Question for you guys

Has anyone changed to an 11 hole pickguard on an 8 hole pickguard strat?

Thanks a

Thanks a lot

I guess you can drill the new holes ... some people do that .... but I would just buy the 8 hole pickguard....

I have a 57 RI with an 8 hole pickguard.

I have been "gilmourizing" it. I have the switch, but it is not recessed.
I found a pickguard on ebay that has the switch recessed, but it is an 11 hole setup.
I am wondering if it is worth the change

You can buy switches and pickguards pretty much anywhere. I wouldnt go with the switch idea for neck-on options. Those nice people at fralin pickups released this wiring diagram to use one of the pots as a blend pot to bring the neck/bridge on or all 3 together. A far better option in my opinion.

http://www.fralinpickups.com/images/blendschem2.jpg

By far the best wiring mod to a strat that ive ever seen and nobody would know its there unless you tell them either.

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No no and no

If you want to change the guard, go for it. Just a little drill and you're there and nicki has posted a good wiring diagram.

Stew-Mac also has an e-megaswitch that allows you to change the wiring to many different options :

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics ... tches.html

Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

-If- you consider this instrument a collectors piece and you are worried about the financial resale value of the instrument, do NOT drill extra holes in the body...extra holes for any reason will always lower the perceived value of the instrument. If that's not the case and you are simply looking to mod it to your own tastes, then I say go ahead and drill the extra holes and do what you want.

I would however add one quick addendum to that last statement...since you said the pickguard you are considering is from Ebay, if it's not a genuine Fender pickguard, please be aware that not all after market pickguards are created equal. If it's a -direct replacement- for an 11 hole Strat pickguard you should be fine but if it's actually something like a pickguard off of a Johnson clone or older import/knock off or something similar, it may not fit your Strat (beyond the extra holes issue). I have seen "Strat" pickguards on Ebay where either the neck section or the bridge section is cut a little differently and you basically end up wasting your money. Just something to be aware of.

Alrighty, just my $.02 worth for the day,
Jim

I think that what no one has said that if you have a body routed to 8 hole specs it is different in that one of the screws will have no part of the body to screw into.The body is routed differently and has a slight kick out on the 11 hole body under the pickguard near the 5 way switch.I guess if you where resourceful you could figure something out,but keep this in mind before you buy.cheers

That you for all of the great input. I really appreciate it. Interesting Wingman, that is one thing that I totally overlooked.

I think I am going to leave it the way it is. I have the switch in place already. I hate to do all that modification to have it recessed.

That's a very astute, significant, and important observation. That 'kickout" or shoulder as it is otherwise referred to, would speak to whether or not any RI Stratocaster is true to its dating. Unless one has a penchant for that sort of thing, one generally never sees the guitars undressed.

I recommend you to A.R. Duchossior's book for matters concerning very fine details about body routings, contourings, pickguard designs, wiring diagrams, etc. This material is a must for everyones reference library.

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

I took the old pickguard off today and tried the 11 hole. It will fit, but will need holes drilled to add the extra screws.