Where are the pick guards?

[pcollin]

I want to change the pick guard on my MIM Fender Jazz but I can't find any. My local guitar shop tried ordering me one but after a month of waiting they said they really didn't know when they could get it. I tried GC and they wanted $40 and didn't know how long it would take. I tried an online search and found one for $20 but when I got it the holes didn't match up and I had to return it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[bassmonkeee]

Try here:

http://www.pickguardheaven.com/

Your best bet, though, is to send a tracing of your original pickguard. That's the easiest way to ensure a correct fit.

[pcollin]

Thanks Bassmonkeee. I checked out the link you sent but I don't see my bass listed. They do offer a link for questions on their webite so I'll try from there.

[bassbully43]

Try a local guitar repair shop... mine here in town traced my boring white MIM Jazz Vs and custom cut one for $40.00 out of cool while pearl tort...looks really sweet! Cheap guards dont fit and good ones are about 35-40 bucks anywhere.

[unbasslichkeit]

A lot of aftermarket pickguards will not have the holes match up with your original guard. I got a white/green guard for my Jazz bass last year (I think it was an Allparts) and had to drill new holes for most of the mounting screws.

I'm told the reason some manufacturers they do this is to keep themselves out of trouble as far as patent/trademark infringement. Apparently a different hole pattern is enough to keep you from going over the line.

[tplyons]

Best bet would be to send your entire pickguard to someone to copy.

[pocket_groover]

Have you tried www.wdmusic.com? I don't know if they have what you're looking for, though but they have a wide selection. I think they'll also make you a custom one.

[Christopher]

One word: Ebay.

[Big D]

Try www.terrapinguitars.com.

I bought one for my Geddy Lee and another for a MIA Fender Jazz. A little pricey but high quality, and the holes match up. Don't forget to specify whether you want a truss rod notch or not...

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by unbasslichkeit

A lot of aftermarket pickguards will not have the holes match up with your original guard. I got a white/green guard for my Jazz bass last year (I think it was an Allparts) and had to drill new holes for most of the mounting screws.

I'm told the reason some manufacturers they do this is to keep themselves out of trouble as far as patent/trademark infringement. Apparently a different hole pattern is enough to keep you from going over the line.

I'm losing my mind. If they're doing that, they are breaching the implied warranty of merchantability. No sir, I don't believe a word of it. Second dumbest thing I ever heard.

[unbasslichkeit]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

I'm losing my mind. If they're doing that, they are breaching the implied warranty of merchantability. No sir, I don't believe a word of it. Second dumbest thing I ever heard.

Let's see...I had to look that one up. I hate having to do that.

"An implied warranty of merchantability is a warranty implied by law that if a merchant (meaning someone who makes an occupation of selling things) sells something, that merchant is guaranteeing that the goods are reasonably fit for the general purpose for which they are sold." -Wikipedia, which will do for now.

Is it only merchants who are subject to this, or are manufacturers as well?

The operative words here appears to be "reasonably fit". Like the word "is" was, it depends on your definintion. Tapping a couple holes was not a big deal for me since I figured they'd be covered whether I used an OEM Pickguard or an aftermarket. Maybe I shoulda bought the extended warranty

[pcollin]

FYI - I found my pick guard (Fender MIM Jazz) at guitarden.com

Genuine Fender, quick delivery...all is well.