Squier bronco pickguard needed!

recreate.me · #1 04-05-2011, 10:27 AM

I decided to run the route of modding a squier bronco bass. The issue is availability of bronco pickguards. I was hoping to slap a black/parchment/black guard on but it seems like the only place that sells them is pickguard heaven and they want a tracing and 36$ plus 30$ shipping. Eeek

Does anyone know of a place that will sell me the b/p/b or something close to that?

Pilgrim · #2 04-05-2011, 10:33 AM

Keep checking Ebay. I've bought them for less. I'd report PG Heaven for excess shipping charges if I were you - that shipping charge is robbery.

recreate.me · #3 04-05-2011, 10:51 AM

They weren't listed on eBay it was from the website.

Well I'm going your route of putting in the Filtertron, and I wanted to have the guard to cut it all at once.

Man, why are there so many musicmaster guards for sale !? They don't even make that bass anymore haha

It would be easier to just put one of those on it and fill the old holes maybe ?

Pilgrim · #4 04-05-2011, 12:19 PM

If you go with the Filtertron, I believe you can buy the mounting ring from the TV Jones site - it should cover any irregularities in the edges. You'll be mounting the pickup in the same place as the original, just opening the hole larger, so all you need is a trim ring...not a new PG...at least for the testing/fitting process.

Trim ring/bezel available at TV Jones: https://tvjones.com/cgi-bin/commerce...keywords=bezel

I'm about 98% sure the Gretsch Filtertron is the same dimensions as the TV Jones bezels/trim rings. Check this link https://tvjones.com/tech_specs/techspecs.html and click on Pickup Ring Dimensions.

You will have to use a Dremel tool to open up more room in the route on the E-string side of the cavity. Might have to get a skoshe more room on the right side, too - that Filtertron is bigger than the original gee-tar pickup. I used a Dremel #932 sanding stone with 90 degree edges.

recreate.me · #5 04-05-2011, 01:38 PM

Well I want the new pickguard because I want a black one haha

I think I might go to a tech since it will only cost about 40$ to install the pup and alter the guard. I'm also going to get a mustang control plate and have them cut the guard again to meet the plate.

So it seems cheaper to have them do it then buy all that gear and learn to use it and probably do a poor job. Lol

Thanks for the mounting ring tip! I just gotta figure out if that Filtertron link on eBay is to a neck or bridge pup. Any clue ?

Pilgrim · #6 04-05-2011, 02:11 PM

As far as I was able to determine, there is no difference in the bass pickups - they go in either spot.

I have a pair of them waiting to go into a Univox and there's no difference.

recreate.me · #7 04-05-2011, 02:14 PM

Perfect. Thanks for all your help in this project too. Haha you have been on top if this as much as I have !
Cheers

Pilgrim · #8 04-05-2011, 02:24 PM

That pickup is in a very sweet spot. It's going to sound good. If you think it's too bright, change to Labella Deep Talkin' flats.

recreate.me · #9 04-05-2011, 02:32 PM

When I widen the pickup route should I move it towards the neck or bridge ?

Din Of Win · #10 04-05-2011, 02:54 PM

I like to consider myself 'thrifty'... i had an old Squier with a 1-ply white pickguard. I wanted a more b/w/b guard....

...so i sanded the top a lil' bit, used that blue paiters tape arount the outside, and spray-painted the top black.

Close up it looks wonky... but you can't tell a difference from far away

recreate.me · #11 04-05-2011, 04:41 PM

That was what the plan was going to be, grab a can of high gloss and spray haha

recreate.me · #12 04-06-2011, 11:17 AM

Okay so to update : I made the purchase of the bass (here on TB) the pickup and bezel ring (on ebay, TV jones wanted to much to ship), and a RI mustang control plate.
The total spent is around 250$, When it all arrives i plan to take it to a local tech and have it all installed, and then send out the modded white guard to have a black one made.

Once i get the pickguard (pickguardian said they have bronco templates, and filtertron templates so they can do it all but would prefer to have my original guard, for 45 and 7 shipping) and fender 57' RI control pots i will have the rest of the electronics swapped and it will 80% complete haha

I plan on three stages, this first round with the guard, pup, and control plate, the second will be new pots, maybe mustang tuners if i can find the cash, and the third will be giving it the mustang bridge and string through body.

By the end it will be somewhere around 450$ and be more then likely, the best fender mustang ever haha

Pilgrim · #13 04-07-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recreate.me

Okay so to update : I made the purchase of the bass (here on TB) the pickup and bezel ring (on ebay, TV jones wanted to much to ship), and a RI mustang control plate.
The total spent is around 250$, When it all arrives i plan to take it to a local tech and have it all installed, and then send out the modded white guard to have a black one made.

Once i get the pickguard (pickguardian said they have bronco templates, and filtertron templates so they can do it all but would prefer to have my original guard, for 45 and 7 shipping) and fender 57' RI control pots i will have the rest of the electronics swapped and it will 80% complete haha

I plan on three stages, this first round with the guard, pup, and control plate, the second will be new pots, maybe mustang tuners if i can find the cash, and the third will be giving it the mustang bridge and string through body.

By the end it will be somewhere around 450$ and be more then likely, the best fender mustang ever haha

I think you'll have a unique Mustang - haven't seen one set up that way before - and it should sound fantastic. I'd keep the pickup more or less centered on the original hole - don't think you'll need to remove much body material up/down, but mostly on the E-string side.

It does get more expensive when a luthier does the work instead of making it a DIY project, doesn't it?

recreate.me · #14 04-07-2011, 06:32 AM

A Luthier yes, but all I need done is the pickguard to be cut, I dint have those tools. So I can take that into a local music shop who will cut it and touch up my flaws basically. That's cheap.
Most stores consider pickup swaps normal, and do them cheap. Even the bridge swap I doubt would be costly because your really only drilling holes.

Pilgrim · #15 04-07-2011, 07:41 PM

A Dremel tool would cost less than a luthier's time on the PG.

(that's what I used on mine)

And you end up with TOOLS! YAY!!

recreate.me · #16 04-16-2011, 03:07 PM

I looked into it and there's a guy, just your average guitar tech rather then luthier at a local shop who said it would be about 45$ to install all the electronics and cut the pickguard. Seems okay to me, I don't plan on doing this again so I dont need tools as much as I need money haha