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Removing the pickguard on a Fender Jazz

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by jenderfazz, Jul 16, 2003.

  1. Jul 16, 2003 #1
    jenderfazz

    jenderfazz

    Apr 17, 2003
    montreal, qc, Canada
    Jaco did it, and I have a Sunburst American Deluxe Jazz ready to do it too. I wanna remove the pickguard, but first I have some questions.

    Would I be able to do it with my model (a '97)? I heard that some models (more recent, or older, forget) have a hole between the neck pickup and the control plate which is covered by the pickguard.

    Also, I had to take off my Squier P-Bass' pickguard a few times (which obviously did not come out all the way, but I had to repair something) and the screw holes got a little stripped. Is this because the Squier is a cheaper model, or will the MIA Fender strip after repeated unscrewing/screweing? I wouldn't want to damage the Fender, and I'm not very experienced with working with basses.

    If it's risky in any way or whatever, it's alright. I like my pickguard. I just wanna make a change for a while and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
     
  2. Jul 17, 2003 #2
    Mesa Man

    Mesa Man

    May 30, 2000
    What most people call Sweden
    Well, as long as you are easy on your hands and dont force anything you will be fine. Regarding the "hole", nu MIA J4 fretless has it, and it is the 2000 model. I guess the only way to find out about your bass is to take a look!

    Good Luck!
     
  3. Jul 17, 2003 #3
    rabid_granny

    rabid_granny

    Jan 20, 2002
    Vancouver, BC, Canada
    I just removed my pickguard from my 1995 American Standard Jazz the other day. There is a shallow path from the neck pickup to the control cavity. The neck pickup cavity is much wider than the bridge pickup. It would probably look ugly if you took off the pickguard.
     
  4. Jul 18, 2003 #4
    jenderfazz

    jenderfazz

    Apr 17, 2003
    montreal, qc, Canada
    Ok, thanks. I'll keep my pickguard, I think it looks great anyways.
     
  5. Jul 18, 2003 #5
    Planet Boulder

    Planet Boulder Hey, this is a private residence...man

    Nov 10, 2001
    6,482 feet above sea level
    I once had impure thoughts. Oh, and I pluck my ear hair.
    My MIM Jazz bass has been modified to include an active pre, but in order to get to the battery to change it, you have to unscrew the control plate. jenderfazz's original post concerning the stripping of screw holes sparked my concern about the stripping of the screw holes when I go to change the battery multiple times.

    Has anyone had any problems with this? Is it really worth it/necessary to have a cavity cut out of the back to avoid this?

    Invention idea: a snap-on control plate.
     
  6. Jul 18, 2003 #6
    bryan bailey

    bryan bailey

    Feb 15, 2003
    North Kingstown, Rhode Island
    If the holes strip, just patch the hole with glue and a tooth pick or two, it works everytime.
     
  7. Jul 18, 2003 #7
    mikezimmerman

    mikezimmerman Supporting Member

    Apr 29, 2001
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Some people do have problems with this, which is one of the reasons some folks strongly prefer brass insets instead of just screws on the back control cover (which is how you get to the batteries on a lot of basses).

    That said, it's quite possible to take a pickguard or control cover off lots of times without stripping the screw holes, as long as you're slow and careful and don't overtighten them. Of course, it goes without saying that you shoudl unplug your active bass when you're not using it--no point in getting in there and changing the battery more often than you have to.

    Also, it's really easy to add a bit of wood shavings and some wood glue to fix a small screw ole like that which has gotten stripped. So no, it's not really necessary to route out a hole in the back of the bass for a battery holder.

    And last, Warwick's been doing snap-out control plates and snap-out truss rod covers for years. Pretty cool, as long as you don't break the plastic snaps.

    Mike
     
  8. Jul 18, 2003 #8
    Planet Boulder

    Planet Boulder Hey, this is a private residence...man

    Nov 10, 2001
    6,482 feet above sea level
    I once had impure thoughts. Oh, and I pluck my ear hair.
    Mike - I was actually thinking of those (the ones on Warwicks), but for the front control plate on a Jazz.

    I've also been considering going the brass insert route.