Stratocaster pickguard

Types of Stratocaster Pickguards

A Stratocaster pickguard is a protective plastic piece attached to the front of a Stratocaster guitar. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It protects the guitar's body from scratches, wear, and tear, and it also adds to the guitar's visual appeal. There are different types of Stratocaster pickguards. They include the following:

• Standard SSS Pickups

  This is the most common type of Stratocaster. It has three single-coil pickups. Usually, they are located at the neck, middle, and bridge positions. The pickguard for this setup typically has 11 screw holes. Also, it has 3 pickups and a standard 5-way switch.

• HSS Pickups

  This type of Stratocaster features one humbucker pickup at the bridge position and two single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions. The pickguard for an HSS Stratocaster has the same number of screw holes as that of an SSS. However, it accommodates a single humbucker pickup and two single-coil pickups. Also, it may have a different arrangement of screw holes to fit the pickups and the wiring.

• HSH Pickups

  Another type of Stratocaster pickguard that has to be talked about is the HSH. This type features two single-coil pickups at the neck and middle positions and a humbucker pickup at the bridge position. The pickguard for an HSH Stratocaster is similar to that of an HSS. It has 11 screw holes to fit the pickups. The only difference is that an HSH pickguard accommodates two single-coil pickups and one humbucker pickup.

• PS9 Pickups

  These are custom Stratocaster guitars with unique pickup configurations. The pickguards for these guitars are made to fit specific pickup arrangements. They can have different combinations of single-coil and humbucker pickups depending on customer specifications. These pickguards can be made from different materials like metal, wood, or even a combination of both.

Scenarios of Stratocaster Pickguards

Stratocaster pickguards are important parts of an electric guitar. They have several usage scenarios, which include:

• Protective purposes: Stratocaster pickguards are primarily meant to protect the guitar from scratches, scrapes, and other forms of damage that may occur during the vigorous playing of the guitar. With time, the guitar may show signs of wear and tear, but with a pickguard in place, it will remain in pristine condition. This is particularly true for the areas where the right-hand nails rest while playing. The clear pickguards are most suited for this situation as they provide unobtrusive protection while maintaining the original look of the Stratocaster.
• Electronics and hardware shielding: Another important role of Stratocaster pickguards is shielding the electronics and hardware from external interference and potential damage. Most pickguards have a layer of conductive material, such as copper or aluminum, to minimize electromagnetic interference and keep the Stratocaster humming. This conductive layer also helps to prevent unwanted noise and hum from single-coil pickups, especially in areas with lots of electronic equipment.
• Customization and aesthetics: Stratocaster pickguards come in different colors, materials, and designs, which gives guitarists room for customization and creativity. Guitarists can change their instruments' look and style by selecting a specific type of pickguard that matches their personality or playing style. For example, a guitarist who likes a classic look may choose a tortoiseshell pickguard, while another one who prefers a more modern look may opt for a metallic or custom graphic pickguard. Also, different shapes of Stratocaster pickguards can suit different playing styles.

How to Choose Stratocaster Pickguards

• Material Selection

  Choosing a suitable material for a stratocaster pickguard is crucial. Pickguards are usually manufactured from high-quality plastic like ABS to withstand wear and tear. However, other materials like metal or wood offer a distinctive look and feel. Consider the durability and aesthetic appeal of each material when selecting a pickguard.

• Color and Finish

  Pickguard color and finish significantly affect the overall appearance of the guitar. Solid colors provide a classic and elegant look, while a chrome or mirrored finish offers a modern and eye-catching appeal. Additionally, a vintage-style pickguard with a creamy or aged appearance adds a touch of nostalgia. Selecting the right color and finish requires considering the guitar's color and the desired aesthetic.

• Design and Customization

  The design of a Stratocaster pickguard extends beyond simple looks. One-of-a-kind and personalized designs can be achieved by adding different patterns and materials, which may be an artist's preference or an individual's style. Custom designs like mother-of-pearl inlays or personalized engravings make a pickguard more distinctive and personal.

• Mounting and Compatibility

  Another important aspect to take into account when choosing a stratocaster pickguard is mounting. It is necessary to ensure that the pickguard is compatible with the stratocaster model and body form to facilitate simple installation. Different stratocaster models may require specific pickguard designs or mounting methods. Standard Stratocaster models usually have a three-ply black pickguard, while HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) models may have a five-ply tortoiseshell pickguard. Also, consider the method of mounting the pickguard; some pickguards are mounted with screws, while others are held in place with adhesive.

Functions, Features and Designs of Stratocaster Pickguards(Combined)

Stratocaster pickguards come in various designs that can significantly impact the overall look of the guitar. Here are some common designs:

• Solid Colors

  This is a typical design that is often seen on stratocasters. These pickguards usually come in different colors, such as red, blue, black, or white. A solid color pickguard can have a contrasting or matching color with the body of the guitar. This design is common because it is simple and classic.

• Patterns

  These pickguards usually have patterned designs that may include stripes, checks, or other geometric shapes. The patterns can be in contrasting colors or in similar shades. The patterned pickguards add some visual interest to the guitar.

• Flame and Burlwood

  These pickguards are made of materials that have a flame or burl wood grain. These materials are usually real wood or have a wood-like appearance. Flame and burl wood pickguards add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the guitar.

• Metallic

  These pickguards are made of metal, and they often have a brushed or polished finish. Metallic pickguards can be made of aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. These pickguards add a rugged and industrial look to the guitar.

• Mother of Pearl

  These pickguards are made of real or synthetic mother of pearl. They often have a pearlescent sheen that adds depth and complexity to the appearance of the guitar. Mother of pearl pickguards are luxurious and timeless.

• Custom Graphics

  These pickguards have custom designs that may include logos, artwork, or photographs. Custom graphics pickguards allow the users to personalize their guitars and make a unique statement. This design is as per the user's preferences.

Q&A

Q: What is a Stratocaster pickguard?

A: A Stratocaster pickguard is a plastic piece that is located on the body of the Fender Stratocaster guitar. Its main role is to protect the guitar from scratches, damage, and other wear that may occur during playing, picking, or cleaning. Apart from being functional, a Stratocaster pickguard also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the guitar. Pickguards come in different colors and designs, which allow for customization.

Q: What is the correlation between a pickguard and the sound of a guitar?

A: The pickguard itself doesn't have a direct impact on the sound of the guitar. Nonetheless, the type of material used in making the pickguard can affect the magnetic field of the pickups if the material is ferrous. This can, in turn, influence the tone of the guitar. Additionally, the aesthetic aspect of the pickguard can affect the overall appeal of the guitar, which might affect the perceived sound.

Q: How can one tell if their Stratocaster is genuine?

A: To determine whether a Stratocaster is genuine, one must inspect the body of the guitar. If it has a pickguard, one should check the number of screws on the pickguard. A genuine Stratocaster will have a minimum of 8 screws on the pickguard. Additionally, one should check the serial number of the guitar. If it is located on the back of the neck or body, it should match the numbers on the headstock.

Q: Are all Stratocaster pickguards the same?

A: No. Stratocaster pickguards come in different types and designs. The different designs conform to the different models of Stratocasters. Also, there are different materials for the pickguards, which include PVC, celluloid, metal, and pearloid. Additionally, the number of pickups and the type of material used in the pickguard will vary depending on the custom pickguard design.