VOLT
Meter Reader 1st Class
Posts: 52
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Post by VOLT on Apr 9, 2010 0:20:44 GMT -5
Is it possible to get the correct dimensions for a humbucker if i sand and file my SSS pickguard to make it a HSS? Any complications involved?
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Post by sydsbluesky on Apr 9, 2010 2:07:18 GMT -5
What kind of body cavity do you have under the pickguard? Most guitars can accommodate that change with only minimal work.
Are you putting the bucker at the neck or the bridge?
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Post by ashcatlt on Apr 9, 2010 2:37:01 GMT -5
Don't use a steak knife! Trust me.
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Post by sydsbluesky on Apr 9, 2010 2:51:43 GMT -5
Your Sig seems rather unclear. Can we make the assumption that "it" also hurts if you cut "it" nearly off with a steak knife?
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Post by newey on Apr 9, 2010 5:18:18 GMT -5
Sanding/filing is not a good plan. You'll end up with lots of "plastic fuzzies" at the edge, and probably with an uneven cut. Believe me, I've tried this, and several other techniques, and wrecked more pickguards than I care to remember.
What I've found works best is drilling holes at the corners to give you the radius you need. Then use a coping saw with a fine-toothed blade. Disconnect the blade from the saw frame, run the blade through the hole, and reconnect it to the frame, then saw your straight lines. You may have to undo the blade and move to the other hole(s) if the frame of the saw interferes and won't let you make the full length of the cut. Go slow.
When you're done, a bit of light sanding of the edges will take care of any fuzzies.
You can buy a specialized formica/plastic cutting blade for these saws which works well, but a regular wood-cutting blade also works provided it is fine-toothed without much kerf to it.
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Post by cynical1 on Apr 9, 2010 7:26:32 GMT -5
Another option is to go with a small laminate trim router...like this one: ...then grab a top bearing router bit...like one of these: ...finally, you can buy a humbucker router template from Stew-Mac...like this one: Locate your template on the pickguard, attach said guard and template securely, firmly clamp all your work first...and then just wail away. Nice clean lines and you get to keep all your fingers. One other point...if you're dropping a bridge humbucker in a Strat, and have a Trem-o-Leo installed, look for an F-Spaced humbucker. The poles line up better with the bridge. Happy Trails Cynical One
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Post by sydsbluesky on Apr 9, 2010 17:25:34 GMT -5
I mean, honestly... You could also just buy a new pickguard if you don't have any of the necessary materials seen above.
I know it's not the Nutz way...
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Post by cynical1 on Apr 9, 2010 23:12:49 GMT -5
I mean, honestly... You could also just buy a new pickguard... ...but you can't use a new pickguard to build new guitars with...geez...some people's kids...
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Post by sydsbluesky on Apr 9, 2010 23:19:08 GMT -5
You totally could! I've heard of people doing it! Don't be so cynical!
(harharhar!)
But for real, is this a build or a modification?
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Post by cynical1 on Apr 9, 2010 23:57:56 GMT -5
...Don't be so cynical!... Look, I quit drinking, I quit biting my fingernails... Anyways...my guess is that this is a refit. And you make a good point, for what you're going to pay to do it right, it's cheaper to pay someone else to do it right. Keep in mind that most new pickguards need a little tweak to make them fit, so there's still going to be some aggravation factor involved...and most Fat Strat pickguards will be cut for an F-Spaced humbucker. Happy Trails - Cynical One
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Post by newey on Apr 10, 2010 10:36:31 GMT -5
Warmoth will sell you a Strat pickguard, with your choice of pickup holes, mounting holes, etc, for $25 (on a 3-ply solid color)- much less than you would spend to buy a router and a template. There's probably cheaper sources but with fewer custom options, but if all you want is a HB rout, there's bunches of those available.
My suggestion is cheaper if you don't already have the tools, but not as likely to produce a perfect result (although I have had good results that way.)
I would reserve cutting a pickguard for projects where you can't buy what you need. On my still-in-the-works 4Caster, I ordered a guard with neck and bridge SC holes, and then had to cut the two mid-pup holes (which look OK but are far from perfect).
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dawncloack
Rookie Solder Flinger
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Post by dawncloack on Jul 13, 2014 10:30:55 GMT -5
This might come in a bit late, but I have the impression that with a small buzzsaw (an awesome dremel in my case) a ruler, a sharpie and a steady hand, you can do it. Worst problem I had: having to sweep at the end. My advice: Boldly destroy a perfectly good guitar, in ways no man has destroyed a perfectly good guitar before. Should be my motto.
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Post by newey on Jul 13, 2014 19:41:34 GMT -5
dawncloack-
Hello and Welcome to G-Nutz2!
You've resurrected a fairly old thread, we haven't heard back from VOLT in quite awhile, so I doubt he sees your suggestion. But a good tip for anyone else contemplating doing this.
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dawncloack
Rookie Solder Flinger
Posts: 2
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Post by dawncloack on Jul 14, 2014 11:34:31 GMT -5
Hey thanks! I am sorry, I know I should have introduced myself and all. I will.
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