Telecaster Steel Back Plate -Bridge

Description

Traditionally:
Early Telecaster bridge pickups used cold-rolled low-carbon steel baseplates, typically around 0.045–0.062″ thick. Unlike most pickup components, the Tele baseplate is intentionally ferromagnetic, becoming an active part of the pickup’s magnetic circuit. This steel plate concentrates and shapes the magnetic field under the coil, increasing inductance, output, and midrange presence, while contributing to the Tele’s signature tight low end, aggressive attack, and pronounced upper mids (“Tele twang”).

Modern / Cheaper Alternatives:
Some modern Tele bridge pickups omit the baseplate entirely or substitute brass or copper.

Baseplates are not passive hardware — they are part of the pickup’s magnetic system. The wrong material can fundamentally change how a pickup responds, not just how it measures.

• Brass baseplates reduce magnetic coupling, resulting in lower output, softer attack, and diminished midrange punch.

• Copper baseplates behave similarly and can further smooth highs due to increased eddy currents.

• No baseplate yields a noticeably thinner, more Strat-like response, often lacking the authority expected from a Tele bridge pickup.

Takeaway:
The steel baseplate is fundamental to classic Tele tone. Material choice directly determines output level, midrange focus, and dynamic feel.

This Telecaster bridge pickup back plate is made from steel with a copper plating and is designed to mount to the underside of Telecaster bridge single-coil pickups.

The steel core interacts directly with the magnetic field, increasing inductance and contributing to the classic Telecaster bridge bite, output, and midrange punch, while the copper plating improves electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. This construction is a key element of traditional Telecaster bridge pickup design and is widely used in vintage-correct and boutique builds.

When installed, the back plate helps tighten low end response, enhance harmonic content, and reduce electromagnetic interference, making it an essential component for new builds, rewinds, restorations, and performance upgrades.

Specifications

• Application: Telecaster bridge single-coil pickups

• Material: Steel base with copper plating

• Mounting Position: Underside of bridge pickup

• Function:

  • Steel: increases inductance and output

  • Copper plating: improves conductivity and corrosion resistance

• Compatibility: Standard Telecaster bridge pickup dimensions

• Use Case: New builds, rewinds, restorations, upgrades

Tonal Characteristics

• Increased output and midrange presence

• Tighter low end response

• Enhanced harmonic content

• Classic Telecaster bridge “bite” and clarity

Builder Notes

This back plate is intended only for Telecaster bridge pickups and should not be used on neck pickups. It is commonly paired with fiber flatwork and Alnico rod magnets in both vintage-style and modern Telecaster bridge builds.

Available in bulk quantities for pickup builders, schools, and repair shops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Telecaster bridge pickup back plate do?
A bridge back plate increases inductance and output, enhances midrange punch, and contributes to the classic Telecaster bridge tone.

Is this back plate solid copper?
No. It is made from steel with a copper plating, allowing the steel to interact with the magnetic field while the copper improves conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Does this fit standard Telecaster bridge pickups?
Yes. It is compatible with standard Telecaster bridge single-coil pickup dimensions.

Can this be used on a neck pickup?
No. Bridge and neck back plates are not interchangeable.

Is bulk pricing available?
Yes. Builder and school bulk pricing is available.