Loaded Pickguard Swap, Electronics, Setup, Clean, Restring on a Fender American Deluxe HSS Strat

A Fender American Deluxe HSS Stratocaster gets a loaded pickguard swap at my Laguna Beach shop, plus a deep clean, fresh strings and a quick setup. Thinking about dropping a pre-wired loaded pickguard into your Strat? Here’s what the swap really involves, from pulling the stock electronics to soldering the ground and output jack, fitting the new assembly and dialing in the setup. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Fender American Deluxe HSS Strat Overview 0:45 - Removing Strings & Stock Pickguard 1:30 - Examining the Factory Cavity & Shielding 2:15 - Prepping the Loaded Pickguard 3:00 - Soldering the Ground & Output Jack Connections 4:10 - Test Fitting & Screw Alignment 5:00 - Reassembly & Setting Pickup Heights 6:15 - Sound Test & Final Verdict: Is It an Easy Mod? Before you buy a loaded pickguard: check the route under your pickguard and the screw holes. American Strats use an 11-hole pickguard, but hole spacing varies by model and year, so you may need new pilot holes. Some American Deluxes also have S-1 switching built into the volume knob, and a standard loaded pickguard replaces it. The guitar: Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS, made in USA. Alder body, maple neck with a 9.5"–14" compound radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, 25.5" scale. Filmed at my bench in Laguna Beach, California (listen for the owl) and edited by Jesse Conlee. I’m Brandon Howard of Renaissance Luthier Co., doing setups, repairs and restorations for professional players across Orange County. 🔔 Subscribe to Renaissance Luthier Co. for more guitar mods, setup guides and workbench walkthroughs! Book a setup: https://renaissanceluthier.com Call or text: (949) 531-5986 Instagram:   / renaissanceluthier   Facebook:   / renaissanceluthier   Reviews: https://renaissanceluthier.com/pages/... #luthier #stratocaster #guitarmods #guitarsetup #guitarelectronics