Neck plate - Squier versus Fender American

[Sequimite]

The plates themselves are functionally identical. My first partscaster had a Fender neck plate and there was no difficulty attaching the neck to the body. For my second I had a Squier neck plate and broke off the last screw. the neck plates themselves seem functionally equivalent but the Squier screws should be thrown away.

As you can see in the photo the Squier screws are narrower and slightly shorter. The Fender screws are not only more robust but they come with waxy lubricant on the threads.

 

[john_cribbin]

Some of the Asian screws seem to be made out of something akin to cottage cheese. I've been replacing some of mine, mainly saddle grub screws with stainless steel ones. Peace of mind for a few pennies.

 

[3-Chord-Genius]

Why do I only see that black plastic thing on the neck plates of cheaper guitars? I'd think it would be a good idea for all guitars, but what do I know?

 

[Boreas]

Why do I only see that black plastic thing on the neck plates of cheaper guitars? I'd think it would be a good idea for all guitars, but what do I know?

I thought so too. I bought a pack of 10 and they didn't fit one of my neck plates.

 

[rich815]

Wouldn’t plastic be more prone to softening in heat and hardening in cold and thus changing, even slightly, in different environs? Not sure I’d want that.

 

[bobio]

Have you noticed the weight difference between the two? Fender has started making some neck plates out of aluminum.

The American Performer neck plates are aluminum and I have a couple of American Professional plates like the one shown above that are also aluminum.



I am in no way saying this is an issue you should be concerned about, just a curiosity I noticed recently. I confirmed it with Fender.

 

[Boreas]

Wouldn’t plastic be more prone to softening in heat and hardening in cold and thus changing, even slightly, in different environs? Not sure I’d want that.

Have you noticed the weight difference between the two? Fender has started making some neck plates out of aluminum.

The American Performer neck plates are aluminum and I have a couple of American Professional plates like the one shown above that are also aluminum.

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I am in no way saying this is an issue you should be concerned about, just a curiosity I noticed recently. I confirmed it with Fender.

Possibly because they don't have to plate them. Chrome plating is a nasty process.

 

[Sequimite]

These are both chromed steel. I'd be happy with aluminum. The Fender plate is about to go on this:

 

[Macrogats]

Some of the Asian screws seem to be made out of something akin to cottage cheese. I've been replacing some of mine, mainly saddle grub screws with stainless steel ones. Peace of mind for a few pennies.

I reckon. Those grub screws are garbage!

 

[3-Chord-Genius]

Wouldn’t plastic be more prone to softening in heat and hardening in cold and thus changing, even slightly, in different environs? Not sure I’d want that.

I figured there must be a reason, but had no clue what it was.