P-Rails Pickguard Routing

rgand

rgand

New member
I just ordered my P-Rails pickups to put in my new guitar build. When I order the pickguard from Warmoth, what routing should I get in it? Warmoth offers a 'humbucker' route which is cut for full sized humbuckers with covers. They also offer a 'fat humbucker' routing which is intended for humbuckers without covers. The P-rails have two different radii for the corners. If I order the 'fat humbucker' routing will the corner radius fit the P-90 side of the P-rails? If so, I think all I need to do is file the rail side out to fit. Anyone had any experience with this? Thanks for any help.
 
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Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

Slots for covered humbuckers looks like a much better fit. If you get the fat humbucker (uncovered) you'd probably have to do some filing.p-strat-07192012.jpg
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

Thanks for the quick reply. I must admit that doesn't look bad. I don't mind some filing but that's an option for sure. I saw a white pair of them in a white pickguard with humbucker routes and they looked like they rattled around in the routes. In black it's much better looking. I will have black pups and black pickguard so that's a thought.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

I never noticed them rattling around in the routes. Put some foam underneath them so they don't move (I use the foam that comes with the new pickups) and they will stay level and quiet.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

Mincer said:
I never noticed them rattling around in the routes. Put some foam underneath them so they don't move (I use the foam that comes with the new pickups) and they will stay level and quiet.
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I only meant that visually. The black looks fine but white makes the gap around the pickups more noticeable.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

Nah, I think even white looks good. You could always paint the inside of the cavities white :)
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

No problem. I'll certainly post pics. Pups should be here this week but I can't order the pickguard until I get the body and know what I'll need for routes, holes and such. My Strat has the 'fat humbucker' route so I will be able to compare the P-Rails to that. I ordered the body 4 weeks ago and depending on how busy Warmoth is, delivery may be a few weeks to a month out yet.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

Pups arrived today. It looks like the 'fat humbucker' route will be best. All I have to do is square out the rail corners a bit. No sweat, there.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

I got the pickguard filed out for the pickups and slide switches, and drilled for the tone controls. The Warmoth 'fat humbucker' routes were the way to go. I had to square two corners on each. What I didn't expect is to have to widen the bridge route for the trembucker. I expected the posts to be wider but was mildly surprised that the whole pickup is about a 16th wider than the other one. It makes sense but it didn't occur to me since I bought a full-sized F-spaced DiMarzio for another guitar and it was the same size as any other humbucker and fit into the same route. No big deal. I've had to make routes bigger before. Here's a preview taken while fitting the pickguard to the body. Will post finished pics when it's done.

IMG_1160.JPG
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

Thanks, Mincer. That's what I'm hoping with those pickups. I'm surprised no other pickup manufacturer has made anything similar. I'm looking forward to getting it together.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

You couldn't find any black screws for the pickguard and slide switches? The chrome colored screws are distracting from an otherwise awesome looking guitar.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

GuitarDoc said:
You couldn't find any black screws for the pickguard and slide switches? The chrome colored screws are distracting from an otherwise awesome looking guitar.
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Frankly, it didn't occur to me. Thanks for the idea, I'll look into that.
 
Re: P-Rails Pickguard Routing

I actually really like the chrome screws. It matches the bridge. Looks more industrial.
 
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