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Manufacturer: Callaham
Country of Manufacture: USA
HOLE PATTERN
Over the years, Fender has used different numbers and placements of perimeter screws on Strat pickguards (click here for some images showing the differences):
| Acme's Terminology | Fender's Terminology | Fits These Guitars | # Perimeter Holes |
| Vintage 8-Hole | '57 Reissue | 1954 through mid-1959 | 8 |
| Vintage 11-Hole | '62 Reissue | Mid-1959 through mid-1964 | 11 |
| Modern 11-Hole | American Series | Mid-1964 to present; American Standard, Deluxe, etc; Mexican Standard | 11 |
SHIELDING
Shielding means to provide a barrier between electronic components and the environment at large. The barrier's purpose is to intercept stray electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI) and send it to ground, so that it doesn't get into your signal path and come through your amp in the form of hum. For best results you should always shield your pickguard unless it's made of metal, in which case it needs no shielding, as it will inherently provide shielding.
Callaham's pickguards have no shielding attached. Callaham makes a separate aluminum shield plate with a universal hole pattern that will fit any of their Strat pickguards. These shield plates are similar to those used by Fender from about mid-1959 through most of the '60s (they cover the entire back of the pickguard), and may be purchased separately. They're nicely made, as you expect from Callaham, and surpass the similar Fender shield plates in terms of workmanship. The shield plate is not adhered to the pickguard. It is sandwiched between the pickguard and the controls, which holds it in place.
SCREWS
All of Callaham's Strat pickguards have countersunk screw holes for the switch and pickup screws, as well as for the perimeter screws. These require oval-head screws, available here.