...that is the question.

I have a classic players 50s Strat that is stock. It is 2 tone burst and I want to change the pick-guard from the stock white to black. I bought a black 57 pick-guard that is 3 ply B/W/B and it is not shielded. The stock guard is also not shielded. I enjoy the sound of the guitar and since I am really just a home player, I am debating on whether I should put the copper tape on the backside of the pick-guard. While I'm at it should I shield the p/u cavities as well? I understand that the shielding will reduce hum, but is there any downside to shielding this guitar? Let's hear your opinion.

Thanks,
~Kong

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Hi Kong -

I'm certainly no expert on this subject (or many other guitar-related ones, for that matter), but I recently shielded the cavity and pickguard of my Squier Standard Stratocaster. I may have gone overboard, but it's like the guitar's voice has been strangled out of it. The shielding did greatly reduce the buzz, but it also reduced the guitar's overall volume and tone. Next time I change strings, I'm probably going to open it up and pull out some of the shielding foil as well.

Now, I grant that it is entirely possible that I did something wrong. Therefore, your mileage--as they say--may vary.

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

I use shielding paint in all my guitars.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
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F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cafeathers


I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Live with the hum of single-coils or put in stacked humbuckers.

If you anjoy the sound then leave it alone.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson