Prewired Strat Pickguard
Don’t settle for some one-size-fits-all generic pickguard. Design your own with the finest-quality materials in the industry. Our Strat Prewired Pickguards are the perfect product for anyone who wants the Fralin Tone, instantly. We use the finest materials available: from CTS® Pots, USA-Made Pickguards, and CRL® Switches.
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Our Pickups, Your Personality.
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Prewired Strat Pickguard FEATURES:
At Fralin Pickups, we’re always trying to make you sound better. The Fralin Prewired Pickguard offers the best tone and highest quality available. We use our world-famous pickups with the best ingredients we can get. We hand-wire our prewired pickguard with painstaking attention to detail.
Furthermore, you can customize your pickguard exactly how you want it! With this Prewired Pickguard, you can have the famous Fralin tone and ease of mind. All you need to do is solder a few wires, screw it in, string it up, and you’re off rocking!
Features:
- The ultimate “Build Your Own” Stratocaster Pickguard
- USA-Made pickups & electronics for superior quality
- Hand-wired with USA-Made vintage cloth lead for a traditional look
- Fully customizable – from appearance to function
- Features a variety of Push-Pull mods for a personalized tone
- Hand-assembled signed and dated by our pickguard craftsman
- 10-year warranty on materials and craftsmanship
Sound & Look
Choose Your Pickguard
We use the finest quality pickguards available. These are standard USA-Made 11-hole Stratocaster pickguards. The following options are available:
We wanted to use the highest-quality, USA-Made pickguards available. We have Single Ply White (8-hole vintage style), 3-Ply White, Mint Green, Parchment, Black, White Pearloid, Parchment Pearloid, and Tortoise.
Please note: that while we try and make every effort to make sure everything matches, different manufacturers and dye lots can cause subtle differences in hue and tone.
Choose your pickups
With our pickguards, you can choose any combination of pickups you would like. Load in a calibrated set of pickups like our best-selling Vintage Hots or Blues Specials, or mix and match!
Choose your Cover Color
Customize your look further with our Strat Pickup Covers. We have Black, Mint Green, Parchment (Aged White), and White covers available.
Wiring
You can customize your wiring as well! We’ll wire your pickguard to your specifications. Most of the time, you’re going to use 250K Split Shaft Pots, as these work well with our plastic knobs. If you’re using your own metal knobs with a set-screw, choose Solid Shaft pots. Confused? Check out our in-depth article on pots and how to choose here.
Here are some popular combinations:
- Master Tone with a Blender Pot
- Neck & Middle Tone and separate Bridge Tone
- Master Tone 1 (.02 Cap) – Master Tone 2 (Magic Cap)
Addons
We have a ton of add-ons available for your pickguard. Want a baseplate installed on your bridge? How about our Volume Kit? Need new pickguard screws? Just let us know!
Knobs:
Matching Backplates:
Complete your look with a matching backplate for your Strat. We have matching backplates for all of our pickguard colors.
Installation
Check out our installation guide below to put your new pickguard in! With 20 minutes a few easy steps, you can get your pickguard in your guitar and start rocking out with some of the best sounding pickups in the world! Follow the Installation Guide below, or watch the video:
Prewired Strat Pickguard Questions And Answers:
Have a question about our Prewired Strat Pickguard? Ask it here. Your Question will be publically visible.
If you want to ask a Private Question, please contact us through our Contact Us Form.
If you have multiple questions, please call us at (804) 358-2699.
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Since there are no left handed push/pull pots.. do you guys offer any other option for a neck on mod/7-way switching? Such as a mini toggle? Thanks.
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Q Since there are no left handed push/pull pots.. do you guys offer any other option for a neck on ...... Read moreA
Hey Jeff, as it turns out, we don't have any super switch or Mini Toggle options, I apologize for the inconvenience. - Tyler
Do you offer a treble bleed circuit on pre-wired pickguards?
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Q Do you offer a treble bleed circuit on pre-wired pickguards?A
Hey Stephen, Yes - select our Volume Kit. It's a Treble Bleed Circuit.
Hi ! Do your 3-ply pickguards fit on a MIM Stratocaster (with modern 11 holes pickguard) ? Are your pots dimpled back ones ? And do you have a vintage taper (30% taper) option for the volume control ?
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Q Hi ! Do your 3-ply pickguards fit on a MIM Stratocaster (with modern 11 holes pickguard) ? Are yo...... Read moreA
Hello Christophe, our pickguards should fit a MIM 11-Hole perfectly. Our pots do have dimpled backs. Our taper is Audio Taper.
Just want a pre wired pickguard with 54 in each position, do these have the 60 cycle hum? Also what do you recommend for the pots and that set up? Really don’t want any noise, but definitely want that clarity. ?
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Q Just want a pre wired pickguard with 54 in each position, do these have the 60 cycle hum? Also wh...... Read moreA
Hey Daenen,
Yes, our Real 54's are single-coil pickups, so they pick up 60-cycle hum. If I were you, I'd check out our SSS Split Blade Prewired Pickguard, and select the Vintage Output pickups.
Hi, I would like to buy a pre-wired Blues Special pickguard. My Strat has a Humbucker at the bridge position...HSS-Shawbucker. I would like to switch to a single coil at the bridge for a traditional look. Would this be a problem if I ordered a pre-wired SSS. Would the guitar have to be modified? BTW, I love my Blues Specials on my Telecaster!! George Boyle (734) 716-4169
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Q Hi, I would like to buy a pre-wired Blues Special pickguard. My Strat has a Humbucker at the brid...... Read moreA
If you are able to fit a humbucker in the Bridge, you'll have no issues fitting a SSS pickguard!
Can you do a single p90 prewired Strat pickguard?
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Q Can you do a single p90 prewired Strat pickguard?A
Hey Wade, as it turns out, we cannot - we're set up for the models we're set up for and at this time, we're too busy to take in custom work. We're sorry for the inconvenience.
Can you do a loaded pickguard with two humbuckers.
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Q Can you do a loaded pickguard with two humbuckers.A
Hey Joe, we can. This would be considered custom work at the moment, and you'd have to send us the pickguard of your choice along with a detailed letter explaining how you'd like it wired up.
Hi, I am considering purchasing a Left Handed pre-wired pickguard as there seems to be a lot of improvements included, eg. the metal shielding & the opportunity to change the function of the tone pots to become Master Tone & Blend pots (I've never fully understood the standard Strat set-up after playing Tele's & LP's). I'd like to have the baseplate on the Blues Special bridge p/u as it will enhance the sound. My question is: would I ...
Read more
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Q Hi, I am considering purchasing a Left Handed pre-wired pickguard as there seems to be a lot of i...... Read moreA
Hey Rod, I would account for at least +3/4" (~19mm) of space from the top of the instrument to the bottom of the cavity to accomodate for the pickup, baseplate, and leads. Our Single-ply White pickguard is 8 holes.
AHey Rod, I would account for at least +3/4" (~19mm) of space from the top of the instrument to the bottom of the cavity to accommodate for the pickup, baseplate, and leads. Our Single-ply White pickguard is 8 holes.
Is the middle pickup automatically wound reverse polarity in order to make positions 2 & 4 hum cancelling or do I need to specify this? Thank you
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Q Is the middle pickup automatically wound reverse polarity in order to make positions 2 & 4 hu...... Read moreA
Hey Randall, our middle pickups are always RW / RP unless specifically asked for.
Can you wire a pickguard supplied by the customer?
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Q Can you wire a pickguard supplied by the customer?A
Hey Charles, we do not really like to perform these types of transactions. Instead, order any 3-ply pickguard (no upcharge) and simply transfer everything over when you get the pickguard.
The truss rod on my stratocaster has heal access. The existing pickguard allows for this without removal. Can I send you my existing pickguard to load? If so what is the process and where do I send it. Thank you!
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Q The truss rod on my stratocaster has heal access. The existing pickguard allows for this without ...... Read moreA
Hey Randall, yes, we can accomodate this request. To do this, order a pickguard at full price (don't select any of the pearloid pickguards, as there's an upcharge). Use the "order notes" field on the checkout screen to let us know you'll be sending in your pickguard to load.
Does the pre-loaded Stratocaster pickguard come with the 5 way selector switch installed? Volume and tone knobs are “add ons”? Do you recommend the bridge base plate for the blues specials set? Thanks John
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Q Does the pre-loaded Stratocaster pickguard come with the 5 way selector switch installed? Volume ...... Read moreA
Hey John, Yes, the selector switch and the standard pots are all included in the price. The only add ons are changing the standard pots to Push-Pull pots, or, adding additional functionality to the pot like our Volume Kit, for example.
Good morning. I have a Squire Affinity Stratocaster that for all intents and purposes is a nice guitar…except for the thin sound it produces. I would like to install a pre wired pick guard with Steel Pole 42’s in all positions. Will your product install directly into the Squire? Thanks for your time and consideration.
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Q Good morning. I have a Squire Affinity Stratocaster that for all intents and purposes is a nice g...... Read moreA
Hey Geoff, yes - make sure you count the pickguard mounting holes and note that the holes might not match up 100%, leaving you to drill some pilot holes. That said, everything else should fit nicely!
Would it be possible to get an 8-hole prewired pickguard?
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Q Would it be possible to get an 8-hole prewired pickguard?A
Hey Kyle, yes - Single Ply White and Single Ply Black are both 8-Hole Pickguards.
How long will my Pickguard take?
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Q How long will my Pickguard take?A It depends on the capacity of the shop at the time of ordering. Most Pickguards take approximately 2-3 weeks on average.
Can you wire it up without the Pickguard?
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Q Can you wire it up without the Pickguard?A As it turns out, No. You can transfer all the wiring once you receive it. It’s time-consuming and unsafe to ship it without a pickguard.
Can I return my Pickguard?
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Q Can I return my Pickguard?A No. Since these are custom and made to order, all pickguard sales are final. Returns and exchanges are not available.
What if I don’t see exactly what I want?
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Q What if I don’t see exactly what I want?A Use the “Notes” field on the checkout screen to type in any special requests – we’ll try our best to accommodate you. Not all custom wiring options are possible.
Why don’t I see Ground Jumper wires between all my parts?
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Q Why don’t I see Ground Jumper wires between all my parts?A Our pickguards have metal shielding that connects the metal parts together – we don’t need to use jumper wires.
Heads Up! Asking a question here will be public to all users of this site.
Hey! Did you already ask a question on our Contact Us Form? Don't ask it again here. Please be patient while we get back to you.
FEATURED REVIEWS
Reviews we worked hard for, and are proud of.
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"Great pickups, better customer service! These pickups sound absolutely amazing. The pickguard was wired better than I could have asked, but let’s face it, we know that already. I had a minor issue with the pickguard, they quickly replaced it for me and were incredibly easy to deal with. Unrelated, their T-shirt’s are incredibly comfortable!"
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"Just dropped a pre-wired into my old Strat Plus, which never really sounded the way I wanted with the the Lace Sensors. I knew as soon I opened the box that this was the real deal - the craftsmanship is obvious and everything just feels well constructed. I've never soldered before in my life, but watched the instructional video a few (dozen) times and got to work. I went with Vintage Hots in the neck and bridge and a Real '54 in the middle. It's brilliant. Every position is unique, useable and singular -- the guitar feels more versatile, more responsive, more playable. Could not be happier."
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"Great tone and simple plug and play Even though I could do all of the soldering and assembly myself, I am very happy to pay someone else to do it for me. My time is precious and it saved me a bunch. The quality of the work was fantastic. Also introduced me to a blend pot on a strat which I never would've thought to do myself. By the way, the steel pole 42 in the bridge is a revelation of awesomeness. Bravo!"
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"Easiest Upgrade ever! This is my 3rd purchase of Fralin Pickups. Tele/ Blues Specials...Epi 339/ Pure PAFs and now your Prewired Strat Pickguard with Vintage Hots and Blender Pot. The whole operation took less than a 1/2 hour and took my MIM Strat to another level.Clean Bell-like tones with plenty of articulation at every setting. And with the Blender Pot the Tone Settings are infinite. I've been spoiled....but I'm loving every minute of it."
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"I have several boutique Strats and Strat-style guitars, most of them with rail/hum-cancelling pickups that I've used for years. I've loved them and the tone, but needed something different. I've read about Fralin's for years and thought I'd give them a try. I ordered the pre-wired pickguard with the Vintage Hot in the neck, Real '54 in the middle, and Blues Special in the bridge. Also, the Volume Kit and the Magic cap for the bridge position. I was surprised when I got a call from Tyler asking questions to make sure he wired it just the way I wanted it and offering suggestions...nice! When I got this everything was wired beautifully. 30 minutes to get it in. Another 10 to set it up and get the height just right and...my LORD! The TONE!!! My guitar came alive! Nuances and richness I hadn't heard in years. And...no spike...chime, but not harsh. Surprisingly, for single coils, they are pretty quiet, as well...I won't say there isn't some hum...but nothing like other single coils I've played in the past. These pickups are amazing. PERIOD. I'm configuring the layout for my next set for another one of my guitars as I write this."
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
186 Genuine Reviews for Prewired Strat Pickguard
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NOTES ON COLOR:
- Please note that while we strive to provide the most accurate color representation possible, different computer monitors, manufacturer dye lots, and other circumstances may prevent the color from matching perfectly.
- Since we cannot guarantee color matching, we cannot provide a return to you if you are unhappy with the color matching of our Prewired Strat Pickguard.
HARNESSES:
- Our parts and wire lengths are designed to work seamlessly with our Prewired Strat Pickguard. Due to various guitar and instrument designs, we cannot guarantee that our parts will fit properly, and due to this, we do not offer Wiring Harnesses.
I got the Steel Pole 43 pickups because my favorite guitar recently has P-90s, which I’ve come to really love. That guitar however has a relatively large rockabilly style body and isn’t much fun to wear for an hour. This pickup set lets me split the difference by having a similar sound in my much more ergonomic Strat. As for the build quality: everything you’ve heard about Lindy Fralin pickups is true. They match and then exceed the quality of pickups from the Fullerton days. Plus I got knowledgable guidance over the phone. Highly recommended.
For the neck and middle pickups of my strat I bought steel pole 42s, and for the bridge a steel pole 43. I’m very happy with the results. These pickups are a really unique deal for a strat. I can get fat tones, but with lots of feel and nuance.
Their pre-wired pickguard was easy to drop in. These Blues Specials are the best 60s strat pickups I’ve ever heard. Couldn’t be happier and will be back.
A few moths back I bought a Fender American Professional Strat. The stock pickups were ok but nothing special. I got a pre-wired pickguard with Vintage Hot pickups and now that is one smokin’ guitar. Easy install with good instructions. Plus when I had a question, Lindy himself called me with the answer.
This is the 3rd loaded strat pick-guard I have had from Fralin, I still have the other 2 which I will not part with. I also have a custom built Trevor Binford Short-scale Bass with Fralin Split-coil P-Bass pickups [primarily for recording].
Fralin is able to consistently reproduce the best of 50’s/ 60’s Fender tones, and its not an expensive “hit and miss” exercise like the originals were.
This loaded pickguard is loaded with “real 54’s” which are everything they claim , and I am very pleased with them as I am with the previous two which both have “Vintage Hots”. All sets have the plate under the bridge pickup which I also recommend.
This is professional grade vintage style tech which represents amazing value for money, do not hesitate ,this is Hand made quality that does not disappoint.
Great Blues Special set for my Black Strat partcaster project.
Just my only small gripe is the allparts single-ply pickguard arrived a bit warped and not sitting evenly on the body so will probably have to change it to a new one.
Other than this great stuff!
Hey Dimitris,
Sorry to hear about the pickguard being warped! Can you please send a few photos to [email protected]? We can issue you a replacement pickguard.
I am late submitting this. The pickguard Lindy and company are terrific. Working with Lindy on the phone, I had them wound a little cooler than the Blues special set but spec’d the Blues Special “pink” wire. Included the “magic cap” feature, base plate added, .02 cap. This setup is stunning in tone and very versatile. It is installed in a ’96 50th anniversary of Fender guitar. Absolutely wonderful. The tone is rich and full, with clarity and sparkle in the top end when needed.
Everything impecable as expected.
I purchased the following Pickguard set.
Pickguard Color: White Single Ply
Neck Pickup: Real ’54
Middle Pickup: Real ’54
Bridge Pickup: Real ’54
Pot Style & Value: 250K Split Shaft
Tone Cap: .02mfd
Review?
The high harmonics are perfectly controlled and I feel the beauty of it.
It’s a very nuanced pickup.
There is sound pressure, and the sound does not fade even in the bridge position of Stratocaster.
It’s not a powerless pickup.
Half-tone is also very beautiful.
I think one of the vest pickup.
Just one thing:
Even with the same pickup number, the sound is different between the old one and the current one.
Both sounds very beautiful, but it’s a bit disappointing because I was expecting the older one.
Either way, it makes a very beautiful sound.
About installing:
My guitar is a Fender custom shop Stratocaster, but the position of the body counterbore and the pickguard wiring bundle were misaligned.
Be careful when installing Pickguard with a similar guitar.
It might be a good idea to send some images of your guitar when ordering.
I just clicked on the website without asking anything when making a purchase.
Change point:
The one with .022 capacitor that was originally attached was not bad, but the effect of tone control is not so much, and the feeling of bite and withered is so-so.
I replaced the capacitor with a very old wax type one.
The value is .1 – 200V.
The manufacturer is called SPRAGUE.
I’ve tried a lot, but this is the best for me with this pickup.
I’ve tried a few high mfd capacitors, but be careful as the sound is too muffled.
Also sometimes .05 is more muffled than .1.
I think old wax type is important.
The withstand voltage should be low.
I also changed the wiring from the volume pot to the output jack to old (40’s) LENZ’s 22AWG stranded wire .
The solder used is very old Dutch Boy 50/50 with a black label and does not contain solder paste. (Separate solder paste is required.)
This is the very very vest output jack wire for this pickup.
If you like the treble feel of this pickup.
I replaced all solder but the pickup eyelets and output jack wire with this solder below.
I used the solder is very old Alpha Energized Rosin 63/37.
I feel the original solder is very similar to the sound of the Kester 44.
This is also nice, but it’s a little off my taste.
I noticed when I sucked up the original solder, but it was a very polite work because the wiring was properly entwined with the parts.
Very excellent.
This product is highly recommended.
Thank you very much.
Best sounding pickups on the market. I bought these for a family member and he was completely blown away by how good the Vintage Hots sound.