Attaching a pickup guard

[Gripweed]

I recently got a Squier Modified Vintage Jazz Bass.



I picked up a pickup guard for it, but it didn't come with any screws or any instructions.



Could anyone recommend a good screw for it? Should it be long enough to go through the pick guard and into the guitar body? Or just the pick guard?

Do I need to take the pick guard off and drill holes separately or not?

Just curious so I don't screw something up.


Thanks.

[Buskman]

First off, welcome to TalkBass!

On Fender's site they have some photos of pickguards in the Accessories section. Here's a link:

http://www.fender.com/products//sear...tno=0992022000

I'd say print out the photo (enlarge it to the exact size of the pickguard/pickups on your Squier), cut out the pickup area & use it as a template for your screw holes.

You can leave the pickguard on and drill into both the guard & the body or do both seperately (I'd recommend doing this). Just make sure you aren't drilling too far into the body... leave a little room for the scres to catch further, if you know what I mean.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Pilgrim]

Those are either #6 or #8 pickguard screws, and the pickguard gives them enough purchase..but you'll probably want to use 3/4 inch screws and hit the wood beneath.

Measure 3 times and make sure it's centered over the pickup and level on the bass before mounting. Put masking tape on the surface and mark your spot when you have it positioned right. To state the obvious - DRILL first!

[Gripweed]

Thanks guys, I'm gonna try it soon hopefully.

I'm also trying to put the old school black plastic knobs on it. What a pain in the ass, I can't get the one to line up straight or go on flat (when you turn it, it turns all lopsided). It turns the pot fine, but it drives me nuts knowing it's like that. Gotta hit it just right I guess.

Wish these ones just pushed on like the other ones.

[Scanman13]

Hey Grip, I have the same bass and tonight I put both the bridge and neck chrome pup guards on. It wasn't that difficult but make sure you take the other folks advice and definately use masking tape. I used two different size drill bits as well -the first was smaller than the screw and the second was about the size of the shaft (minus the threads). I still got a small chip tho when I put the screw in all the way, ticked me off because i was as careful as I could be...sigh. Still it's not too obvious and of course with the guard on you can't see it at all. I'm thinking of putting a small piece of felt between the guard and the bass where it screws in to protect the wood a bit more - can't hurt.
Regarding the knobs- I wanted to do that as well, and I was wondering -did you get the regular Fender Jazz bass knobs. I'm wondering if the shafts on the controls are different sizes for the American bass and the Squier -wouldn't suprise me. I tried to find out what size shafts are on the VM, but couldn't find it. Anyone know? I see a set of knobs on Ebay and they are supposedly for MIM, MIJ and other import jazz basses- these fit a 6mm shaft - would that be the right size for the Squier? Or should I just go with the standard Fender ones? Sorry Grip, I didn't mean to hijack this thread.

[Gripweed]

These are the knobs I got...

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-J...33-i1133551.gc

They git on there fine, they just wobble a bit when you're tightening them down and then they don't really sit flat. I'm sure it has something to do with only putting a screw in on one side, when you tighten it, it's just going to pull it to that side.

At some point I'm going to take it to a shop and have them set it all up and probably file the frets down a bit. I'll have them try those knobs, they probably do it all the time and it's easy to them.

They look alright though and ya wouldn't notice it if ya didn't already know.

[JustDavid]

I'm guessing you have 'split-shaft' pots, with a gap in the center. The knob's setscrew can squeeze the upper portions together & then cause the knob to be tilted compared to the plate.

I've caught word of two solutions:
1/ have the setscrew contact the split-shaft right at the split.
2/ shim the split so it doesn't compress when the setscrew tries to compress it.

#1's a bit fussy. #2 wants shim stock; taking sidecutters to a pop can &/or aluminum foil can be used as shim stock. Or anything you have handy that won't compress much.

[Gripweed]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I'm guessing you have 'split-shaft' pots, with a gap in the center. The knob's setscrew can squeeze the upper portions together & then cause the knob to be tilted compared to the plate.

I've caught word of two solutions:
1/ have the setscrew contact the split-shaft right at the split.
2/ shim the split so it doesn't compress when the setscrew tries to compress it.

#1's a bit fussy. #2 wants shim stock; taking sidecutters to a pop can &/or aluminum foil can be used as shim stock. Or anything you have handy that won't compress much.

You're right, I do have the split shaft. The screw gets in there just enough to push it around. Of course, the slit is in the worst spot. I could go to the non slit part of the shaft and it'd be fine, but then the line on the knob isn't too helpful.

Maybe I will try filling that in and see where that goes. Good idea.

[bassmanrocke]

The shims are the easiest/cheapest fit. I usually use cut down Fender Heavy picks.(keeping it all fender parts you know) They will keep the shafts from bending together, and they cost all of fifty cents.

[Scanman13]

just an update- I found a set of knobs on Ebay for $9US including the shipping. The seller said they were for MIM ,MIJ, or any import jazz basses. I received them today and they worked out perfectly- they do not have a set screw but just slide on like the original chrome ones. So it was a matter of pulling off the chrome and popping these on. They look great- I will post some pics as soon as I can. Here is the link -(I hope this is ok).
http://cgi.ebay.com:80/ws/eBayISAPI....m=140304797880

[Scanman13]

Here she is with the covers and knobs on. Definitely love the look!