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Pickup Cutout too large for new pickups

SuperTbass

SuperTbass

Aug 29, 2010
233
164
Ohio
#1
9DDA638C-9473-491E-B66A-CC5993A375E7.jpeg
I bought a cheapo no-name p-bass from Amazon in order to learn how to do stuff during quarantine. I got a quarter pounder in and was able to solder well enough to make the bass still work (first time ever soldering!).

However, the stock pickups were apparently not a standard size as the hole in the pickguard is too big for the quarter pounder to fit without gaps.

I am thinking I can just get any pickguard and it will presumably fit this pickup size as it’s a pretty popular pickup. But should I stay away from certain pickguards? I don’t see too many that have specs for the cutout. The one on there currently is an 11-hole pickguard. I have no problem drilling extra holes, but I don’t want to end up with another pickguard with a hole that’s too large.

Thanks!
 
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#8
From the pictures you provide, sure those bass part are from china . They use larger pickups size .
I suggest you try get a new pick guard from Aliexpress for try. I can't make sure those Aliexpress pbass pick guard fit your bass or not, but those pick guard fit Fender and Squier well.

Hopehelp
 
#10
SuperTbass said:
View attachment 3781296 I bought a cheapo no-name p-bass from Amazon in order to learn how to do stuff during quarantine. I got a quarter pounder in and was able to solder well enough to make the bass still work (first time ever soldering!).

However, the stock pickups were apparently not a standard size as the hole in the pickguard is too big for the quarter pounder to fit without gaps.

I am thinking I can just get any pickguard and it will presumably fit this pickup size as it’s a pretty popular pickup. But should I stay away from certain pickguards? I don’t see too many that have specs for the cutout. The one on there currently is an 11-hole pickguard. I have no problem drilling extra holes, but I don’t want to end up with another pickguard with a hole that’s too large.

Thanks!
Click to expand...



Greetings,

Personally i would not worry about it.

You bought an inexpensive bass and expected tight tolerances you must buy lottery tickets too I guess?

Look, even in this age of CNC manufacturing, the most companies don't have consistency in these areas, for whatever reasons. Epiphone for example has made Thunderbirds and Firebirds at multiple facilities. The instruments from different facilities, don't share pickguards? The same model instruments produced at the same facility after a hiatus in production don't share the same data points either.

I could postulate on why not, first best theory is they are not disciplined.

That being said the instruments look like they should but other than bridge and tailpiece, the rest of the componemt locations are "close enough", for them.

Personally, you had a "win" there. The pickup opening was not too small for your transplant.
 
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#11
Slater said:
A Fender pickguard, or a pickguard cut as a Fender replacement, would probably have a smaller gap around the mounting “ears”, but I wouldn’t change a pickguard just for that. But…If it bothers you, do what makes you happy. :)
Click to expand...
I would. My OCE (obsessive compulsive enhancement ;)) would be in high gear, over that!
 
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#14
OP, I would ignore all the cheesy, holier-than-thou advice you are getting in this thread and seek out a better fitting pick guard if you don’t like the massive, unsightly gap around the pickups. I have been playing, practicing, building and modding basses for 30+ years and one thing that I just cannot hang with from an aesthetic standpoint is the gap that you are looking at.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but look carefully at the next pick guard you buy to make sure it is cut for standard Fender sized pickups.
 
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#15
I also wouldn't worry about a small detail like that.

If the goal is to learn, you could buy stock pickgaurd material and use the current pg as a template and size the pickup route yourself for a better fit.
 
#16
Those holes (4 of them) are the precise size you need for the wood on your instrument to breathe. I'm sure it sounds much better as a result.

Plus the bass is a bit lighter, which gives it better resale value.
 
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#18
Seriously, there are cheap good quality pickguards on Amazon for around $10-$15. Musiclily, Kaish, IKN, just to name a few. I've purchased many of these and they work perfectly with
Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders. Unfortunately it may take 3 weeks to deliver it.

It's your bass, if you don't like the gap, fix it.

OP, you came here and asked a question. I answered it for you. Plus you stated you don't mind drilling extra holes.

Read the thread for those of you posting on it. Stop preaching the good word of learning to play it and nobody will notice. Obviously some people have way too much time on their hands not to answer the OP's question.
 
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#20
SuperTbass said:
View attachment 3781296 I bought a cheapo no-name p-bass from Amazon in order to learn how to do stuff during quarantine. I got a quarter pounder in and was able to solder well enough to make the bass still work (first time ever soldering!).

However, the stock pickups were apparently not a standard size as the hole in the pickguard is too big for the quarter pounder to fit without gaps.

I am thinking I can just get any pickguard and it will presumably fit this pickup size as it’s a pretty popular pickup. But should I stay away from certain pickguards? I don’t see too many that have specs for the cutout. The one on there currently is an 11-hole pickguard. I have no problem drilling extra holes, but I don’t want to end up with another pickguard with a hole that’s too large.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I say close enough … for me the real problem would be if the hole were too small
 

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