Telecaster Guitar Forum - View Single Post

yegbert · July 4th, 2009, 10:58 AM

If your Tele has 8 screw holes you can use either a 5-hole or an 8-hole. If you use the 5-hole the 3 extra screw holes are covered.

You can buy pickguards that already have the middle pickup hole.

Not all pickguards from all pickguard manufacturers have the screw holes in the same exact positions though. What model Tele do you have? Depending on that, you might have a better chance on getting the right hole fit by picking an appropriate source for the ne pickguard; or else you can wing it and fill and redrill new holes in the body if needed.

I doubt the number of plys or screw holes would affect tone. I don't worry about it anyway.

5-hole single ply was what Fender used in the '50s. That style helps creates a simpler look, and looks right to me for that '50s style. But I also like the style of the later Teles and the more dressed-up look you get with the accent of the line formed by the middle ply being a different color.

I have a Classic Series '50s Tele with the 5-hole single ply white guard and a Squier Tele I've modded for somewhat of a '50s look with a 5-hole single ply black guard. I have several others with 8-hole 3-ply.

A 5-hole guard can tend to warp, but fortunately mine have stayed relatively flat. The white guard had started to warp one time but then settled down flat again.

As long as the guard stays flat (or else you don't mind a warp), I think it's primarily a matter of stylistic preference whether 5-hole single ply or 8-hole 3-ply is appropriate.

July 4th, 2009, 10:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
yegbert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland (US) Age: 55 Posts: 5,681 95 Photos	If your Tele has 8 screw holes you can use either a 5-hole or an 8-hole. If you use the 5-hole the 3 extra screw holes are covered. You can buy pickguards that already have the middle pickup hole. Not all pickguards from all pickguard manufacturers have the screw holes in the same exact positions though. What model Tele do you have? Depending on that, you might have a better chance on getting the right hole fit by picking an appropriate source for the ne pickguard; or else you can wing it and fill and redrill new holes in the body if needed. I doubt the number of plys or screw holes would affect tone. I don't worry about it anyway. 5-hole single ply was what Fender used in the '50s. That style helps creates a simpler look, and looks right to me for that '50s style. But I also like the style of the later Teles and the more dressed-up look you get with the accent of the line formed by the middle ply being a different color. I have a Classic Series '50s Tele with the 5-hole single ply white guard and a Squier Tele I've modded for somewhat of a '50s look with a 5-hole single ply black guard. I have several others with 8-hole 3-ply. A 5-hole guard can tend to warp, but fortunately mine have stayed relatively flat. The white guard had started to warp one time but then settled down flat again. As long as the guard stays flat (or else you don't mind a warp), I think it's primarily a matter of stylistic preference whether 5-hole single ply or 8-hole 3-ply is appropriate.