Puttin a pickguard on a modern bass?

FunkQueen · #1 09-28-2007, 03:54 AM

I am soo used to the feel of a pickguard with Fender esp. when I use the pop technique.
I will buy a 6 string bass.
Ibanez SR506 seems like a good choice for me.
The price is cool where I live.
The string space is comfortable for chord playing : 16.5 mm.
But I need to be sure before I buy it :
Is it possible to put a pickguard on it by diggin holes and would it be as Fender's string height from the body?
I really need to know this because I cant play without a pickguard.....

BellBottomBlues · #2 09-28-2007, 04:00 AM

you'd probably need a custom guard

FunkQueen · #3 09-28-2007, 04:29 AM

By custom do you mean a special pickguard CUT for the shape of the bass?
There are also ready Fender pickguards? Didnt know that. hmm.

202dy · #4 09-28-2007, 05:07 AM

Since SoundGear basses do not have pickguards so it would be necessary to have one fabricated. Nothing else will fit. There are a number of small custom makers who can do the work for you. You can also check with your local techs who may be willing to do the job.

The question is why alter a proven design?

Making a change in equipment or guitars usually means making some minor adjustments to playing technique. While many people feel that they can only play one model of guitar or need one general design feature, nothing can be further from the truth. In the worst cases, when people who are resistant to change or anything new, they find that after thirty days they wonder what they were whining about.

FunkQueen · #5 09-28-2007, 06:14 AM

I got 2 fender style basses that are keepers for me.
So as they are my main axes, I dont want to feel a big change when I pick my 6er.

Geezerman · #6 09-28-2007, 06:34 AM

create a template and send them a tracing;

http://pickguards.com/PickguardOrder...tructions2.htm

FunkQueen · #7 09-28-2007, 01:25 PM

If the distance between the strings and the pickguard dont match a Fender style bass,
then what should I do? Can I then put 2 pickguards on top of each other or a fatter pickguard?
(hope it doesnt sound funny :P)

BellBottomBlues · #8 09-29-2007, 04:50 PM

You could lower the strings?
Honestly though, having a pickguard shouldn't even be an issue, you shouldn't even be touching it during normal play.

As for not wanting to feel much of a difference, the fact that the string spacing is different, it has 6 strings, and a differently profiled neck don't factor in at all?

...

idoru · #9 09-30-2007, 04:38 AM

Sounds like you want a Gary Willis style ramp.

FunkQueen · #10 09-30-2007, 09:38 AM

How do they do this ramp? Its interesting.
I want to feel the pickguard when I pop with my middle and index fingers. I hate too much height btw the bass and the strings...

Earwigger · #11 10-01-2007, 05:50 AM

The ramp might be what you're looking for. Ibanezcollector on these boards has a ramp for his SR406. I dont know where he got it made but you could send him a PM and ask. As for putting a PG on a 506, well I've got a SR506, and it might look cool, but it would not make technique any easier. Custom PGs will run you 50$-70$ from the people I've tried to get one from.