Ripper pickguards

[PhilT]

Another mystery solved - my 73 Ripper has a pickguard with one hole above the pickup cutout and two below, presumably for non-existent adjustment screws. Even the later models don't have the screws there. And, looking for a replacement, I found WD Music selling Ripper pickguards "to fit fit genuine '73-'83 Gibson® Ripper®" with the same incorrect holes.

http://www.wdmusic.com/gibson_ripper_pickguard_gr-6801.html

Has anyone found a source of correct pickguards, or is it a custom job?

[uwe]

Later Rippers, say from late  1976 onwards discarded the adjustment screws in the pup for ones in the pg. Other than for the holes, the pg cuts were identical, even for the early large body ones. The new Ripper IIs have gone back to the original screw-in-pup design.

[PhilT]

Yes, the thing is, those WD Music pickguards aren't even correct for the post 76 Rippers. Look where the adjustment screw holes are. They might be ok for a Musicman-type pickup, not a Ripper.

I emailed them and got a quick reply, from the custom dept offering to make me a custom one if I send them a tracing. I replied and asked for a picture of the Ripper their standard one fits. Won't hold my breath to hear back.

Maybe I'm a bit anal expecting a pickguard to be right for the bass it claims to fit. Apparently they've been told before that they're wrong, but keep selling them.

[Dave W]

You can get one made by Chandler Guitars http://pickguardheaven.com/ at a reasonable price but you will have to provide a tracing for a Ripper.

[PhilT]

You can get one made by Chandler Guitars http://pickguardheaven.com/ at a reasonable price but you will have to provide a tracing for a Ripper.

Thanks for the link. I was hoping someone would have a standard product - as Uwe said, the only variation is pickup adjustment screws or not. I've been told, admittedly by someone who was having a bit of a rant, that WD charge extra for NOT drilling the holes that shouldn't be there in the first place.

If I had to go custom, I think I can get it done in the UK for about the same price as Chandler, by the time shipping is included.

[Denis]

I had a hell of a time getting a correct pg for my early Ripper. I think I ended up with 3 of them (1 original and 2 repops) before scoring a nice original torty which actually fits.

If you're interested the two repops I have are available!

[uwe]

I know that Roger Jeannie does not only have friends here, but all I can say is that his replacement pg for my big body Ripper sans scew holes was perfect and he did not need a tracing for it. 

http://home.comcast.net/~pickguards/

[PhilT]

I had a hell of a time getting a correct pg for my early Ripper. I think I ended up with 3 of them (1 original and 2 repops) before scoring a nice original torty which actually fits.

If you're interested the two repops I have are available!

Thanks, I did see your ad in the FS section. I don't think they'll work for me for the same reason they didn't for you. And I've seen what Dazbootmans is selling on eBay, they look like the WD Music ones. I've found a couple of eBay stores reselling them.

[PhilT]

I know that Roger Jeannie does not only have friends here, but all I can say is that his replacement pg for my big body Ripper sans scew holes was perfect and he did not need a tracing for it. 

http://home.comcast.net/~pickguards/

Thanks Uwe, I've bookmarked the link. I think I've got it sorted with someone who's also making me a truss rod cover. Will see how it turns out and report back.

[Dave W]

Phil, I think Uwe may have been unclear in his reply. There are some people here who have not had good experiences with Jeannie. drbassman is one, IIRC godofthunder is another. Not trying to influence you one way or the other, just be aware.

[JazzBassTbird]

I've heard it said that WD stands for Wrong Dimensions...

[PhilT]

Phil, I think Uwe may have been unclear in his reply. There are some people here who have not had good experiences with Jeannie. drbassman is one, IIRC godofthunder is another. Not trying to influence you one way or the other, just be aware.

Thanks Dave, I think I remember some of that, so I'll bear it in mind. I think I can do it from another source anyway, so shouldn't be a problem.

[PhilT]

I've heard it said that WD stands for Wrong Dimensions...

You'd enjoy the rant I got from someone (not here) on email.

[PhilT]

Denis - I sent you a PM re pickguards ...