your installs? Then the awesome 'Ground Bug' will help with any of these concerns, beginner or pro modders alike. The Ground Bug is a pot washer that fits between the pot casing and the pickguard/body and has a number of lugs (much like with the main signal connections on the pot for example) to which you can very easily solder your ground wire connections too. Completely removing the worry and risk of soldering a pot casing, something I know many guitarists complain about having to learn to do.
I have been stocking Ground Bugs for a while, and they really are the perfect match for a pre-wired harness as they further help you with your installs. So I have set up a 10% off Ground Bug deals when purchased with a Home of Tone Signature Series pre-wired harness. This is an automatic discount code, so all you need to have is a Signature Series kit, and a Ground bug in your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied to the bug for you! Click HERE to view the Ground Bug listing (We recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for tighter Telecaster control cavities.
Do you make custom harnesses?
I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.
Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.
Order times
I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!
Model Description
The Telecaster is an iconic instrument, one that defined a brand, inspired so many musicians and set the bar for the solid body electric guitar moving forward. I want my Signature Series wiring harness for this legendary guitar to earn the right to be a small part of that through a choice of quality components and respect for it's design. The schematic is a simple recipe, based upon the late 60s wiring methods which is perhaps the most commonly known and broadly liked wiring style for Teles. Earlier 60s and 50s 2 pickup Teles were wired from the factory with what most players would find 'quirky' switching and tones, known as the Dark Circuit wiring style. This specific pre-wired kit however is the wiring style most of us would be familiar with and come to expect from Tele controls and tones. I hope it helps you get the most out of your pickups, and your tele with reliable use for many years to come.
This exact harness listing is for a 'reverse' plate harness version of the 3 way tele kit, for players that like an easier access to the volume pot, and perhaps don't mind the switch being the furthest item back! So the volume is closest to the neck, then tone and finally switch.
How the controls and pots work
Master volume control
Master tone control
Switching (3 way)
Position 1 - Bridge pickup
Position 2 - Bridge pickup and neck pickup in parallel
Position 3 - Neck pickup
Please note, website example photo(s) may differ visually from the wiring kit you receive. This could be for a number of reasons but ultimately, don't be alarmed if you do spot differences between the stock photo and your supplied kit.
Product Options
Tone capacitor value
I offer this pre-wired kit with a choice of tone capacitor. For many years (bulk of the 8+ years I've been making these for that matter) as standard I have installed 0.022uF value tone caps to this kit. I opted for this as standard as I consider this a really versatile, 'modern' so to speak cap value choice and has served very well as a standard option over the years. In our trusty guitar player terms, I personally find the 0.022uF equipped wiring by comparison to be clearer, and has served well. But I thought it might be useful to also offer the slightly more 'period correct' so to speak 0.047uF cap value as an option too.
Since Fender introduced this particular way of wiring their Telecasters in the late 60s, they've used 0.047uF caps, and do still continued to do so on a number of models to this day. But must say a great deal of 'modern' production models have been featuring a 0.022uF, with both Fender and many aftermarket pickup makers recommending it for optimal use too.
Which is right for you, may simply down to personal preference, but if you're not sure or not familiar with these specs understandbly, I would firstly recommend double checking the recommended specs by the pickup maker/model you have in your Tele or plan to fit to your Tele.
To briefly summarise, the 0.047uF by comparison to the 0.022uF will have a subtly 'darker'/warmer tone from full throughout the tone pot sweep, and if you A/B'd the same guitar with the tone pot set at 0 between the 0.047uF to the 0.022uF it would be noticable darker.
With or without Treble Bleed?
First up, what does it do? A Treble Bleed kit takes the 'high' treble tone frequencies out of the circuit at the volume pot, and puts them back in the circuit as the signal leaves the volume pot. This means the treble frequencies are prevented from naturally bleeding out of the circuit as your turn your volume pot down. The result is a smoothed out treble and a more uniform tone from 1 to 10. Reducing the treble drop out as the volume pot rolls off. Some guitar players wouldn't be without a treble bleed, and many have never used one on their guitars. Truth is, it is very much personal preference. If you like the idea of retaining treble as you roll your volume pot down, then a treble bleed is for you! As standard I use the .001uF & 120kOhm parallel wired treble bleed mod.
Pot shaft type?
Traditionally you would expect to see Solid Shaft pots used in a Telecaster. This is by far the most popular option and will accomodate for grub screw secured control knobs such as the traditional knurled/barrel type control knobs used on Telecasters for decades.
But I also offer the option of split shaft pots, so if you fancy mixing it up a bit and using some alternative style control knobs that require a push-fit then you'll need to choose this option.
For reference CTS solid shaft pots are 6.35mm (1/4") and require a control knob that secures in place via a grub screw fixing.
CTS split shaft pots are 5.95mm w/24 splines and require a control knob that secures in place by push-fit.
Fitting information
I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Telecaster, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and simple to follow wiring diagrams for each wiring style. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. But in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Tele or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.
Can I fit this kit myself?
This ultimately comes down to whether you own the equipment needed to correctly and safely install the kit, or how comfortable you feel working on your own guitar. I do feel that installing a pre-wired guitar harness is do-able for many guitarists but only if the correct tools are used and care is taken to ensure you do not damage the kit, your guitar or yourself! There are detailed installation guides here on my website, as well as simple to follow wiring diagrams all to help make the process as easy as possible and in my experience, these have helped thousands of my customers carry out their own install. But if for any reason you have concerns about fitting the kit yourself which is entirely understandable, then I'm sure you'll agree that it is likely best to have a professional fit the kit and help ensure your purchased kit, and your beloved guitar are both looked after and worked on correctly.
If you are local to me (Stourbridge, West Midlands) I take on guitar work no problem at all so will certainly be able to help install your Signature Series harness.
Will the pots/jack fit my control plate and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the control plate to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new control plate that is already suited to the US spec components. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a control plate and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. You can easily widen the holes in the control plate too if you would prefer, I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA or Mexican made Tele, then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
Centre to centre measurements between components are -
Centre of Switch to volume pot - 40mm
Centre of volume pot to centre of tone pot - 64mm
These measurements for my templates were taken from a USA Fender telecaster control plate. There is a small amount of 'give' in the wire lengths between the components, but if for any reason the measurements on your Telecaster are drastically different to those stated above, please do get in touch and I may be able to make your kit with an allowance for this. You will need to provide your centre to centre measurements to me.
What control knobs will fit?
The CTS Solid shaft pots have a solid shaft diameter of 0.248" / 6.30mm. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements and secure to the pot via a grub screw on the control knob.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.
If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.
Which switch tip will fit?
Much like with the control knobs, the CRL switch used in this kit is USA spec, with imperial sizes. Therefore you need a switch tip which will fit a CRL switch, which measures 0.185" / 4.72mm
If you do require a US spec switch tip, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Switch Tips category on the store.
Will the jack socket fit my mount cup/plate?
Much like with the control knob and plate fitting notes, this will ultimately come down to where your guitar was made and/or what hardware it has already. The jack socket I use in this kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.367" / 9.32mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount. If you have a threaded electrosocket style jack cup, you will need the imperial thread pitch version. The jack comes provided with washers and mounting nut
Grounding/shielding
As standard I pre-solder a ground wire between the switch and pots for guaranteed ground continuity on your pre-wired kit. If by chance you already have effective copper shielding across the pickguard, or are certain the plating on the control plate provides sufficient ground continuity, then let me know prior to ordering and I will leave these standard ground wires off as to not introduce a ground loop upon installation.
Specs/Parts included
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance audio taper short shaft pots - 250k
- 1x 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- 1x CRL spring loaded 3 way lever switch
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
- For optional treble bleed - It will be a ceramic .001uF cap with a carbon film 120kOhm resistor parallel wired.
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting screws.
Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day.
Harness FAQ's
I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE
'Ground Bug' deal!
Looking forward to installing your new wiring, but a little worried about making the ground connections to the pot casings? First time soldering and hear the horror stories of frying pots, or just simply want to neaten up your installs? Then the awesome 'Ground Bug' will help with any of these concerns, beginner or pro modders alike. The Ground Bug is a pot washer that fits between the pot casing and the pickguard/body and has a number of lugs (much like with the main signal connections on the pot for example) to which you can very easily solder your ground wire connections too. Completely removing the worry and risk of soldering a pot casing, something I know many guitarists complain about having to learn to do.
I have been stocking Ground Bugs for a while, and they really are the perfect match for a pre-wired harness as they further help you with your installs. So I have set up a 10% off Ground Bug deals when purchased with a Home of Tone Signature Series pre-wired harness. This is an automatic discount code, so all you need to have is a Signature Series kit, and a Ground bug in your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied to the bug for you! Click HERE to view the Ground Bug listing (We recommend the 'Daddy Long Legs' Ground Bug for tighter Telecaster control cavities.
Do you make custom harnesses?
I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.