some small player comfort changes to my 60's AO thinline tele

[darylcrisp]

a wonderful instrument to start with, 5 lb 14 oz, resonates extremely well acoustically and sounds like a dream plugged in. a few low cost $ changes i finally got around to doing this past weekend.

couple of things that enhances playing for me.

1)replaced knobs with rounded tops(slightly shorter in length so its easier to slide a finger between to roll), and a strat knob for the 3 way, a little more room to access especially when at the bridge location with one finger.

2)truss rod access at the heel. stained the "white" ash pocket(after alteration) with a mix of Sedona red/black to match the pickguard and almost become unnoticed.

3)cut down, rounded smooth, the stock bridge plate sides/back. installed some raw brass bensonite saddles I had laying around(thicker, richer tone, extremely easy to set intonation, solid-nothing moves or makes noise). bridge area has become smooth, rounded, and very user friendly. the stock steel saddles sounded good on this thinline, these sound and intonate much better and quick to set up. 2nd set of bensonite saddles I've used and i'm firmly impressed with the quality, positive tone enhancement, ease of adjustment, smoothness to touch, fast service. highly recommend this mans wares. check him out on reverb (bensonite saddles). makes some excellent bridge plates as well. I used one of the nickel plated cutdowns on my 70 custom tele(and brass saddles) and was a definite plus addition all around.

4)pressed in a notch on the hard-shell case lining as it would push the high e tuner knob and always change tuning, was an ill fit there at the headstock as well.

5)electro socket install, now I can use my 90 degree amp cords

6)deglossed the shiny grabby nitro neck

7)fret level and nut slot adjustment

now its a very nice players instrument and melts into your hands(and the case-lol). small amount of $/time that made some definite positive changes.

[darylcrisp]

headstock/tuner indention

[rockabilly69]

all nice improvements! Great job! I especially like the rounded saddles and softening the bridge plate edge!

[jricc]

Nice job, all good improvements! I especially like the truss rod access nice!

[Paleolith54]

Especially nice when someone actually makes changes to their instrument so it PLAYS better for them, without all the typical worrying and gnashing of teeth about potentially lowering the resale value. Good for you.