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'66J Pickguard Shrinkage?

Thumper

Thumper

Supporting Member
Mar 22, 2000
5,272
10,994
74
Syracuse Ut
#1
Every couple of years I put the pickguard back on my '66J just for a change of pace. It's been a few years and I remember it was a little tight around the neck PUP when I took it off last time. Well it's really tight now! Does anyone have a tip for getting it back on without altereration (it's near perfect)? I didn't realize they would shrink after 40 years :hmm:

I know this might be a candidate for the Luthier's corner, but they can be slow to respond over there, and I'm St. Louis bound on Sunday. I'd like it back on before then.
 
#4
SMASH said:
They shrink, especially if removed for long periods of time. Nothing you can do, afaik.
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Yup. Its a tough place to be. If you leave it off, you feel like you're being unfair to a nice vintage piece...keeping it un-original. But if you leave it on, it will keep shrinking, and it will BREAK. You're better off keeping it safe and in one piece and using a good replica.
 
#5
Celluloid (the material which early fender pickguards were made of) shrinks over time. If you keep it on, it will shrink and possibly break, but it will fit your bass. Keep it off, and you run the possiblity of it shrinking and not fitting on your bass later on.
 
#7
Thanks guys, I never really thought about it, but it does make sense. It may have broken had I left it on all these years. I guess I'll have to lightly file it, or leave it off. It sure looks nice though, tort on a black bass.

It's been stored in a box, wrapped in the heavy plastic sleeve my aftermarket P guard came in.

Are the new ones a different material? I've got a new 5 string Jazz inbound (non-Fender) made by the unofficial Talkbass guru, it'll be interesting to see how close that tort is :hiding:
 
#8
drd07 said:
Celluloid (the material which early fender pickguards were made of) shrinks over time. If you keep it on, it will shrink and possibly break, but it will fit your bass. Keep it off, and you run the possiblity of it shrinking and not fitting on your bass later on.
Click to expand...

drd nailed it--technical types call it "outgassing," i.e. volatile compounds escaping the celluloid cause the guard to shrink and, if left on, get very tight around the neck pickup. Perfectly normal, and suitable replacements are available everywhere. Call your Fender dealer.
 
#10
Yes, heat might help. If I were you, I'd have the best luthier in your area do this work. If you try to hurry or "Mickey Mouse" it, you could ruin a 400$ vintage guard. It's just a dumb piece of plastic, but vintage guys will pay out the wazoo for an original 60s guard. Check Ebay, then check your shorts!
To keep it from shrinking further while it's off of your 66, simply screw the pickguard down (with ALL of the holes having a screw in it, else it will shrink where it's not screwed down) to a piece of marine-grade plywood. It will help keep its shape.
 
#12
I decided light filing with jeweler's files is the way to go. I got the pickguard on last night, and have decided to lightly file away material anywhere it touches the neck, PUPs or even screws. If I do this at least once a year, I should never run into a breakage problem, right?

Anxiously awaiting FEDEX! :hyper:
 
#14
Thumper said:
I decided light filing with jeweler's files is the way to go. I got the pickguard on last night, and have decided to lightly file away material anywhere it touches the neck, PUPs or even screws. If I do this at least once a year, I should never run into a breakage problem, right?

Anxiously awaiting FEDEX! :hyper:
Click to expand...


The other problem with this is that eventually the screw holes won't line up properly...as they shrink inward.
 

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