Hi folks, a friend got the hardtail st1, and the bridge doesn't fit properly in the slot in the pick guard.
Anyone had this problem before? What would be the best way to modify the pick guard to make it fit? This is everyone's first build, so our group isn't really sure.
Hi Doyle,
Yes, I have had this issue. If I recall correctly, I needed to take about 5 mm off one side.
To widen the slot - I used a coping saw to saw a small section off the guard, and then used 240 g (or higher!!) sandpaper wrapped around a pencil to smooth it off to a similar curve. You could possibly sand the whole lot if you do not have a coping saw.
PitBull Builds: FVB-4, LP-1SS, FBM-1, AG-2, TB-4, SSCM-1, TLA-1,TL-1TB, STA-1HT, DSCM-1 Truckster, ST-1, STA-1, MBM-1, MBM custom, GHR-1 (Resonator), FH-5V (Acoustic), DMS-1 (Mustang).
Scratch Builds: Pine Explorer, Axe Bass, Mr Scary, Scratchy Tele's.
The little voices in my head keep telling me "build more guitars"
You may want to post a pic. There are at least two kinds of pickguards for Strats. I have had this problem, although mine was a "partscaster" rather than a kit. I ordered a custom pickguard for mine, drilled for a Tele pickup:Originally Posted by doyle
This one has the wide hard tail. There is also a Small Hard tail that is just the width of the saddles. Since bridges are cheap, I ended up just getting the right size.
If it looks like you need to cut a lot of material, it might be that your bridge is wide (like mine) but your pickguard has the small opening. Since bridges are cheap, you might just want to swap pickguards or bridges.
If it's just a little that needs removing, sanding as TD suggests, or with a small file or fingernail sanding popcicle stick thing (don't know what they are called). If it's a lot, you can also cut, although I would probably use a dremel/rotary tool or router, because I am not so good with a coping saw.
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