Howdy! I recently picked up my first strat, a 97 MIM and went to a guitar place today, and I ask the guy if the pickguards he sold would fit MIM's and he said no. I would have to bring it in and have it fitted as the pickguards he sells are for MIA. Is this true, is there a size difference or was he yanking my chain for $$. I just wanted to give my guitar a little custom touch.

He seems legitimate to me. Its more than likely he has one that will fit and just wants to make sure the screw holes will line up correctly. Its obviously that he's a caring fellow, who'd refuse a sale in this day and age. Its not like he's going to be paid for fitting it or anything is it.

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No no and no

Oh yeah, he'll get paid for it, that' why asked, to make sure it is a legitimate service that he will be charging me for. If it is, that's totally understandable, I suppose I simply should have asked if the MIM pickguard is different than the MIA.

Theres a few different pickguards been put on strats over the years. If he doesnt have the colour you want in your shape warmoth will cut one the same as your pickguard. It does just sound to me like the chap is being thoughtfull. Thats where i'd be going to, you cant beat that level of care.

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No no and no

The '97 might be a little off from the newer ones, but even so, it's not a big deal to retrofit.

It's when you go from the 8-hole to 11 or back that it gets to be a PITA.

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Curious... How much does he charge for the install?

He said 35 to 40 bucks.

Not too bad.

Yeah, I will probably let him do it. His shop is quite reputable and it will give him a chance to look the guitar over pretty good. I just wanted to make sure he was on the level, there are so many shady people out there now.

Less chance to desolder a pickup by mistake too if done by a pro. I've opened many strats and still manage to desolder a wire from time to time

The hole spacing may be slightly different. Fender does it with a lot of parts on purpose so that folks don't go making "mock" MIA's out of parts from MIM's and such.

A pickguard should be very easy to fit though. You could probably do it yourself. (worst case you might have to drill a new hole or two in your body just so they line up correctly)

Congrats on the Strat. Post up a pic once it's "fancy".

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"