I have decided I'm going to convert my Squier Bullet from HSS, to SSS. I was thinking of buying the pickguard and a set of pickups separately, but then I realised I'd also have to buy pickup covers, knobs, a switch tip etc. Loaded pickguards solve this problem, and seem to be cheaper a lot of the time. The only issue is, I can't find a lot of good options. Northwestguitars seems to have a nice loaded pickguard with alnico pickups in it for £50, but it's only in black or white. I was hoping for a vintage white or mint colour. There's an amazon seller "Alnicov", that do a
loaded pickguard for £26, but I'm slightly cautious, because they're on of those amazon only sellers that don't even have their own website. I think I'd rather buy from a dedicated guitar part shop.
Guitarfetish seems to have nice options, but it's £24 shipping. All the other sites I've looked at (axesRus) and allparts either don't have any options, are they're too expensive. Ideally northwestguitars would offer a colour picker for their loaded pickguards, but they don't. Anyone have any suggestions?
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Been very happy with the service every time I'm bought stuff from them,
If you can stretch your budget, the Fender Tex mex is a bargain:-
Fender Pre-Wired ST Pickg. TexMex SSS – Thomann UK
Ive got a Hardtail bullet 3SC plate here if you want it, in white, youve already got two SC’s, from the HSS….Ill chuck in a spare SC if you like. a tenner mailed
I can send photos if you want them….
Not the best but it would confirm if you like it…
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255829199818?hash=item3b909bcbca:g:pUwAAOSwOhZjc60O&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0I8YsM6RsXGU0lwAgrABNhl76bvMQS5L44H617ILrWJrcugYy97IXSa3T0PtkO1WgODTr%2Fc97Xwd4tnH4oUhJkZsl%2Bj6384SvLnA0KUqS64XHVitQZHQiIBIPiWKzdtneMhqKtz9sb0Ir265EJpUw89HFxB60CawBaTYplDvAcz8aXpj3lDqS3vslxDlDLFqjhhc1IThD174dyQjpCAJ%2FZaRjT%2FWiis4xWu5Zsw4FILbq30Ba0TgfUGyB1qBLL78c77DJeguC8oYLlYfpu%2BSNEM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5ru2PeeYw
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Also, the one solder joint you need to make with the NW Guitars one (well, any of them, actually) is the ground to the trem claw - which needs a beefy soldering iron with the biggest tip you can lay your hands on.
As for "when am I ready?" You'll never be ready. It works in reverse, you become ready by doing it. - pmbomb
https://m.aliexpress.com/storesearch/list/Loaded pickguard.html?sceneId=050000&keywords=Loaded pickguard&searchType=storeSearch&sellerAdminSeq=228742982&storeId=2336037
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All you need to do is swap everything over from your HSS plate to the SSS plate with the exception of the HB which you will replace with the SC….all for a tenner mailed…..it gives you probably cheapest option to go SSS and I move on some parts that I will never use
Although I doubt a £50 loaded scratchplate will be much better quality
The worst you have to do is swap everything over or change dials for colours you like.
That keeps your original guard and coils all intact too swap back.