how to remove pickguard on strat?

[napoleonwilson]

I wanna change the neck pickup cover on my strat to match the middle and bridge stock pickup covers. I've never taken the pickguard off before. Can Ij ust unscrew it, take it off, unscrew the pickup cover, change it and put it all back? Would I have to remove the strings?

The neck pickup cover is white and the middle pickup is the stock, aged cover. They really look awful together.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

You'll probably need to remove the strings. It may be possible to get the pickguard off with the strings slacked but it will be a hassle that outweighs a new set of strings. The problem is that the pickups hang down into the cavity and the guard slides under the edge of the butt of the neck.

 

[Jeffrec]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

You'll probably need to remove the strings. It may be possible to get the pickguard off with the strings slacked but it will be a hassle that outweighs a new set of strings. The problem is that the pickups hang down into the cavity and the guard slides under the edge of the butt of the neck.

+1. I've removed the guard on my Strat with the strings on, but like Robert said it's a hassel that's not worth it. Strings are cheap enough, plus you might scratch the finish trying to sneak it under the slacked strings.

 

[baritone]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

I've never done it before either. Do any wires have to be desoldered?

 

[MikeS]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

I prefer to have the strings out of the way, but it can be done if you leave them on. It's too easy to scratch the heck out of the finish, though.

Changing covers on a single coil doesn't require any soldering, but you will have to remove the pickup from the guard to pull the cover.

With two point trems what I've done before is slacked the strings (yet left enough tension so that they don't become unwrapped around the tuners), capoed the first fret, pulled the tremolo springs, and pulled the bridge out, leaving the capo in place to keep the strings from unwinding. Installation is the reverse. That would be a big hassle with a 6 screw.

 

[baritone]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

What about the knobs and the selector switch?

 

[Robert S.]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

The knobs and switch are attached to the pickguard so it all comes out in one piece.

 

[baritone]

Re: how to remove pickguard on strat?

Thanks. I'm just going to try it right now; I've always been scared to do it.