i was thinking of buying a new pickguard or scratchplate for my American standard, but after viewing a youtube "How-To" video, i realised that isn't just taking off a few screws... im only 15 and not particularly good with DIY stuff, would i do any serious damage to the guitar trying to change the pickguard? and how would i keep the pickups back to the right place? how much would it cost to hire a pro to do it?, or is it not that hard? I would be very grateful for any advice.

I just did this not long ago...you're 15 and should be able to follow this.

Measure your pickup height before you begin.

1. Remove strings.
2. Remove VTT knobs and switch tip, and the nuts holding the pots.
3. Unscrew the eleven (or eight) pickguard screws.
4. Gently lift the pickguard, and turn it more or less upside down.
5. Unscrew the selector switch (2 screws).
6. Unscrew the pickups, trying to catch the little springs or rubber grommets as they fall off. The springs will likely stick to the pickup magnets. The covers will now just lift off.
7. Put the old PG aside, and put the new one in the ready position.
8. Assemble the new PU covers, carefully put the springs back onto the screws, and start to tighten them. Don't tighten the screws all the way yet, as they're adjusting the pickup height, which you later want to match the way they were.
9. Reattach the switch and the nuts for the VTT pots.
10. Carefully put the PG onto the face of the guitar, making sure the wires are inside the cavities.
11. Screw the 11 screws back in, pop on the new knobs and switch tip, set the pickups to their original heights.
12. Restring

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thanks for the help

You're welcome and good luck!

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

Don't leave home without it!