Pickguard installation tips

[weirdotis]

Does anyone have any tips for actually installing a pickguard properly? As far as proper screw placement?

Thanks guys, I'm planning a series of mods on my guitar to keep me entertained over the summer, and I think this is a good place to start.

[djwilbanks]

Tips for installing pickguard: Don't.

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by weirdotis

Does anyone have any tips for actually installing a pickguard properly? As far as proper screw placement?

Thanks guys, I'm planning a series of mods on my guitar to keep me entertained over the summer, and I think this is a good place to start.

Put one on my Gem not to long ago.......

Make sure the pickguard fits - no big gaps around the pickups or against the neck.

Leave the mount bracket just a bit loose when you're locating the screw position

Mark the holes carefully

Predrill the holes - that will keep you from cracking the clear coat and the screws will go in easier

Once you get over the fact that you're drilling holes in a Les Paul, it's easy.

[weirdotis]

Originally Posted by axepilot

Put one on my Gem not to long ago.......

Make sure the pickguard fits - no big gaps around the pickups or against the neck.

Leave the mount bracket just a bit loose when you're locating the screw position

Mark the holes carefully

Predrill the holes - that will keep you from cracking the clear coat and the screws will go in easier

Once you get over the fact that you're drilling holes in a Les Paul, it's easy.

Should the mounting bracket be flush against the body?

I don't mind drilling holes in my nice guitar, since there's always Bondo!

[weirdotis]

Originally Posted by djwilbanks

Tips for installing pickguard: Don't.

No.

[Xavier_32]

It's pretty hard to mess up. Basically, line up the pickguard so the pickup rings sit flush against the slots for them in the pickguard, then shove the screw for the top of the guitar into the wood. When you line up the bracket, try and get the screw right where the binding meets the body.

Your pickguard should be at an angle, with the left most edge (on a right handed guitar) touching the bottom of the pickguard rings near the body, and the outer edge floating off the body. Of course, you could do what I did and gently bend the bracket to change the angle. I have my pickguard flush with the tops of the pickup rings.

[SludgeBurns]

Make sure the screw that holds the mount underneath the pickguard doesn't bump or press against the body.

Other than that, I agree with dj

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by weirdotis

Should the mounting bracket be flush against the body?

I don't mind drilling holes in my nice guitar, since there's always Bondo!

No. It should be angled a bit.

[weirdotis]

Originally Posted by axepilot

No. It should be angled a bit.

Er, my bad. I meant, sound the part of the bracket that holds the screw to the side of the guitar be flush? If you see what I mean.

[weirdotis]

Originally Posted by Xavier_32

It's pretty hard to mess up. Basically, line up the pickguard so the pickup rings sit flush against the slots for them in the pickguard, then shove the screw for the top of the guitar into the wood. When you line up the bracket, try and get the screw right where the binding meets the body.

Your pickguard should be at an angle, with the left most edge (on a right handed guitar) touching the bottom of the pickguard rings near the body, and the outer edge floating off the body. Of course, you could do what I did and gently bend the bracket to change the angle. I have my pickguard flush with the tops of the pickup rings.

Cool... Thanks for the info!
If I was to pre drill the holes, what size drill bit should I use?

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by Xavier_32

then shove the screw for the top of the guitar into the wood.................

You really don't want to just shove a screw into the wood. Predrill the hole with a very small bit:

-It will get the screw started right where you want it...the screw won't be sliding over the clear coat and possibly going in at a bad angle

-You won't crack the clear coat

-The screw goes in easily

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by weirdotis

If I was to pre drill the holes, what size drill bit should I use?

About half the diameter of the screw.

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by weirdotis

Er, my bad. I meant, sound the part of the bracket that holds the screw to the side of the guitar be flush? If you see what I mean.

The side mount bracket should be mounted flush to body when it's screwed in. The screw and nut on the pickguard should be tightened once both screws are secure.

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by SludgeBurns

Make sure the screw that holds the mount underneath the pickguard doesn't bump or press against the body.

Good point. I checked this before I marked the mounting holes.

[cgm]

How to put a pick guard on a Les Paul - YouTube

How to put a pick guard on a Les Paul - YouTube

I am putting this video here so I can find it if i decide to put a pickguard on my LP Fireburst Studio... Not that this looks all that difficult to do, I just need to bring up my nerve to drill into my guitar if I decide that I want a pickguard. My old epi had a one, and I really liked using it as a finger rest. I have been playing this for a month or two, I think it is time to install one into this:


Does anyone have an extra cream pickguard sitting around collecting dust? If so, let me know how much for it shipped to 01830.