Electric Guitar Fasteners
The captivating roar of a distorted Les Paul, the twangy brilliance of a Telecaster, the smooth sustain of a Stratocaster - these iconic sounds are the result of not just meticulously crafted wood and innovative pickups, but also a collection of seemingly mundane fasteners. These tiny screws, nuts, and bolts play a crucial role in the structural integrity, playability, and even tonal characteristics of an electric guitar.
This post delves into the world of electric guitar fasteners, exploring the various types, their applications, and the specific materials and sizes used. We'll categorize them into standard and special fasteners, providing a comprehensive guide for both guitar enthusiasts and professionals involved in manufacturing, servicing, or repair.
Standard Fasteners of Guitar Construction
These fasteners are the most encountered in electric guitars, performing essential functions in holding the instrument together and securing its various components.
Wood Screws:
Material: Typically brass or steel, sometimes nickel-plated for aesthetics.
Sizes: Vary depending on application, but common lengths include 1/2", 3/4", and 1". Thread diameters range from #4 to #10.
Applications: Wood screws are used for a multitude of purposes, including attaching the pickguard to the body, securing the neck plate, and mounting electronics like potentiometers and switches.
Example: A Fender Stratocaster pickguard typically uses nickel-plated #6 x 3/4" wood screws.
wood screws for Fender Stratocaster pickguard
Machine Screws:
Material: Steel is the most common material, often plated for corrosion resistance (chrome, nickel).
Sizes: Diameters range from M2 to M5 (.079" to .197"), with lengths varying depending on application.
Applications: Machine screws are used for crucial functions like securing the bridge to the body and mounting the tuners on the headstock.
Example: The bridge on a Gibson Les Paul typically uses M4 x 12mm machine screws.
machine screws on Gibson Les Paul bridge
Truss Rod Nut:
Material: Brass or steel.
Sizes: Thread size is typically 4-40 or 5-40, with a nut width corresponding to the specific truss rod.
Applications: A crucial component of the neck adjustment system, the truss rod nut allows for adjustments to the neck's relief (curvature).
Example: A Fender Telecaster typically uses a 4-40 truss rod nut.
truss rod nut for Fender Telecaster
Washers:
Material: Typically made from felt, fiber, or thin metal.
Sizes: Washer size corresponds to the screw or bolt diameter it's used with.
Applications: Washers distribute pressure more evenly, preventing damage to the wood from the screw head or nut. They can also isolate electrical components from the body.
Example: A felt washer is often used under the bridge posts on a Stratocaster to isolate the pickups from ground.
felt washers
Special Fasteners: Designed for Specific Tasks
Beyond the standard components, several specialized fasteners play significant roles in the functionality and sound of an electric guitar.
Floyd Rose Locking Nut:
Material: Typically hardened steel.
Sizes: Thread size matches the bridge posts (typically M8).
Applications: A key component of the Floyd Rose tremolo system, the locking nut clamps the strings at the headstock, allowing for dive bombs and other extreme whammy bar techniques while maintaining tuning stability.
Floyd Rose Locking Nut
Strap Buttons:
Material: Steel or brass, often with a decorative cap made of plastic or metal.
Sizes: Thread size typically matches standard machine screws (M4 or #8).
Applications: Strap buttons provide secure anchor points for the guitar strap.
Example: Most electric guitars utilize standard machine screws with decorative caps as strap buttons.
machine screws with decorative caps for electric guitars
Pickup Height Screws:
Material: Steel, often chrome-plated.
Sizes: Thread size typically matches the specific pickup mounting ring. Lengths vary depending on the pickup model.
Applications: Pickup height screws allow for micro-adjustments of the pickup's distance to the strings, affecting the volume and tonal characteristics of the pickup.
Example: Stratocaster pickups often use small, slotted screws for height adjustment.
slotted screws
Material Matters: Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and Tone
The choice of material for guitar fasteners goes beyond just holding things together. Here's a breakdown of key considerations:
Strength: Steel offers superior strength for crucial components like bridge mounting screws, while brass provides a good balance between strength and aesthetics for pickguard screws.
Corrosion Resistance: Nickel and chrome plating enhance the visual appeal and protect steel fasteners from rust and tarnishing.
Tone (surprisingly!): While seemingly insignificant, the material of certain fasteners can subtly influence tone. Brass, for example, is believed by some to impart a warmer and smoother character compared to steel.
Understanding these factors allows you to choose the right fastener for optimal performance and longevity of your beloved instrument.
About U.S. Fastener Import & Trading Company:
U.S. Fastener Import & Trading Company (USFITC) is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between overseas fastener manufacturers and American industries. We specialize in sourcing and importing OEM fasteners. We have established a diverse supplier base throughout Asia, ensuring our clients have the right fasteners for their specific needs. We serve a variety of industries including automotive, construction, furniture manufacturing, electronics, marine, renewable energy, agricultural machinery, railways, telecommunications, aerospace, medical device, and dental implants.
Located in the Los Angeles area, we enjoy proximity to the bustling Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and easy access to the dynamic Pacific Rim economies. This strategic advantage allows for efficient goods handling, reduced costs, and a diverse range of high-quality imported products to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.
Browse our Products page and Specialty/Made-To-Print Archive for parts we have sourced. View our Catalog. And Contact us for a quote.