ShortScale.org

Hi,

I just bought my 1st Mustang (Competition Blue '69 re-issue) with a black replacement pickguard that doesn't really fit on there just right. It's a few millimeters over on the metal control plate and over the bridge. Besides that it fits just fine. My question is: Could this be an aftermarket, non-fender authorized pickguard, or do original mustangs and re-issues vary in body size?

Thanks!

Where did you get the pickguard from? I know the warmoth ones are built slightly different to only fit their bodies, so that could be a possibility.

If that's the only spot that doesn't fit, you could always just cut it though?

The original owner replaced it before I bought it. I never asked him where he got it. I actually want to buy a white one to return the guitar to stock condition as far as the pick guard is concerned. Just wanted to make sure that if I bought a replacement I didn't have to be specific about what year/re-issue model I was buying the guard for.

I bought a pickguard for my 69 RI recently and it was exactly the same as you describe - went over the control plate and bridge plate thing. It's unlikely you will find one that fits perfectly..
I got mine from All Parts so you might one to avoid them just so you don't get the same problem. Try to find a Fender Japan pickguard, rather than a USA one. It probably will fit better on a japanese RI.

sand paper?

its a 9 year old used guitar.....put some duck tape on it and rock out

xxhoixx wrote:I actually want to buy a white one to return the guitar to stock condition as far as the pick guard is concerned.

it would be pearloid stock.

but yeah, you might struggle to find one that fits perfectly. i stuck a '65 guard on a '72 mustang and had to file it down a bit at the neck pocket, even vintage ones vary in size.

xxhoixx wrote:I actually want to buy a white one to return the guitar to stock condition as far as the pick guard is concerned. Just wanted to make sure that if I bought a replacement I didn't have to be specific about what year/re-issue model I was buying the guard for.

I've got a stock '69 pickguard available...pm sent.

It's so weird that they wouldn't get the specs right for these guards. I guess they're not mass produced as much? Who knows. Thanks for all the info, guys!

I changed 4 or 5 pickguard on guitars and basses and almost never do they drop right in without having to file down an edge here or there.

would be nice to be a fly on the wall at one of the bigger guitar factories. unless their entire operation is done by machines, i gotta believe that pretty much all luthiers would have to make adjustments on parts for hand-made instruments.