How To | Changing Your Accessory Kit (Pickguard, Knobs & Covers) | Fender

In this Fender University how-to video, John Dreyer demonstrates how to change out your accessory kit. Watch as he changes the pickguard, switch cab, tone and volume knobs and pickup covers from white to black.
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How To | Changing Your Accessory Kit (Pickguard, Knobs & Covers) | Fender
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[@StopPrism4251]

this might be one of the most helpful, correct videos on the internet

[@filippomazzini1676]

Yes. Unlike that other disastrous ''how to fuck up your bass neck'' video

[@allanurrejola]

"fender university"

[@ragemoure5542]

For sure

[@chichilelele3488]

@@filippomazzini1676 wich video?

[@sippy9387]

Bro it’s cause fender is such a good company,10/10

[@marc.lepage]

1. Remove the plastic before re-attaching everything (won't leave plastic bits). 2. Screw the pickguard back on before re-attaching the knobs (easier to push).

[@OpposmithBnE]

3. Re string it before attaching back plate. Or just leave the damn thing off 😂

[@danielpleitez-martinez7638]

Yes! When I got my guitar I removed plastics and left small bits, I hate it!

[@zerofoxgiven666]

maybe its to avoid scratches during the process? plastic bits can be easily taken out after

[@youKnowWho3311]

@@zerofoxgiven666 Yes, depends on if you are doing yours (personal pref) or teching for a paying customer.

[@FlavioCastro81]

Just a tip: before you strung the guitar check if the pickups are working, by plugging the guitar into an amp and touching the PU`s with a screwdrive. Sometimes when you put the wires into the cavity some can get shortcuted by touching one another... That already happened to me!

[@spoozy666]

@@Connor-cg1vi yeah you just need to take it all off, rearrange the cables inside and try again

[@comraderaptor4996]

Just went step by step with this, absolutely brilliant throughout, thank you bro! Sunburst strat with black hardware, finally!

[@GanttCarterservant]

Same here..soon! :)

[@lochlanwall210]

Yeah same, can’t wait!

[@klarock1162]

Congrats!!!!! Texas Tea just moved in.

[@leandrocerrano]

nice!

[@ITIonoxide]

Just finished changing mine! Thanks so much for this. It's now a red tortoise PG on a black body. Looks delicious mmm.

[@bababooey5314]

very nice and concise video. I just replaced the pick guard and pickup covers on my Strat by following this video. Thanks for the great lesson!

[@Zeal808]

Been dreaming of doing this. Thanks fender

[@justinfletcher3419]

Very helpful. I wouldn't have thought to drop everything out in the exact spot it was going to be put back in. That saves a lot of time.

[@carlosclaptrix]

Very clear tutorial, neither too slow nor too fast in explanations, great!

[@Stalko1991]

Thank You! Did that on my new Fender Am Pro II 3SB Strat! Now it looks like a classic Stratocaster with white pickguard! Love it so much!

[@user-cg6st6ws6j]

i’m way too scared to do this

[@tossedpenny]

It's super simple easy to do, no disconnecting wires or anything like that. Give it a try. Worst case scenario, if you mess up just take it to the local guitar shop and they'll fix it for a small inexpensive fee. The springs for the pickups can be a little tricky sometimes and I don't believe it was really covered in this video. Browse some other videos of pickguard changes and you'll do fine.

@@sun-dye9565 which one would you recommend to practice?

[@tristanditobias4111]

@ a squier would do

[@artamussumatra6286]

Tristandi Tobias Yea, Squiers are great! 😁👍

[@hearthcricketmusicbanjobel2219]

I was too for about 3 years,and finally I couldn't stand how bad my guitar looked......so I did it and it turned out amazing!

[@bretjohnston9519]

Very helpful! Thank you for this video! I was able to make these modifications with little trouble.

[@sodablower]

Thank you. This is EXACTLY what I needed 😃

[@rianzuoftheabyss4909]

I seriously am VERY thankful for this I seriously thought changing a pickguard of a stratocaster is as easy as one from a les paul, i wasn't expecting this but THANK YOU for this video, now i worry not.

[@gibb253]

Did this to my Squier CV- looks great

[@johnr374]

Just ordered all these exact parts. Great video

[@jon590]

Just an FYI, make sure that the pole spacing on the new pick up covers are spaced the same. That, and make sure that the new pickguard has the correct number of screw holes as the previous one.

[@JPMonstie]

That was an excellent tutorial. Great looking strat too.

[@MrMetalManMe]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@lunarwave1975]

Im getting the dave Murray signature pickguard so this was pretty helpful

[@runningwithscissors0911]

LOVE the color of the guitar body!

[@omargerardo5457]

This is awesome thank you, I am about to change my pickguard this is extremely helpful

[@Frankalena]

I really needed this video last year lol

[@fasteride13]

out of topic but, the black pickguard and the guitar color thoooo. so beautiful

[@caribernada1299]

Beautiful Guitar, I Like it Fender❤️👍

[@vaibanez17]

Great video and the guitar looks way better.

[@santiagovanegas3812]

Great video! I followed it closely and successfully swapped my pickguard. Question: Is the removal of the volume knob on an ULTRA Strat the same as a standard knob? I’m asking since the ULTRA volume knob has the push button switch thing. Thanks!

[@tossedpenny]

I watched this thinking I wouldn't learn anything new but I did... That's a brilliant move using a cloth to remove the knobs.

[@rossco-dps5392]

Same... You do learn something new every day 🤟

[@PrincePurple]

Shoelaces actually work better.

[@gargaraloca]

really nice video, just forgot about take note about pickups height. This is very important, because the same pickup height should be used when you place the new pickguard.

[@yhis6647]

Thank you so much sir🤗

[@mntk]

looks so much nicer!

[@LiorB73]

Great videos Fender. Thank you .

[@jaywilldoit]

“Next, lock down the nuts”. Thanks Fender, sage advice.

[@danielwaune2792]

Nice that is an upgrade I was thinking about doing

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

Very easy to do .just takes time

[@theviolinoob]

Man that's a beautiful color strat

[@angrynorway]

Just did this my first ever guitar - a crappy Strat copy by “Legend”. It was tricker than this! But it’s fun to be learning.

[@AlyssaJoyHiggins]

I’m really scared to do this😅 I feel like it would be just my luck to mess it up somehow!!

[@fellazuab]

don't worry Alyssa, nothing can go wrong if you do it carefully and apply the tips seen on the video :D

[@gergemall]

Great video

[@herleysalazar3936]

Gracias...!!!

[@woolgum]

Great, I though I would have to solder! Phew! Thanks.

[@markgowans]

Will the chrome knobs on a telecaster fit on a stratocaster? I've been looking seriously at getting an Elite Stratocaster but I really dont like the plastic knobs it has and would much prefer the chrome ones of the Telecaster if its possible to get them for the stratocaster.

[@Trials-and-Tribulations]

Where can I apply to this school, can I receive the same t shirt part of enrollment. I do own a Strat sunburst, it like a SRV and David Gilimour combined.

[@Dorkdotdan]

Fender sells a lot of their parts individually and in kits on amazon.

[@GuitaristIsweird]

Bouta do dis on my guitar... Next year

[@mikebecerramusic]

What about measuring the pickup height before you remove so you know the measurements when assembly is completed?

[@diesekaltewelt807]

I have a cheap strat copy here, that has 22 frets. The 22nd fret over;aps the pickguard: 1.In one YT vid the guy removes the bridge and trem system, just so he can slide out (slide back) the pick guard. 2. On an on line forum someone instead suggested you take the neck off, this being the easiest option to get the pickguard off. 3. someone ease said no no, you just unscrew everything then ease the pick guard back, bend it a little, to trem plate, then it comes off. (Leave bridge and neck on).

[@JJ-bm2jj]

KooL, thanks

[@FlyingV555]

Thanks Phil Draiman.

[@litemetal]

Are the pickup heights and magnetic pole heights that critical ? ( Gibson guy with his first strat)

[@ZugbruckMusik]

I just wanted to see him change the tip of the tremolo bar. ;) No surprise, no trem bar at all.

[@ebeep]

Exactly what I was looking for as well. WTF Fender?

[@jon590]

Try warming the tremelo bar tip when you take off the old one, and put on the new one. Hot water or a hair dryer should do the trick.

[@nirvanakid13]

What size Phillips head do I need for the pickup and pickguard screws?

[@parissteel]

Wich colour is this Stratocaster? I love it..👌

[@wailnshred]

I would measure the pickup height and write it down first, before removing the strings.

[@oddfellowfloyd]

I took pictures of my pickups, before switching the pickguard, so I had a reference point when readjusting them. :)

[@allsic]

Hi, i want to change the pickups covers as they turned too yellow on my 1984 Strat but they seem too tight, any suggestion on how to get them loose? thanks

[@safetyman4967]

God I love fender university

[@musicmanfinch]

Go to Fender's website, then click on "Accessories." After that, click on "Parts." After that, click on "Guitar & Bass Parts." That should get you there!

[@IINelixII]

What series and color is this strat? It looks sick with the black pickguard as well!

[@vincevog5184]

My brain was numb through most of this vid

[@0000song0000]

0:14 0:29 lightning makes it look like different guitar

[@DeeTee79]

What about if you have a S1 switch? I have a deluxe roadhouse and wanna change the pg but am concerned about the push button volume knob. I don’t wanna solder

[@Caged63Man]

you can use a plastic tv dinner tray to sort out all your parts, as well

[@nycshelbygt500]

Oreo Cookie Style pickup covers B W B. Yum!!...

[@jfarmer7084]

Did this to one of my guitars, I somehow screwed up and now when I adjust the pickup height, they sink into the body, but the pickup covers don’t sink to match. Somehow I must have messed up the springs? Anyone have any tips I would appreciated it.

[@kattakid9884]

in a jem jr is exactly the same? please i can't find videos for my guitar

[@kentle6723]

Hello John, after replaced my pick guard and knobs . my volume knobs is stiff to turn. could you tell what is wrong? thanks

[@oddfellowfloyd]

Hi, John! I have an MIJ '68 reissue Strat (from 1999), and I tried swapping the pickguard out. The issues I am having are: 1). The pickguard by the bridge doesn't lay flush (it is barely over the bridge, which is causing it to bow upwards). Do I sand down the bottom/bridge edges until it sits flat? 2). More importantly, the tiny springs for the pickups' screws, fell off while trying to put the pickups back in, and I didn't notice until after. A couple are probably lost; thus, the pickups are loose and completely unadjustable. How should I approach this? 3). There is one pickguard screw that is very stuck and won't come out or go in further. Should I get it with a drill? Please help! Thanks so much for your advice, in advance, ~ Justin

[@timhofmans4117]

but what about the tremolo, is it possible to change the caps into an other colour? or do I have to buy a whole other tremolo, I can't get it of

[@Tesla_Death_Ray]

You forgot about the springs you said to set aside earlier

[@xboxsolox]

I just changed my bullet strat pickguard, the 11 screw holes don't all match up ( I only have 4 screwed, I will either drill new holes or cover them with tin foil or tape. The pots also are crooked now, Any ideas? The pickguard is for Fender strat. I have a squire bullet strat.

[@bel2500]

Hey I’m working with a squire and can’t get the switch cap off. Idk if this is because it’s a squire/slightly different manufacturing or if I’m just weak lol

[@RyanLoh]

what screw head and size are you using for your screwdriver?

[@markour-parkour1918]

Gotta keep her looking pretty now 😍

[@kryptic9056]

what screws are used in the pickguards and pickups?

[@impulseki9896]

Red pickguard on a black strat would look so beautiful 🥵

[@DonGlennTV]

What is the size of the screws on the pickguard?

[@NDWoj]

I jsut bought a Classic Vibe 70s and want a HSS pickguard. I can not find a replacement. Does a MIM one fit?

[@bylanduck]

How bout some love for the Tele? All these videos are for Strats, but Tele owners replace pickups, switches, bridge plates and pickguards as well. Granted its not as complicated a process, but it would still be appreciated!

[@buddyb15]

I'm assuming the same process for a G&L Legacy?

[@05VolvoVN]

Does anybody know if an aluminum checker plate pick guard would work? Just wondering how it may affect the sound of the guitar?

[@Romaing09]

Do the Pickgard come with the aluminium sheet on it ?

[@alperentosun1851]

much more better

[@pilphantom]

what do i use to unscrew the little screw thingies on the pots?

[@screamat333am7]

Does fender sell hss pickguards for strats?

[@richypacheco7066]

Comprendido, pero...no se supone que existe una distancia o altura específica del borde superior del pickup con las cuerdas???...y que a su vez son diferentes entre cada pickup de una misma guitarra???... y también existe ésta diferencia entre modelos de series de las guitarras???....no vi que observaran la altura o distsncia de cada cuerda con cada pickup antes de retirar el pickguard antiguo y poner el nuevo atornillando los pickups con la precaucion de dejar las pickups a la misma altura que estaban antes...¿¿¿es válida la duda???...o da lo mismo???...

[@joshuadiuyan8203]

with that how to change my pickups from single coil to hot rails pickups pls help

[@contact1araya]

I have seen some stratocaster bodies have three holes under the pickguard, south of the neck and middle pickups near the curve at the end of the body. Are those holes intended for extra switches for modifications?

[@jayhallman6666]

contact1araya Those are guide holes used by the CNC (computer numerical controlled) machines that cut out the Strat's bodies. 3 holes are MIM Strats, 1 hole is a made in US Strat.

[@Moshpitt]

What to do with the extra ground wire if the body doesn’t have the shielding pane place ?

[@hectichive889]

I really wish Strats had a backplate so it wouldn’t be such a pain in the ass to take off the strings, take off all knobs, and then when you’re done put everything back on including restringing it

[@einsteincreative]

I like that body color

[@Dragon1165]

When to stop screwing the bridge screws, i was about to chsbge my bridge covers to black, but I think I'll wait, maybe when I change the strings, just got it from someone woth new strings and set up

[@OkcStarX]

Man i prolly coulda saved myself 25 bucks had I watched this first. I almost messed up my guitar, then i took off the pick guard wrong now that i watched this. I saw the wires and it looked too attached to the old pick guard for my liking. Music store it went. But i could done this if i watched the video first. Oh well next time when i change the pickup color. Thanks!

[@alexmehta386]

When you say replace the nut do you mean get a new one or the same one

[@Star_Shep]

I want that shirt lol

[@Semmostaja]

A while ago I changed my Blacktop Strat's pickguard to a tortoise shell one. The pickup holes were too small for the pickups with the covers on them, and I had to carve the hole bigger with a constant fear of ruining it. Could you make pickguards specifically for the blacktop strat? The carving process wasn't exactly pleasant.

[@wrathsinister1153]

Literally happened to me yesterday dude, I didn’t even finish, I don’t know why I didn’t realize the pickups were like different sizes and so I ended up having to get a razor and like shave it off big enough to fit, my first time trying to do this and I already messed up lmao

[@jasonarmstrong5750]

I need to change out my covers and pickguard with a black one, because a white pickguard on a white body just doesn't have enough contrast for my taste

[@oddfellowfloyd]

Jake E. Lee style? Nice. \m/

[@trevorkorber]

But it looks like the Excalibur! "'64 Fender Stratocaster in classic white, with triple single-coil pickups and a whammy bar." Party Time, Excellent!

[@RadDeadRedemption2]

I’m way too excited to do this and I don’t even have my guitar yet ✨🤩

[@Juno58]

Can someone please tell me if a 2018 Player HSS Strat has 500 or 250 kOhm Vol. Pot by standard? I want to order capacitor and resistance for a treble bleed, but i don't know the value of my Strats vol. pot. Thanks in advantage.

[@johnbooth1556]

A well presented video, albeit with the feeling of being too rushed. For a nervy first-timer like me, a video allowing the procedure to be explained more fully would have served better.

[@olekcj111]

What Strat model it is? I love that grey color...

[@artamussumatra6286]

American Standard.

[@olekcj111]

@@artamussumatra6286 Thanks :)

[@artamussumatra6286]

olekcj111 No prob. Btw, they don’t make these anymore, they’ve replaced the Standard with the American Professional. I have the Telecaster version, it’s fantastic. Fender is really bringing their A game these days! 😁👍