Umair Gaines
Pickguards are a great way to give your guitar a new look. They come in a variety of colours and styles, and replacing them is a quick, inexpensive, and fun way to give your guitar a makeover. Before installing a new pickguard, you must carefully remove the old one. The removal process depends on the type of pickguard and guitar, but it typically involves unscrewing the mounting screws and gently lifting the pickguard off the body. In some cases, you may need to use knives or chisels to remove the pickguard, especially if it has been glued on. Once the old pickguard is removed, you can install the new one by carefully aligning it and using adhesive or screws to secure it in place.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing Electric Guitar Pickguards
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Removing Old Pickguard | Use a Phillips screwdriver to back out mounting screws and gently lift the pickguard. For glued-on pickguards, use a removal knife to get under the edge and apply heat to help release the glue. |
| Cleaning Surface | Use a soft cloth with paint thinner or naphtha to remove any glue residue, polish, and wax. Ensure the area is completely dry and dust-free before installing the new pickguard. |
| Installing New Pickguard | Align the new pickguard with the strings and grain of the guitar. Remove the paper backing and use release paper tabs to grab and position the pickguard. Start adhesion from the center, rubbing with your thumb in both directions to smooth it out. |
| Securing Pickguard | Place the release paper back over the new pickguard and use a medium guitar pick to secure it in place, removing any remaining air bubbles. |
| Pickguard Variety | Pickguards come in various colors and styles, including classic tortoise, mint green, reflective acrylic, and custom artwork. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old pickguard
If the pickguard is glued on, the process becomes more difficult. One option is to use a removal knife to work around the edges of the guard. You can also try warming the glue with a desk lamp and gently lifting the plastic as it releases. A feeler gauge can be used to get under the edge of the pickguard, followed by the knife.
For stubborn glue, you may need to use a solvent like naphtha. Apply it to small areas, allowing it to penetrate the cracks and soften the glue. Then, use a curved brace chisel to lift and remove the plastic. Be patient and avoid forcing any tools or solvents to do more than they are designed for.
In some cases, the pickguard may be attached with a type of contact cement that is particularly difficult to remove. This may require significant time and effort, such as the four hours or more spent removing the glued-on pickguard from a 1951 National guitar.
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Using knives and solvents to remove residue
When removing a pickguard, you may encounter some residue that needs to be cleaned off before installing a new one. Here is a detailed guide on using knives and solvents to remove residue during this process:
First, it is important to identify the type of residue you are dealing with. If it is glue residue, you can use a knife to carefully scrape it off. An X-Acto knife is a good option, as mentioned by a guitar enthusiast working on a 1975 Guild D-55 guitar. Be cautious not to work too quickly to avoid chipping the finish or cutting into the guitar body. For more stubborn glue residue, you can apply heat with a hairdryer to soften the glue before scraping it away with a putty knife.
If you are dealing with residue on the guitar's finish, there are a few different solvents you can use. One option is to use a natural, water-based liquid cleaner like Professor Green's Instrument Polish, which is effective at removing dirt, oil, sweat, and oxidation without leaving any residue. Another option is to use a paraffinic hydrocarbon-based liquid like Planet Waves Hydrate fretboard conditioner, which is safe for most finishes and effective at removing dirt and oils.
For more stubborn residue, you can use a solvent like naphtha, which is a gentle and high-flash solvent. However, it is important to note that naphtha is toxic to humans, so be sure to wear a mask and gloves when using it. You can also try using a spray bottle of "Formula 409", which has been effective at removing buffing compound residue from wood. If you are looking for a more natural option, clear paste wax or guitar polish can also be effective at removing wax- or oil-based compounds.
Additionally, there are some household items you can use to remove glue residue. Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut butter, or mayonnaise can be spread on and soaked for about an hour before wiping away. For a more intense clean, you can use rubbing alcohol or vodka, allowing it to permeate the residue before wiping it away with a soft cloth.
Remember to always be patient and gentle when working with knives and solvents to avoid damaging your guitar's finish or body.
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Preparing the guitar body
Firstly, identify the type of pickguard your guitar has. Some pickguards, like those on Stratocasters, attach to the body with mounting screws, typically ranging from eight to eleven screws. For such pickguards, use a Phillips screwdriver to back out the screws and gently lift the pickguard off the body. Always place the screws, washers, nuts, and knobs in a container to avoid misplacing them.
If your pickguard is glued on, the process can be more challenging. Start by gently warming the area with a desk lamp. This will help soften the glue. Then, use a thin tool, such as a feeler gauge or a removal knife, to get under the edge of the pickguard and slowly lift it. You may need to work your way around the edges, moving your knife with the grain of the wood. Be patient and careful, as the plastic can crumble, leaving pieces stuck, and forced removal can crack the guitar body.
If the pickguard is particularly stubborn, you can try using a solvent like naphtha. Apply it to a soft cloth or paper towel and gently work it into the cracks to penetrate the glue. Then, use a curved brace chisel to carefully lift the plastic. Again, be patient and let the tools do their work without forcing them.
Once the old pickguard is removed, ensure the guitar body is completely clean and free of any glue residue. You can use a small amount of paint thinner or naphtha on a soft cloth for this. It's important to ensure the area is completely dry and dust-free before installing the new pickguard.
Finally, before installing the new pickguard, visually align it with the strings and the grain of the guitar body to ensure the correct placement. You may also want to check that the mounting holes on the new pickguard match those on the guitar body.
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Installing the new pickguard
Installing a new pickguard on an electric guitar can be a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to ensure a successful outcome. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a new pickguard:
Prepare the Guitar Body
Before installing the new pickguard, ensure that the guitar body is ready. Use a soft cloth to remove any polish, wax, or residue from the area where the new pickguard will be placed. You can use a small amount of paint thinner or naphtha for this step, but be cautious not to rub too hard to avoid scratching the finish. Ensure the area is completely dry, dust-free, and free of fingerprints.
Align the New Pickguard
With the guitar body prepared, it's time to position the new pickguard. Visually align it with the strings and the grain of the guitar's top, ensuring it is aesthetically pleasing. Check that the mounting holes on the new pickguard match the holes in the guitar body. This step is crucial, as some guitars, like Strats, may have extended fretboards that can make it tricky to slide the loaded pickguard into place.
Install the Pickups
If your guitar has pickups, now is the time to install them onto the new pickguard. Typically, the pickguard is protected by a thin piece of static film that should be peeled off before installing the pickups. Start with the neck pickup. Slide the pickup mounting screw into the pickguard, place the pickup spring over the screw, and press the pickup towards the screw. Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screw, securing one side of the pickup to the guard.
Apply the Pickguard
Once the pickups are in place, it's time to apply the new pickguard. Remove the paper backing from the pickguard, being careful not to touch the adhesive side. Place small release paper tabs on each end of the pickguard to aid in alignment. Hold the release paper tabs and align the pickguard, allowing it to sag slightly in the center at the beginning of the application. Start adhesion from the center, and smooth the pickguard outwards. Remove the release paper tabs by pulling them directly away from the pickguard when you are about half an inch away from them.
Secure and Finish
To ensure a smooth finish and secure adhesion, use a medium guitar pick to rub over the pickguard through the release paper. This helps remove any remaining tiny air bubbles that may have formed during the application process. Finally, carefully remove the release paper, and your new pickguard should be perfectly installed!
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Securing the new pickguard
Securing a new pickguard is a delicate process that requires precision and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you secure the new pickguard successfully:
Prepare the Guitar Body
Before installing the new pickguard, it is essential to ensure that the guitar body is ready for its application. Use a soft cloth to remove any polish, wax, or residue from the area where the pickguard will be placed. You can use a small amount of paint thinner or naphtha for this step, but be cautious not to rub too hard to avoid scratching the finish. Make sure the area is completely dry, dust-free, and free of any fingerprints.
Align the Pickguard
Visually align the new pickguard with the strings and the grain of the guitar's top. This step ensures that the pickguard is aesthetically pleasing and follows the natural lines of the guitar. The placement must be precise before adhering the pickguard.
Remove the Paper Backing
Carefully remove the paper backing from the adhesive side of the new pickguard. Avoid touching the adhesive with your fingers or any other object besides the smooth release paper. Place two small release paper tabs back onto each end of the pickguard to help with alignment and prevent the adhesive from accidentally sticking to the guitar body.
Position the Pickguard
While holding the release paper tabs, carefully position the pickguard in the designated location. Allow it to sag slightly in the center to initiate contact. Start adhesion from the center and work your way outwards. Ensure that the pickguard is aligned perfectly before proceeding.
Smooth Out Air Bubbles
Once the pickguard is in position, use your thumb to rub across the narrow part of the pickguard in both left and right directions. This action helps remove any air bubbles that may have formed during the application.
Secure with Release Paper
After smoothing out air bubbles with your thumb, take the release paper that was previously removed and place it perfectly over the new pickguard. Use a medium guitar pick to rub through the paper, applying pressure to the pickguard. This step helps secure the pickguard in place and removes any remaining tiny air bubbles.
By following these steps carefully, you will successfully secure the new pickguard to your electric guitar, giving it a refreshed and personalized look.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing an old pickguard can be done in several ways. One method is to use a knife to get under the pickguard and gently lift it off. You can use a desk lamp to apply a little heat to help with this process. Alternatively, you can use a feeler gauge to get under the edge of the pickguard and then use removal knives, leapfrogging one over the other. If your pickguard is glued on, you may need to use a solvent like naphtha to soften the glue before using a chisel to remove it.
First, ensure the area where the pickguard will be installed is clean and free of dust, fingerprints, and polish or wax. Use a soft cloth with a small amount of paint thinner or naphtha for this. Then, remove the paper backing from the new pickguard, being careful not to touch the adhesive side. Place two small release paper tabs on each end of the pickguard and use them to align it perfectly with the designated location, letting it sag slightly in the centre. Start adhesion from the centre, using your thumb to rub across the narrow part of the pickguard in both directions to prevent air bubbles. Finally, place the release paper back over the pickguard and use a medium guitar pick to secure it in place and remove any remaining bubbles.
You will need a few tools to replace a pickguard, including a Phillips screwdriver, a knife (a disassembly knife may be useful for working in narrow gaps), a feeler gauge, and a soft cloth. If your pickguard is glued on, you may also need a solvent like naphtha and a curved brace chisel or micro-chisel.
Yes, there are a few potential issues to be aware of. If your guitar has an extended fretboard, you may need to temporarily remove the neck to install the new pickguard. Additionally, check that the mounting holes on the new pickguard match the holes in the guitar body. Finally, be very careful during the installation process as you only get one shot—wax, dust, fingerprints, or misalignment can ruin the installation.
