|
Post by hollings on Dec 19, 2017 14:29:34 GMT
Hi everyone!
I'm new here, so very sorry if this is the wrong place to post this. I'm not *yet* an owner of a Harley Benton though I plan to be very soon. I want an ST-type guitar and have fallen in love with the look of the HB ST-90 (the Swamp Ash one). I love the finish, and whilst I don't plan to immediately do more to it than a setup, it looks a good mod platform.
There'a just one issue - the pickguard. It may look great to some but to me it looks dreadful. I'd far prefer black or white, nothing too "out there" for me! I see Thomann sells HB pickguards, but one review said that it did not fit an HB strat which left me confused. I've emailed Thomann to ask but not heard back - with hindsight, asking such a small question over Christmas seems a bit daft.
So my main question is, will an HB brand ST pickguard fit an HB brand ST guitar? Does anyone know from experience?
Thanks in advance, and assuming I manage to get the guitar and change the guard, I'll post a few pics/clips if anyone is interested as there seems to be fewer reviews of the ST-90 than the ST-62 for example!
|
|
|
3,968 posts
|
Post by salteedog on Dec 19, 2017 16:16:40 GMT
I have a lefty ST-20 and a Thomann Pickguard which doesn't fit. Now I could make it fit by drilling a few new holes and doing a bit of filing but I've never bothered. I bought it thinking a black pickguard on a black strat might be cool but changed my mind (for one thing I would need to replace the knobs too).
|
|
|
Post by hollings on Dec 19, 2017 16:26:07 GMT
Thanks both for the replies. It does seem like such a small issue but I agree, it's like a salami pickguard!
Interesting to hear though that a Thomann one does not fit. My suspicion is that an HB pickguard is a standard fit for strats, but the ones on an HB guitar are not the standard fit. I'm just speculating though!
I'm hoping someone will be able to confidently say otherwise as I would love that guitar but not with that guard. It's just aesthetic but it really spoils it for me - if I can't change it I may just get an ST-62 instead
|
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2017 16:57:28 GMT
The pg from Aliexpress did fit the neck and bridge on my ST-62 MN but not all the screw holes. No guaranty here!
|
|
|
Post by hollings on Dec 19, 2017 19:16:20 GMT
This sounds like it's going to be a bit of pot luck really. Anyone know how easy making your own pickguard is? The material itself seems cheap but I have no idea how easy or otherwise it is to make into something usable
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by Djangle on Dec 19, 2017 21:27:32 GMT
I've spray painted pick guards by rubbing the finish down with a scotch brite pad then a few coats of plastikote and clear coat with decent results, Costs around a tenner for the 2 tins and saves drilling more holes for a replacement.
|
|
|
Post by hollings on Dec 19, 2017 21:41:18 GMT
That's a great idea Djangle - so the finish on the pickguard just comes away when scrubbed? May have to look into that
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by Djangle on Dec 19, 2017 22:59:09 GMT
if the scotch brite doesn't shift it some 400 grit wet sanding will do it. I just run the PG under warmish water from a tap with some elbow grease. Takes around 15 minutes to remove it completely. Disclaimer: haven't tried it on a tort PG but works fine on anodised and transfer types.
|
|
|
Post by hollings on Dec 20, 2017 0:15:37 GMT
Thanks for the tip!
I have actually sourced a local dealer who I believe can scan a copy of the pickguard and 3D print a new one to 3-ply material with any design on it, so I may try to strip the tort finish on the original first and then if I mess that up, send for a new guard (which from their site looks like it'd cost about £30, not ideal but worth it to my eyes)
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by Djangle on Dec 20, 2017 8:31:39 GMT
Good luck 👍
|
|
|
Post by hollings on Dec 23, 2017 0:38:02 GMT
Had a reply from Thomann yesterday. He said, "the guitar is not standard... it does not fit, sorry..."
Guess it's paying someone else to make one, changing it myself, or putting up with it. Now seeing some mixed reviews on the ST-90 that are making me doubt it anyway... eytschipi on youtubw was not a fan, saying it really lacked sustain. Might go for the st-62 instead, or the st-70; anyone got any experience with the different STs that can guide me?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2017 9:58:47 GMT
I had the ST90 and I have the ST62MN Black. I love the ST62 ! The ST90 had issues with sustain on low strings and misplaced frets. The ST62 is a fantastic guitar but I disliked the Roswell pickups and swapped them for fabulous sounding Ironstone Silvers. I even added the 7 way switching and now have a super tweakable strat!
|
|