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Thread: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

  1. #1
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    I plan to mount a pickguard on my Collings MT and would prefer to mount it using screws and inserts the way Collings does at the factory, instead of with the pins that came with the pickguard(from Hill Country Stringworks). If anyone out there knows the screw size, please let me know the size and I'll hopefully try to buy them somewhere. Thanks.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Hill Country offers the pickguards with a screw option instead of pins.

  3. #3
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Thanks, ajh. I have ordered a few pickguards from Hill Country, but the one I'm working with now is one I made myself. I just thought maybe I could buy some screws and mount it that way instead of using pins. If not, I'll probably just use pins, which I've done before.

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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Since you made it yourself, screw size will depend on how large a hole you can drill thru the guard without weakening it. You might consider using one pin and one screw.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  5. #5
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Thanks, pops1. If I can find small enough screws, I feel confident that I can handle the installation ok. If I can’t find the screws, I’ll just go ahead with pins, as I have done in the past.

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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Should be able to get some long thin screws easy enough. They don't have to be too long or too heavy to be heavier than the pins. Mine has one screw and one pin.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  7. #7
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    The pickguard is for my Collings MT. I know that Collings mounts their pickguards with screws, so I got in touch with them and they said they will sell me the screws. That’s just what I wanted!

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  9. #8
    Teacher, repair person
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    At least some of the L & H carved mandolins had guards that were secured with one or two machine screws. If I remember correctly, they used a 2-56 thread. You would have to find a way to run a tap in there without damaging the instrument.

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  11. #9
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Thanks for the tip on the screw size. I’m sure I’ll be able to make it work.

  12. #10
    Registered User Schneidly's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Harbst View Post
    The pickguard is for my Collings MT. I know that Collings mounts their pickguards with screws, so I got in touch with them and they said they will sell me the screws. That’s just what I wanted!
    When you receive the screws, would you mind taking a picture and/or measuring them? I’m interested in doing something similar down the road and it would be great to have this as a starting point. Also, would you mind posting a picture of your install when your done? I’d love to see your handiwork!

  13. #11
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Ok. Will do.

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  15. #12
    Registered User Doug Edwards's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    I use M2 screws and Allen wrench. You can find both at Ace Hardware. I’d also recommend finding a 6” drill bit. Metric is hard to find so I think a 5/64” should work. Bosch has the 6” bits but double check the size you need. The tricky part is counter sinking the head of the screw. I’m away from the shop at present. Also, I could send you the screws and wrench if needed

  16. #13
    Registered User Dave Harbst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Screw-mounting a pickguard(instead of pins)

    Thanks, Doug. I actually plan to order a pickguard from you for a new mandolin that I'm having built, which probably won't be completed until at least early August, but first need to find out what binding the builder is using so that I can have the same binding on the pickguard. I'll get in touch with you when I get more information from the builder.

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