American vs Japan pickguard for new project?

[dbishopbliss]

I'm gathering parts for a new Jazzmaster project. The body (MJT) does not have any holes drilled other than the pickup and control routes. Does it matter whether the guard is designed for American or Japanese?

[javier-san]

Make your life easier and go american for this project.

[dbishopbliss]

I will look for American, but what is the difference?

[javier-san]

depends on era, but the placement of the pick guard holes and pickups is slightly different from each other.
Honestly, I would ask MJT what pickguard they routed their bodies for, but I am assuming it's going to USA spec.

[poorman]

MIJ vs MIA screw locations and outer perimeter differ. If you put one guard on another, it doesn’t look right.

I would guess MJT copied and MIA body, but you should check with them.

[Veitchy]

The higher end Japanese stuff in the last 3 or 4 years has started conforming to USA routing and drilling patterns, but the vast majority of Japanese stuff produced will be miss-matched.

USA is the safest bet for sure.

[andy_tchp]

Not just screw holes, the bridge thimbles are located differently.

MIJ/CIJ slightly closer to the neck IIRC. Elongating these holes in the guard works but always looks terrible.