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New pickguard doesn't fit properly

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Decoyx7, Dec 17, 2020.


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  1. Dec 17, 2020 #1
    Decoyx7

    Decoyx7

    Sep 18, 2011
    Baden-Württemburg, Germany
    Hello

    Earlier this month I ordered a new American Pro Jazz bass on Reverb. It came on time, plays great and has no issues what so ever. I ordered a tortoise shell pickguard from Thomann, however when installed, there was a quite clear and visible gap between the pickguard and the metal plate where the control knobs are. If I remember correctly, this shouldn't be the case!

    So I sent it back and ordered a new one which came today. This is the second one with the same problem!
    I unscrewed the original white plate and placed the new plate on the bass. Surprise! I still have the same gap, despite it being a new pickguard!

    I could use some help, I have no idea why this could be and I'm really disappointed about this. The original white guard fits like a glove. There should be no reason any other Fender pickguard doesn't fit.

    Thanks for the help.

    Pictures of the issue:

    IMG_20201217_160857.jpg IMG_20201217_160900.jpg IMG_20201217_160852.jpg
     
  5. Dec 17, 2020 #2
    JRA

    JRA my words = opinion Supporting Member

    Oct 28, 2013
    Indianapolis and Cincinnati
    seems like that's going around this week --- just saw the same thing on an NBD thread.

    the builders might have a solution and/or the tinkerers.

    if it was me:
    - leave it alone, move on, play it.
    - move the control plate (new holes, possibly filling old holes first).

    good luck! :thumbsup:
     
    bigbassmike and Decoyx7 like this.
  9. Dec 17, 2020 #3
    buldog5151bass

    buldog5151bass Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.

    Oct 22, 2003
    Connecticut
    Was the Thomann pickguard licensed by Fender? If intended for Thomann basses, it may not be an exact fit.

    While no one but you will likely ever notice, I've done with accessories like this, you get what you pay for.
     
  13. Dec 17, 2020 #4
    Decoyx7

    Decoyx7

    Sep 18, 2011
    Baden-Württemburg, Germany
    Nope, Fender American Pro Bass, Fender certified pickguard.
     
  18. Dec 17, 2020 #5
    Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician
    There are minor variation in parts and assembly from bass to bass, so this is not uncommon. If it were mine, I would screw the pickguard in place, remove the control plate, fill its screw holes and relocate the control plate.
     
    96tbird and 202dy like this.
  22. Dec 17, 2020 #6
    202dy

    202dy Supporting Member

    Sep 26, 2006
    On a client's guitar I would advise and get permission before doing the work. Short of cutting a cu$tom pickguard this is the way to do it.
     
    96tbird likes this.

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