Installation of our pickguards is straight-forward, as they are precisely machine routed to Fender’s original specs. All mount-holes are pre-drilled and countersunk to match standard Stratocaster and Telecaster mounting points, ensuring a perfect drop-in fit. The pickguards measure approximately 2.9mm in thickness – identical to Fender’s specifications.
The true Maple ‘tops’ display grain patterns that make each pickguard truly unique, with stunning reflectance as light plays across the surface. Unlike plastic pickguards that can distort or crack over time, our all-wood pickguards will last the test of time. Multiple urethane high gloss coats not only provide a mirror-like finish but also offer excellent protection against pick scratches and wear, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
For vintage purists and modern players alike, Gilroy Guitars pickguards offer an elegant upgrade that respects your guitar’s classic design, while adding an organic premium touch. They are compatible with both American and Mexican-made Fender instruments, as well as most licensed copies that follow Fender’s standardized dimensions.
For more details, check below….
Important
Fender HAVE routed the neck pockets of their guitars to different depths over the years.
I suggest you read THIS PAGE on that subject, by our friends at Aperio Guitar Refrets and Necks, as it may help you determine the fit or suitability of a Gilroy Guitars Pickguard
international shipping
We can ship to almost any address in the world, with some country restrictions regarding international destinations.
Shipping usually takes place within 24 hours for an in stock pickguard or item.
The packed weight of a single pickguard averages to around 250gm – up to three Strat/Tele pickguards usually will ship for the same cost, excluding larger Tele-types.
International shipping rates are currently set at $20 to the US a little more to EU countries. Shipping times will vary dependent on your country, customs etc.
Weight
Weight shown for each product is the average PACKED for shipping weight – 240gm. Pickguard weight varies from type to type, but is LESS than an equivalent plastic pickguard by almost 30 percent!
Our average actual pickguard weights are as follows:
Strat: 75 gms, Tele: 60 gms – other weights available on request
Duties and Taxes
NO Duties are payable shipping into the United States, check with your own country regulations,
Shielding Included
YES – EVERY pickguard is fully rear-shielded either with Y-Shield silver/carbon paint covering the whole rear surface, including the metal fiber tape which contacts your electronic components.
Or More recently – since mid 2017 we fit a .1mm Aluminum shield, again, covering the whole rear surface
Durability
The final finish is in 100% gloss 2-pak finish, multiple coats. The polished surface is hard, and will resist minor scuffs and scratches inflicted by pick and or fingernails. Any minor scuffs can be polished out with an auto finishing polish.
Warranty
During ten years plus, we have not had one warranty return, so we’re continuing with our 12 month full replacement warranty. If you do have an unlikely problem, please get in touch. We do everything possible to ensure that you’re 100% happy with your Gilroy Guitars pickguard.
painted
Definitely…. multiple coats of high-gloss 2-Pak Urethane, and fully cured before polishing to a high gloss surface. We do not sell cheap oiled or unfinished pickguards.
All rout cuts, chamfered edges, drillholes etc are fully repainted against moisture damage
Tone
My own guitars exhibit more sustain, with some tonal improvements over the OEM plastic pickguards. Reviews from customers back up my own observations. Things just seem more alive, harmonic, with notes carrying longer…..
rear shield
We use 0.1mm Aluminum… how thick is that you ask?? It’s the same stuff as used in disposable aluminum baking trays – so about six times thicker than your average kitchen foil….. strong stuff…..
Outer Edges
The outer shaped edges are bevelled at 60 degrees. This angle makes the timber edge slightly thicker and stronger than a 45 degree edge would be. All neck, bridge, and pickup cuts are at 90 degrees.
After cutting, all edges are fully sealed with a semi-gloss solid ‘black’ on outer edges.
Scratchplate or Pickguard
Same thing…. seems that alot of people call ’em scratchplates.. I call ’em pickguards – no difference
Disclaimer
Pickguards displayed on our website are manufactured in Australia by us at Gilroy Guitars, and are promoted as aftermarket products, to both visually and sonically enhance existing guitars. Gilroy Guitars has no association with any major guitar company.
Stratocaster®, Strat®, Telecaster®, Tele® and Squier® are all registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
Care and Maintenance
Almost zero requirement here…. wipe any moisture off with a microfiber cloth. Minor scuffs can be polished out with fine ‘scratch-remover’ type auto polish
Pickguard Thickness
Finished thickness may vary slightly, due to slight variances in the five veneer laminations but… mostly they come in at 2.7 to 3.0 mm, including rear shielding.
Regarding fitting to newer 22-fret Strat’s.. some of which are now cut with a deeper neck pocket, resulting in those models only being able to accept a thin plastic pickguard due to the reduced spacing between the fingerboard projection and the guitar body.
Individual pickguard thickness are listed on each product page – if in doubt, please get in touch HERE
For additional neck pocket info, visit the Aperio Guitar page listed above
Packed for shipping
Prior to shipping, each pickguard is given a final polish, and is packed securely, between rigid board, plus bubble-wrap etc, to complete it’s journey to you in pristine condition.
Damaged in shipping
Please return the item to us in it’s original packaging, we’ll fully replace it as soon as is possible…… Return address is on our CONTACT page…
maintenance
Our pickguards are 100% timber… treat as you would your guitar. However, all edges, screwholes, routs , countersinkings etc are fully sealed against moisture. Random wetting will not harm them, just wipe dry with a clean dry microfibre cloth.
Returns
You may return an UNFITTED and UNDAMAGED pickguard within 30 days of delivery for a full refund on the product only.
Due to transit time for your return, plus PayPal/Stripe processing, refunds take two to three weeks after you shipping. If you need to return an item, please use our CONTACT page, quoting your invoice number, and item SKU.