Fender Electric Guitar Part 0991360100 review is it worth upgrading your Strat?

Description

Aesthetic and Build Quality

I’ve got to say, the Fender Electric Guitar Part, specifically the 0991360100 model, caught my attention the moment I opened the packaging. The gold anodized finish is absolutely stunning, lending a touch of elegance that elevates the look of any guitar. It’s not just about the aesthetics though; the build quality is top-notch. The brass material used for the back, top, and strings feels sturdy and durable, giving off a sense of reliability. The dimensions (0.2 x 11.5 x 9.4 inches) make it a perfect fit for standard Strat guitars, ensuring a seamless installation without any awkward gaps or misalignments. While lightweight at only 0.8 ounces, it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap.

Still, I did notice that fingerprints tend to show up easily on the finish, which means you’ll probably need to wipe it down frequently to keep it looking pristine.

Ease of Installation

Installing this pickguard was surprisingly straightforward. As someone who’s not a professional luthier, I appreciated how everything lined up perfectly with my guitar’s screw holes. The tremolo bridge system compatibility was another highlight, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maintain the functionality of their guitar without sacrificing style. I didn’t encounter any issues with warping or bending during installation, which is often a problem with pickguards made from inferior materials.

That said, if you’ve never replaced a pickguard before, you might want to watch a quick tutorial beforehand. While the process is simple, ensuring the alignment of the S-S-S pickup configuration is crucial for the best results.

Sound Impact and Performance

I was curious about whether this pickguard would affect my guitar’s tone, and I’m happy to report that it didn’t negatively impact the sound in any way. If anything, the brass material seems to enhance the resonance slightly, giving a crisp and clear tone that I couldn’t quite achieve with my old pickguard. The 6-string configuration paired with the maple neck material felt smooth and responsive, making it a joy to play. Whether I was strumming chords or picking out fast leads, the guitar maintained its rich, full sound.

However, keep in mind that if your pickups aren’t great to begin with, this pickguard isn’t a magic fix. It complements good hardware but won’t compensate for poor-quality components.

Highlights

• Striking gold anodized finish adds a premium look to your guitar.
• Durable brass construction ensures longevity and reliability.
• Perfect fit for Strat guitars, making installation hassle-free.
• Lightweight design doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
• Enhances resonance slightly for a crisper, clearer tone.

Areas for Improvement

• Fingerprints and smudges are very noticeable on the finish.
• Requires attention to detail during installation to align the S-S-S pickups properly.
• Doesn’t include screws or additional hardware, so you’ll need to reuse your existing ones or buy them separately.

Competing Products

When comparing this pickguard to other options on the market, like the Allparts PG-0581-024 or the Musiclily Pro pickguards, the Fender model stands out for its high-quality brass material and flawless fit. The gold anodized finish is also more visually striking compared to the standard plastic or acrylic finishes you’ll find on many alternatives. That said, the Allparts pickguard is slightly less prone to fingerprints, thanks to its matte finish, and the Musiclily Pro offers more color options for those who want to experiment with different looks.

One area where this Fender pickguard excels is its durability and scratch resistance, which is noticeably better than the cheaper plastic options. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the Musiclily Pro might be a more cost-effective choice, even if it doesn’t quite match the elegance and sturdiness of this one.

Cost-Effectiveness

Is it worth the investment? I’d say yes, especially if you’re looking to upgrade the look and feel of your guitar without breaking the bank. While the price is higher than some generic pickguards, the quality of materials, precision fit, and aesthetic appeal more than justify the cost. It’s the kind of accessory that doesn’t just look great but adds a subtle improvement to your guitar’s performance as well. If you’re someone who values both form and function, this pickguard delivers excellent value for the price.

Overall, this pickguard checks all the boxes for me. It’s stylish, durable, and performs well without being overly complicated to install. While it’s not perfect, the few minor flaws are easy to overlook considering the many benefits it brings to the table. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their Strat guitar!

Additional information