2017 Fender Pink Shell Mustang Project - Humbuckers, bridge, wiring, pickguard

[dragonfly66]

I am about to start a project on my 2017 Fender MIM Pink Shell Mustang. It currently has two single coils.

Here is what I have in mind:

• Install Bare Knuckle Unpotted Mule Set
  I bought this set a few years ago to put in a second SG. I never did install them and I sold the second SG. I'm not a fan of single coils - unless they are P90s so I figured I could put them in my Mustang.

• Get custom pickguard to accommodate the humbuckers
  I just priced a custom pickguard at pickguardplanet - $108 shipped. YIKES! I didn't expect this to cost so much. They charge $20 per pickup route on top of $58 for the Pearl guard. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. They already have a template for the shape as they have a P90 and single coil versions listed as standard. I can't believe I'm the first one to ask for a humbucker version? If there are other places I can get this pickguard cheaper please let me know.

Optional Stuff

• Use concentric pots to have two volumes and two tones.
  I like the idea of two volumes and two tones, but not sure if I need it. So I won't do this right away or at all if I find that just one volume and tone works.

• Install short tele bridge with the brass saddles
  I may not do this if it looks ugly. In the after photo the bridge doesn't look too bad. I'll do this last.

Some alternatives to even doing this project would be to just sell the Mules and get some hotter single coils which would not require a custom pickguard. I could sell both the guitar and the pickups and have no project at all.

[Gordon]

For the pickguard: I had Pickguardian make mine for my Must-o-Sonic. It was $60 IIRC, because of the material (read-painted acrylic) and the custom shape (Mustand/Duo-Sonic mix, no control plate). Tony's a great guy to deal with, and does a fantastic job.



viewtopic.php?t=107002 (lots of images are gone, Ill try to re-upload them later)

[dragonfly66]

OMG that is SWEET!!!

I'll check out pickguardian, thank you!

[Embenny]

I also vote pickguardian. I think it was about $60 shipped (to Canada) for my own project Mustang guard. It was pearl, had three Z-coils, and I had to send in my Bullet pickguard as a template because it was his first ever Bullet project and he didnt have a template for the square bridge's location and shape:



Your project looks like it'll turn out great.

[Larry Mal]

I've dealt with Pickguardian and found it to be a pleasant experience and a good product. I sent them an email just last week asking about something else, so I'm a return customer.

[Sweetfinger]

I make 'em all day long. You can find me on eBay and Reverb.

[dragonfly66]

I'm late replying but @Sweetfinger do you have ready made two humbucker pickguards already for the Mustang? The one in your post is for two P90s. Where can you be found on eBay and Reverb?

[Horsefeather]

I vote for a Toronado bridge!

[adamrobertt]

I've dealt with Pickguardian and found it to be a pleasant experience and a good product. I sent them an email just last week asking about something else, so I'm a return customer.

odd. i think the dude is an ass and can suck a fat one