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Microdreads

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May 21, 2006
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Hey guys, Last I left a plea for information on bass parts for a 1977 PreEB stingray. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement that has been given to this project being completed. My question to you Guru's out there. Is there a way to tell the difference between a vintage pickguard to a more recent one besides the new smell. Thanks
 

JB1

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Aug 2, 2004
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The cutting of a notch for the truss adj wheel would help identify those of an older vintage.

HTH.
 

Rod Trussbroken

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Microdreads said:
......Is there a way to tell the difference between a vintage pickguard to a more recent one besides the new smell. Thanks

Compare the top of the pickguard to it's underneath.

With the Pre-EB's pickguards I've seen, the top is a very high gloss Black mirror finish (although this could dull after a time from use). Underneath, the finish is a dull matte Black.

On the EB's, the position seems to be the reverse. The top of the pickguard is the duller matte Black while the underneath is a very high gloss Black finish. The matte finish on the top can lose it's dull finish after long use and shine up a tad.

The trick is to compare both sides.

That's only the ones I've seen so I can't vouch for all.

Both the Pre-EB and early EB Basses have a bullet truss nut adjustment at the headstock. Latter, a capstan wheel truss nut was introduced on the EB SR4 and is located at the heel of the neck. These pickguards have a notch cut in the area that wraps around the neck (to accomodate the truss wheel). These are obviously EB pickguards but the difference is very easily overlooked.
 
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