Pick Guard Suggestions | 50s Style P Bass (also NBD yay)

[Evan J]

Classic Series '50s Precision Bass® Lacquer

Just scored a 2014 Mexican Fender P in great shape.

Loving the huge neck for my giant hands (I’m 6’9). I put on some DR Pure Blues which complement the stock pickup really well.

The thing SOUNDS great and it fits me well.

But.. I’m not crazy about the gold pick guard. I’m paranoid about buying the wrong one because I know the spacing can be different for the classic 50s series.

I would love to just get a basic white, cream, or white pear. But I really don’t wanna spend 80 bucks. Honestly cheaper the better.

Any suggestions?

 

[Minimalist]

That gold pickguard on black looks killer. Don't touch it. Plus, if I am not mistaken, that pickguard provides added shielding.

Edit: But if you absolutely have to buy a new one, I think those have only 9 or 10 screws.

 

[Evan J]

That gold pickguard on black looks killer. Don't touch it. Plus, if I am not mistaken, that pickguard provides added shielding.

Edit: But if you absolutely have to buy a new one, I think those have only 9 or 10 screws.

Oh fascinating… didn’t know that the pick guard has anything to do with the shielding

 

[Evan J]

Dang. So does this mean I need to get a pick guard with the same type of material to help with shielding?

 

[Killing Floor]

No, you can tape shielding under any pick guard.

Black, parchment, Tort, Red, it's a black bass so any color looks good. Have fun. Cool bass.

 

[blr2]

Dang. So does this mean I need to get a pick guard with the same type of material to help with shielding?

No, you don't. First, in order for the PG to contribute significantly to your shielding, it has to be electrically connected to the rest of the shielding of your cavity.
Second, you can add a conductive layer (in a form of aluminum or copper tape) to the back of any pickguard. Some come with this preinstalled.

 

[Evan J]

No, you don't. First, in order for the PG to contribute significantly to your shielding, it has to be electrically connected to the rest of the shielding of your cavity.
Second, you can add a conductive layer (in a form of aluminum or copper tape) to the back of any pickguard. Some come with this preinstalled.

Ok GREAT to know thank you.

 

[Evan J]

Have fun. Cool bass.

I certainly will. Thanks for the tape idea!

 

[Minimalist]

Dang. So does this mean I need to get a pick guard with the same type of material to help with shielding?

Sorry, didn't mean to imply that you couldn't get any other PG.

 

[Mike Vee]

you'll ruin the period correctness if you replace it, which to me is a bigtime no-no. however, it's your bass, if you must, you just need an 10 hole 50s style.

 

[Evan J]

you'll ruin the period correctness if you replace it, which to me is a bigtime no-no. however, it's your bass, if you must, you just need an 10 hole 50s style.

I’ll definitely keep the old one around in case I need to resell. But I can’t help but dig the classic black and white p bass look.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I have 3 p's with aluminum pg's. The Squier has more screw holes that the 2 Vinteras. I really like them as they're old school 50's style. Love those wide necks, too! It's like the difference between a sports car and a 4 door sedan. Built for comfort, not for speed! Anyway, if that pg really doesn't suit you I suggest tort. But then I ALWAYS suggest tort! Oh, and put the bridge and p.u. ashtray covers on!

BBB

 

[Matt-J2]

Paint it.

Or, try a vinyl wrap. Then you can even change it out later, or just remove it if you decide to sell.

 

[Evan J]

Where do y’all usually buy pick guards? The only other 10 screw I can find is a white Japanese one on Amazon for $18. But I would love to fine a 10 screw white pearl…

 

[Grinderman]

Classic Series '50s Precision Bass® Lacquer

Just scored a 2014 Mexican Fender P in great shape.

Loving the huge neck for my giant hands (I’m 6’9). I put on some DR Pure Blues which complement the stock pickup really well.

The thing SOUNDS great and it fits me well.

But.. I’m not crazy about the gold pick guard. I’m paranoid about buying the wrong one because I know the spacing can be different for the classic 50s series.

I would love to just get a basic white, cream, or white pear. But I really don’t wanna spend 80 bucks. Honestly cheaper the better.

Any suggestions? View attachment 5421433

An anodizing shop can easily process a gold aluminum guard to make it black although you said the cheaper the better.


I'm still holding onto an extra one in my parts stash that's never been used.

I considered putting a black one on my black lacquer P bass but I decided I didn't like that combo as much as I'd expected.

 

[Grinderman]

If the gold were stripped off first, a DIY application of a black oxide bath to your gold guard would probably accomplish the same thing for quite cheap.

 

[Mike Vee]

Where do y’all usually buy pick guards? The only other 10 screw I can find is a white Japanese one on Amazon for $18. But I would love to fine a 10 screw white pearl…

I always use https://www.pickguardplanet.com

 

[Fender_Bender]

I believe these real Fender anodized guards go for a surprisingly high price, so I wouldn’t mess around with it. Just find a 10 hole guard you like . Or even a 13 hole. It’s not like you’re going to go with no guard , so an extra couple of holes ain’t gonna make a difference.

 

[NKBassman]

No opinions on the PG (I'd leave it alone or go BWB), but that is a very tidy little pedalboard you've got there.

 

[Evan J]

I believe these real Fender anodized guards go for a surprisingly high price, so I wouldn’t mess around with it. Just find a 10 hole guard you like . Or even a 13 hole. It’s not like you’re going to go with no guard , so an extra couple of holes ain’t gonna make a difference.

The question is… is the knob spacing and everything the same with a 13 hole?