Pickguard woes - not fitting on MIM Fender

[walknbluez]

First I bought a cheap All Parts brand pickguard on E-bay for really cheap. Didn't fit, screw holes didn't match up. So then I figured I would just go with an original Fender pickguard and ordered one from GC. The holes match up perfectly, but the cutout for the pickguard is too small.

Is this a common problem or am I just getting a rogue part?

[SurferJoe46]

Very common.

I tried to do the same thing and as you can see, they are different in somewhat subtle ways.

What I finally did was decide that I really REALLY like the original PG in tort and it's still on the MIM bass.

This problem will rear it's head with Affinity clones, Squiers and MIMs when you get parts that fit "ALL FENDERS" from most suppliers.

Try these guys - they do 'traces' for PGs and even though they charge some more, it may be what you want: http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm

[walknbluez]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Very common.

I tried to do the same thing and as you can see, they are different in somewhat subtle ways.

What I finally did was decide that I really REALLY like the original PG in tort and it's still on the MIM bass.

This problem will rear it's head with Affinity clones, Squiers and MIMs when you get parts that fit "ALL FENDERS" from most suppliers.

Try these guys - they do 'traces' for PGs and even though they charge some more, it may be what you want: http://pickguards.us/pgordinst.htm

I love tort. The original pickguard on my MIM sunburst is plain white and I was replacing it with pearloid. I was buying from GC because I had a gift card but I may just have to go the route you are suggesting.

[walterw]

is this an old mexi j-bass? (like '90s old?) if so, it's the pickup that's the problem. those basses had terrible pickups that weren't even the right sizes , so of course aftermarket pickguards won't fit.

upgrade the pickups (routing out the hole for the bridge one a tiny bit), and the new pickguard will go right on.

[Oh!Carson]

I had the same problem a while back. I got mine off of eBay and it was way off the mark. So I took it to a local nail salon (don't make jokes, it was my first time to walk in a place like that) and had a guy file it down with his electric file. It took him about two minutes and he did it for free. However, only two holes ended up matching exactly so I just use two screw to hold it in.

Best of luck!

[walknbluez]

Originally Posted by walterw

is this an old mexi j-bass? (like '90s old?) if so, it's the pickup that's the problem. those basses had terrible pickups that weren't even the right sizes , so of course aftermarket pickguards won't fit.

upgrade the pickups (routing out the hole for the bridge one a tiny bit), and the new pickguard will go right on.

It's not 90's but a 2000. Same thing still apply?

[SurferJoe46]

If you get this PG and the new p'ups or trim the PG to fit, let us all know what you do about the Vee angle at the control panel or if you even HAVE any troubles at that point - OK?