Which pickups should I choose?
Choose the 1963 Strat for bold and grittier vintage character, glassy highs, and more mids. Choose Spellbound for a cleaner more open, piano-like clarity and a fuller bridge response. You can select each position individually to build the combination that suits your playing.
Can I mix 1963 and Spellbound pickups?
Yes. The neck, middle, and bridge selections are independent, so you can combine the two models rather than ordering a complete matching set.
What is the difference between Standard, EJ, and Blender wiring?
Standard wiring keeps the familiar five-way Strat pickup combinations with one volume and two tone controls with tone for the bridge pickup.
EJ wiring gives the neck and bridge their own tone controls, leaving the middle pickup without a tone control which enhances the 2,3,&4 positions with less load.
Blender wiring uses a master volume, master tone, and a blend control that allows for additional pickup combinations including blending the neck and bridge pickups and getting all 3 pickups on at once.
What does Blender wiring add?
It lets you combine the neck and bridge pickups or use all three together, alongside the familiar five-way sounds. The blend control lets you gradually add the extra pickup rather than simply switching it on or off.
What does the bridge baseplate do?
A steel baseplate slightly increases bass, mids, and output for a fuller bridge sound. Spellbound already includes a bridge baseplate; the optional addition is for applicable selections without one.
What is the difference between wiring myself and solderless?
Wiring yourself means the pickups and controls are already assembled and wired on the pickguard, but you will need to solder the prewired output jack and extra ground wires yourself to the volume pot. Choose solderless if you want to connect the jack and extra ground connections without soldering at all. The solderless option will come with a screw down terminal block that you will insert the wires into and clamp them down with the screws so absolutely no soldering is required.
What does the treble bleed do?
The included treble bleed helps retain high-end clarity as you turn down the volume. This is useful when using your guitar’s volume knob to clean up an overdriven sound.
Will this pickguard fit my guitar?
Our standard pickguards are intended for USA- and Mexico-made Strats with an 11-hole mounting pattern. Check the screw layout and cavity clearance before ordering. For an 8-hole guard, another brand, or an unusual model, contact us with your guitar’s details.
Can I choose different colors for the guard, covers, and knobs?
Yes. Pickguard color, pickup-cover color, and knob-and-switch-tip color are selected separately, so you can coordinate the assembly with your guitar.
Can I send my own pickguard or get one you don't offer online?
Yes. Feel free to reach out so we can cordinate you shipping us your pickguard. We can also special order 8-hole or other color options. Note that pricing will be subject to change based on pickguard cost.
How should I adjust pickup height? Fret the string against last fret closest to the body and check the distance between the bottom of the outside E strings to the top of the pole pieces. Start with 1/8'' on the low E and 3/32'' on the high E. Start with the pickups lower, then raise them gradually in 1/4 screw turn increments to balance volume and response. Too close and you will notice warbling notes or reduced sustain, lower the pickup and check again.
Can I return the prewired pickguard for a refund?
No. These are considered custom and made to order. Once you install it, you cannot return it for a refund. We will of course work with you if there is an issue with the fit or anything else that needs our attention. Your satisfaction is our mission!
