
The size of the screw holes in a Telecaster pickguard is a topic of interest for many guitar enthusiasts. While some prefer the vintage style of neck pickup mounting, which involves screwing the pickup directly to the body, others opt for the later Fender design of mounting the pickup to the pickguard. This modification was introduced to facilitate easier height adjustments. The standard Telecaster® now features an 8-hole screw mount, replacing the original 5-hole mount, to ensure a flat guard. When it comes to screw hole sizes, it is important to consider the necessary clearance between the screw and the hole. Additionally, the use of pilot holes is recommended to achieve precise placement and protect the integrity of the screw and the wood.
What You'll Learn
- Telecaster pickguard screws come in a variety of colours
- The standard screw length for a Fender pickguard is 1/2
- A pickguard screw hole must be bigger than the screw
- A pilot hole is a hole that is pre-drilled before installing a screw
- The vintage style of neck pickup mounting involves screwing the pickup directly to the body
Telecaster pickguard screws come in a variety of colours
When it comes to the world of music, the devil is in the details. This is especially true when it comes to the screws on your Telecaster's pickguard. Not only do they need to be the right size, but they also come in a variety of colours to match or complement your guitar's aesthetic.
While the colour of your pickguard screws may seem like a minor detail, it can actually have a significant impact on the overall look of your instrument. Whether you're going for a sleek and subtle look or something more bold and expressive, the right screw colour can make all the difference.
One option is to match the colour of your screws to that of your pickguard. This creates a seamless and cohesive look that is pleasing to the eye. For example, if you have a black pickguard, black screws will create a sleek and unified appearance. On the other hand, white screws on a white pickguard can make for a crisp and clean aesthetic.
However, you may also want to use your screws as a way to add a pop of colour or visual interest to your Telecaster. For instance, if you have a black or white pickguard, you could opt for gold screws to add a touch of elegance and luxury. Alternatively, red or blue screws can be a fun and unexpected choice, adding a bit of personality to your instrument.
In addition to the traditional colours mentioned above, pickguard screws also come in a variety of fun and unique options. For example, you can find screws in colours like mint green, tortoiseshell, or even a bold floral pattern. These unexpected colours can be a great way to showcase your personal style and make your Telecaster stand out from the crowd.
Ultimately, the colour of your pickguard screws is a matter of personal preference and self-expression. Whether you want to match your screws to your pickguard for a cohesive look or use them as a way to add a touch of colour or elegance, the variety of options available allows you to customise your Telecaster to your heart's content.
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The standard screw length for a Fender pickguard is 1/2
When it comes to the world of guitars, the devil is in the detail. The right screw length for a Fender pickguard is crucial to ensuring a secure fit and maintaining the integrity of your instrument.
With that in mind, the standard screw length for a Fender pickguard is 1/2". This measurement is specific to Fender guitars and differs from the standard used by other guitar manufacturers, such as Gibson, which typically uses 3/8" screws.
The 1/2" length is designed to fit the standard Fender pickguard screw holes, providing a secure attachment without causing damage to the pickguard or the guitar body. It's important to use the correct screw length to avoid complications. If the screws are too short, they may not hold the pickguard firmly in place, leading to unwanted movement or vibration. On the other hand, if the screws are too long, they can protrude and interfere with the playing experience or, even worse, damage the guitar body or the pickguard itself.
The 1/2" length also provides a visually pleasing result, with the screws sitting flush with the pickguard and creating a seamless appearance. This attention to detail is essential for guitarists who want to maintain the aesthetic and functional integrity of their instrument.
When replacing or installing a Fender pickguard, it's crucial to use the correct screw length. The standard 1/2" length ensures a secure, precise, and visually appealing fit, allowing you to focus on what matters most – creating music.
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A pickguard screw hole must be bigger than the screw
When installing a pickguard on a Telecaster, it's important to ensure that the screw holes in the pickguard are slightly larger than the screws themselves. This is because the holes need to have some clearance around the screws. If the holes are too tight, the screws will grip and bite into the pickguard, causing the plastic to ride up on the threads as you try to screw it down. In the worst-case scenario, the pickguard could even split.
To determine the appropriate drill bit size for the screw holes, you can measure the existing holes in your pickguard if you're replacing one. A taper gauge can help with this, or you can simply hold different drill bits up to the existing holes until you find the right size. If you're making a new pickguard, you can determine the hole size based on the screws you'll be using. Hold the drill bit up to the screw and choose one that is slightly wider than the outside edge of the screw threads. This will ensure that the screw fits through the hole without any issues.
It's important to note that you don't need a lot of clearance between the screw and the hole. Too much space can cause the parts to shift. Additionally, if there is too much space, the screw head may not grip properly or may even pass right through the hole. As a general guideline, a drill bit that is just a little wider than the screw threads is ideal.
When attaching the pickguard to the guitar body, it's recommended to create pilot holes. Pilot holes are pre-drilled holes that provide a starting point for the screws, making it easier to install them and ensuring more precise placement. Without pilot holes, there is an increased risk of splitting the wood as the screws are inserted. By creating pilot holes, you provide more breathing space for the screws, reducing the pressure and the risk of splitting the wood.
To determine the appropriate drill bit size for the pilot holes, you need to consider the shank of the screw, which is the solid centre part. You want to choose a drill bit that is slightly larger than the shank but still leaves enough wood for the screw threads to grip onto. This will ensure a secure connection without compromising the integrity of the wood.
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A pilot hole is a hole that is pre-drilled before installing a screw
When modifying or repairing a Telecaster, it's important to understand the correct procedure for screw placement and the importance of pilot holes. A pilot hole is a small hole that is pre-drilled into a construction material, such as wood, plastic, or metal, before installing a screw. This process is especially relevant when dealing with screw placements on a pickguard.
In the context of guitar modification, a pilot hole serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it guides the screw and provides clearance for it to pass through without binding or breaking. This is crucial for screws with self-threading mechanisms. By creating a pilot hole, you reduce the risk of damaging the screw or the material into which it is being inserted. This is a common issue when dealing with plastic pickguards, as the screw can grip and bite into the material, causing it to ride up on the threads or even split the plastic.
Additionally, a pilot hole helps to ensure precise screw placement. The tip of a screw may not always enter the material accurately, especially when dealing with dense materials or hardwoods. By drilling a pilot hole, you can achieve more precise screw locations, reducing the risk of errors. This is also beneficial when working with softwoods, as it helps to prevent splitting near the end or edge of the material.
To determine the appropriate size for a pilot hole, you should consider the diameter of the screw's shank, which is the solid centre part of the screw. The pilot hole should be just large enough to allow the shank to pass through without obstruction, while still leaving enough material for the screw threads to grip securely. This balance is crucial to ensure a strong connection between the screw and the material.
In summary, when modifying a Telecaster or working with pickguard screws, it is highly recommended to pre-drill pilot holes. This simple step can help prevent damage to the material, ensure precise screw placement, and provide a secure connection. By taking the time to measure and drill pilot holes, you can achieve a more professional and durable outcome in your guitar modification projects.
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The vintage style of neck pickup mounting involves screwing the pickup directly to the body
The vintage-style method of mounting a Telecaster neck pickup directly to the body of the guitar dates back to the earliest days of the Telecaster in the 1950s. When Fender introduced the neck pickup to the original single-coil bridge pickup design of its precursor, the Esquire, it opted for a direct-mount approach. This involved cutting a route and screwing the pickup into place before adding a pickguard.
Today, this traditional method of mounting the neck pickup continues to be popular among players who appreciate the old-school vibe of vintage Teles. It is also favoured by those who believe that it offers superior sound quality compared to pickguard mounting. The added rigidity of direct mount is said to eliminate tonal losses from the movement of the pickup when hung from the pickguard. While opinions vary, it is notable that players rarely attribute better tonal quality to pickguard mounting.
When it comes to the process of mounting a Telecaster neck pickup directly to the body, it is important to use "wood screws" with sharp points, rather than machine screws. This ensures a secure fit. Additionally, it is recommended to use either foam or springs, or both, for stability. However, when using foam, denser material is preferred to prevent excessive vibration of the pickup.
To install the neck pickup, the first step is to remove the strings and pickguard. Then, measure the distance from the bottom of the pickup route to the top of the pickup being replaced. After removing the old pickup, install the mounting screws through the top of the new pickup's mounting screw holes. Slide rubber tubing over each screw, and secure them into the screw holes in the pickup route. Adjust the pickup height to match the previous setting or to your preferred level. Finally, reconnect the wiring, reinstall the pickguard, and put the strings back on.
It is worth noting that direct-mounting the neck pickup to the body does come with a drawback. Adjusting the pickup height requires removing the pickguard or creating "access holes" in it, which some may consider unsightly. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the pickup is positioned exactly where you want it before attaching the pickguard.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard screw length for a Telecaster pickguard is 1/2".
The ""vintage" style of neck pickup mounting is to screw the pickup directly to the body, which gives a cleaner look as no holes are required in the pickguard. However, this makes installation and pickup height adjustment more difficult. With later Teles, Fender mounted the pickup directly to the pickguard, which makes height adjustment easier and hence the holes.
If you have an existing pickguard, you can measure the existing holes with a taper gauge or by offering up a drill bit to an existing hole until you find one that matches its size. If you are working with a new pickguard, you can work out the hole size based on the screws you are using.