• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Getting a PickGuard for a Squier Deluxe active Jazz V

DeltaPhoenix

DeltaPhoenix

Apr 6, 2011
4,643
2,322
Gainesville,FL
deltaphoenix.bandcamp.com
#1
I have one of these basses (a black one). I know it doesn't come with any pickguard. I just can't shake the thought of how good the bass would look with a tort pickguard. So my question is, does anybody know if any other pickguards will fit on the Squier with a minimum amount of modification to the pickguard? Mainly, the distance from the neck pocket to the pickup.
I am fine with making some modifications to make the pickguard fit, and with putting holes in the bass for the screws.

Thanks
 
#2
I'll share my experience of putting a pick guard on a Squier DJAV.

I have a Squier DJAV and I am fairly certain that a standard jazz pick guard will fit with a little sanding (widening) at the neck pocket. Here's why: The pick guard on my DJAV is from my SX Jazz V. The SX now has a standard sized jazz pick guard from Guitarfetish. Since neither pick guard took much work at all to get on the basses they are currently on, I don't see why a standard jazz pick guard wouldn't fit on a DJAV (with a little convincing of course).

Here is my DJAV in the now discontinued olympic white finish:

23h6sck.jpg




And here is my LPB SX Jazz V

33mvdec.jpg


However, an important note: If you want to add a pick guard AND a control plate you might have a little more sanding to do, take a look at the picture of my DJAV (particularly the area where the pick guard would meet the control plate).

The reason the pick guard/control plate combo won't easily work with a standard jazz guard is because (as alluded to in the OP) the neck pickup is closer to the neck than in most jazz basses (look at the upper and lower cutouts on my DJAV and how close the pick guard is to the rolled edge of the body).
 
#6
Hah, I was expecting a question about the inlays. Yes, they are the stick on vinyl inlay stickers.

I got mine on ebay from here. They make the bass look a little snazzier I think. The "white silver" jazz block inlay stickers are the ones I ordered. I should mention that they will really clash if you use a real pearl or pearloid pick guard, but with anything else I think they look great. They are thin enough that I don't notice them under my fingers at all while I am playing. When I get home from the office today I'll take a pic of the whole bass so you can get a better idea of how they look (since they are sized for a normal jazz neck, and the DJAV has a HUGE fretboard, they look a little "small" to some people, but I love them.)
 
#8
Yeah that does look nice!
I contacted a pickguard company, trying to get the closest measurements on a pickguard that I can. I am afraid that with too much modification, the pickguard will set too far off from it's original position. I am good with tools and have done a ton of layout, fab, and construction work, so I am not lacking the skills. I just want to start with the pickguard that gives me the best chance of ending up with something I love.
 
#9
I know not everyone likes them, but I've had great success with pickguards from WDMusic on Fender and Squier P-Basses. I made sure to pay attention to hole count and positioning and never had a problem.
 
#10
DeltaPhoenix said:
Yeah that does look nice!
I contacted a pickguard company, trying to get the closest measurements on a pickguard that I can. I am afraid that with too much modification, the pickguard will set too far off from it's original position. I am good with tools and have done a ton of layout, fab, and construction work, so I am not lacking the skills. I just want to start with the pickguard that gives me the best chance of ending up with something I love.
Click to expand...

I think you're making this more difficult than it needs to be. Take your bass into Lipham Music (I found them via a Google search and it appears that they're a Fender Dealer) and see if they have a Jazz Bass pickugard that will fit.

If their prices are too high, see if they'll match. If they won't tell 'em you need to think about it or you want a color they don't have, etc.

Or, it appears that a pickguard from GuitarFetish will work...order one of those and don't worry because they're able to be returned.
 
#12
BillyB_from_LZ said:
I think you're making this more difficult than it needs to be. Take your bass into Lipham Music (I found them via a Google search and it appears that they're a Fender Dealer) and see if they have a Jazz Bass pickugard that will fit.

If their prices are too high, see if they'll match. If they won't tell 'em you need to think about it or you want a color they don't have, etc.

Or, it appears that a pickguard from GuitarFetish will work...order one of those and don't worry because they're able to be returned.
Click to expand...

I have bought pickguards before.
My concern is that this bass doesn't come with a pickguard from the factory. I was talking to someone in PM about this. The model I have is newer, and they moved the pickup forward, thus making it harder to find a pickguard to modify a bit to fit. I don't want to force any old pickguard on to the bass and have issue with the pickguard just not looking right. Thus I have decided to ask anybody that has done this to their own Squier Active Jazz Deluxe V (newer model) before I go hacking and forcing something to fit, which I am willing to do if I must.

Good to know about guitar fetish pickguards and their return policy though.

THanks
 
#14
DeltaPhoenix said:
.... The model I have is newer, and they moved the pickup forward, thus making it harder to find a pickguard to modify a bit to fit. ....
Click to expand...

All the more reason to stop speculating and just try a real pickguard on it!

If it's way off, accept that you'll have to go custom. You could ask if you could trace the J Bass pickguard that won't work (due to pickup placement) to get an idea of the shape (be sure to trace the pickup opening too as you'll need to make a template of the opening too), make a paper template and have Pickguardian (or similar) make one for you.

Or, buy blank pickguard material from Guitar Fetish (or similar) and make your own. I did that when I installed a P-Bass pickup in my Squier Precision Special 5 (that came with two J pups).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back