1 piece pickguard Fender Jazz MIM 1996

[NYBassPlayer]

Hi all and Happy New Year.

Earlier today I bought a 1996 Made in Mexico, Fender Jazz bass. It was not a planned purchase. I met a guy to buy a small practice amp, saw the neglected bass in the corner, and made him an offer for the amp and bass which he accepted. After inspecting the vital components I was convinced that with a little TLC this bass could be a real player.
It wasn't until I got it home that I noticed something I overlooked when buying the bass.
It has a one-piece pickguard. There is no separate chrome piece for the controls. After searching the internet, I can't find any one-piece pickguards for sale nor can I find any basses for sale with a one-piece pickguard. I am curious why this is so uncommon and what the significance is of basses manufactured like this, if any. Thanks for you input.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I think it was a cost-cutting measure. It's cheaper to manufacture one piece of plastic rather than supplying a separate, metal control plate.

If you're looking to get a new, one-piece pickguard, contact the good people at WD Music. They can make just about any pickguard you'll ever need.

WDMusic.com - Best Online Store for Guitar Parts & Bass Parts

 

[pica]

I like guitarpartsresource.com. They sell authentic Fender and off brand brand parts.

Guitarpartsresource.com

 

[pica]

I like guitarpartsresource.com they sell genuine fender and aftermarket parts.

www.guitarpartsresource.com

 

[XanderSwanson]

I’m not sure of the reason, but I definitely regret letting mine go - haven’t been able to find one like it since.

 

[DirkP]

for a short time during the 80s even the us-standard jazz had such a pickguard.

 

[darkwasthenight]

It was the 1983 Jazz model that went to the one-piece pickguard. It didn't last very long though.

 

[OllyW]

Fender did a budget range of guitars and basses in the mid 90's with Fender made bodies and necks fitted with cheaper components to bring the cost down. They were made in Mexico and Japan and some were badged 'Squier Series'.

I've got a PB-35 MIJ Precision from the same range. Note the single-ply pickguard and Strat type knobs.