SX Ursa 1 compatible pickguards?

[Big Hoss]

I have a new SX Ursa 1 4 string P Bass on the way in the 3 tone burst as a knock around cheap practice bass. Something I can stuff behind my desk at work and noodle around on during my lunch breaks.

I know cosmetics aren't all that important, but the stark white pickguard that a lot of new basses have really bugs me. I want options....

I could go with the proven time and time again tort, but I kind of want something different from that even...

I am considering either black pearloid, or aged pearl...

My question is, will a standard 13 hole P bass pickguard, the type marketed for Squier P basses, MIMs etc... fit the SX Ursa 1? Would I be better off taking the OE pickguard and using it as a tracing template, scroll saw out a template, fine tune it and use it as a routing template to fab up my own custom pickugard?

 

[chrishudson918]

Did you ever replace the pickguard? I have an Ursa 3 (P/J) and want to put a tortoise shell guard on mine.

 

[Big Hoss]

Yes, and I am not super thrilled with it. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a custom made guard. The tort on my Ursa is nowhere near as nice as the one on my Squier Jazz, and the fitment doesn't really follow the curves of the body too well either...

 

[chrishudson918]

Good to know. Do you remember where you got it from or what brand it was?

 

[Big Hoss]

Ebay, cheap as *#$% off the boat from China branded.

 

[bassbenj]

Did you ever replace the pickguard? I have an Ursa 3 (P/J) and want to put a tortoise shell guard on mine.

Pickguards even from other SX basses of the same model won't fit well on yours! (custom handmade and all! )

I've done new pickguards on all my SX basses (9) and the best way is custom. I just take the old pickguard over to Tony at Pickguardian.com and pick something out and say "copy it in this" and he does. Comes out looking choice. Note SX 6 in avatar. Factory pickguard was black if I remember correctly, the Tort is one of Pickgardian's. Really gives that cheapo SX the big money "Steve Bailey" look!

 

[chrishudson918]

Pickguards even from other SX basses of the same model won't fit well on yours! (custom handmade and all! )

I've done new pickguards on all my SX basses (9) and the best way is custom. I just take the old pickguard over to Tony at Pickguardian.com and pick something out and say "copy it in this" and he does. Comes out looking choice. Note SX 6 in avatar. Factory pickguard was black if I remember correctly, the Tort is one of Pickgardian's. Really gives that cheapo SX the big money "Steve Bailey" look!

Yeah that does look really nice. Do you remember about how much you paid?

 

[bassbenj]

Yeah that does look really nice. Do you remember about how much you paid?

No I don't. I know it was more than the pre-cut ones you can buy, but it wasn't hugely expensive either (or I wouldn't have bought them). Probably best to just contact Pickguardian and ask what the charge is for making an SX copy. I think he'll do it from drawings too, but sending the actual pickguard is best because he sticks it on top of the material and a follower makes an exact copy. You can also make changes at the same time. Like I told him: "Move this pickup cutout 1/8" in this direction" (Arrow taped on old guard) And he did. It came out PERFECT! And if you can't quite decide what you want he'll send you samples of various material to hold up to your bass for a decision.

 

[chrishudson918]

No I don't. I know it was more than the pre-cut ones you can buy, but it wasn't hugely expensive either (or I wouldn't have bought them). Probably best to just contact Pickguardian and ask what the charge is for making an SX copy. I think he'll do it from drawings too, but sending the actual pickguard is best because he sticks it on top of the material and a follower makes an exact copy. You can also make changes at the same time. Like I told him: "Move this pickup cutout 1/8" in this direction" (Arrow taped on old guard) And he did. It came out PERFECT! And if you can't quite decide what you want he'll send you samples of various material to hold up to your bass for a decision.

Man that is awesome. Thanks for all the information. I'll contact them now.