Fender replacement PG shielding

the blast · #1 03-30-2010, 01:16 AM

Hey guys, I just bought a Fender replacement 3 ply pick guard from Ebay & when I took off the original (2003 American Standard P Bass) I noticed it had some shielding tape on the back that the new one doesn't have. Does it need to be there & is this typical of replacement guards? Also, where can I buy shielding tape?

Thanks guys, -John

BassBerg · #2 03-30-2010, 06:49 AM

The shielding tape on the back of the pickguard serves two purposes. It is a grounding point for the wiring circuit and an interference shield. You can try the new pickguard without the shielding, it should work fine. Go to Stewmac.com for the shielding tape if need be. Good luck

R. Laevinus · #3 03-30-2010, 08:20 AM

...aluminium foil tape works just fine for shielding IME, and a big honkin' roll can be had for less than ten bucks at your local hardware store. It's usually used for sealing ductwork.

Just a tip.

whitedk57 · #4 03-30-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R. Laevinus

...aluminium foil tape works just fine for shielding IME, and a big honkin' roll can be had for less than ten bucks at your local hardware store. It's usually used for sealing ductwork.

Just a tip.

+1 This is what I use (because I am impatient and can't wait for mail order)...

the blast · #5 03-30-2010, 10:53 AM

Thanks guys. Anyone bought a genuine Fender replacement that didn't have the shielding?

the blast · #6 03-30-2010, 11:04 AM

Thanks guys. Anyone bought a genuine Fender replacement that didn't have the shielding?

Eric Moesle · #7 03-31-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R. Laevinus

...aluminium foil tape works just fine for shielding IME, and a big honkin' roll can be had for less than ten bucks at your local hardware store. It's usually used for sealing ductwork.

Just a tip.

Bad tip. The glue on the back of ductwork tape does not conduct electricity, so you are not getting ground continuity from piece to piece. You can use it, but you need to run a bead of solder across the top of each piece connecting them.

The special shielding tape made for guitar shielding purposes uses a special glue backing that conducts electricity. You can find it at www.stewmac.com

superhand · #8 03-31-2010, 12:08 PM

It should also be noted that you can not solder aluminum foil, right? The shielding is useless if it is not grounded.

I say get the copper foil with the conductive adhesive, it is a little more expensive, but if you are going to take the time to do it, do it right. I would shield your pickup and control cavities while you are at it too, if they are not already.

PJSShearer · #9 03-31-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superhand

It should also be noted that you can not solder aluminum foil, right? The shielding is useless if it is not grounded.

I say get the copper foil with the conductive adhesive, it is a little more expensive, but if you are going to take the time to do it, do it right. I would shield your pickup and control cavities while you are at it too, if they are not already.

What he said !! - whilst you're replacing the pickguard it is defnitely worth taking the time and making the effort to shield your instrument properly.