Description
Gilmour Scratchplate Pickguard Summary:
Having built more than a dozen ‘Black Strat’ tribute guitars, customers started to ask for complete Gilmour Scratchplate Pickguard assemblies. This is now available uniquely through Ironstone Custom, allowing you to complete the majority of the guitar to your own preferences, then just drop in (a simple 3 wire connection) a professionally hand wired and fully tested scratchplate assembly.
Check out the sound clip / videos below as well as the build options tab.
See Technical Spec | See Wiring Diagram
Thanks to Mick Ryan for his sound clips of a Platinum based scratchplate playing a medley of well known Floyd pieces. Recorded direct to pc via a Boss Gx700 effects unit.
Finally, thanks to Ian Gorse for a YouTube ‘Pink Floyd medley’ using an Ironstone Gilmour scratchplate (with upgraded platinum pickup set) on a ’91 Squier Strat. Below the video is an MP3 of the Time solo from the video recorded using a Line 6 Pod XT.
Jacques Mario Martingale (verified owner) –
Amazing superb sound and tone – Equipped with the Hybrid pickups set with cream aged covers – black pickguard with cream aged knobs – Excellent professional electronic soldering – Lots of gigs performed with this gear and truly SUPERB – from the moment i watched a demo to finalize order i have had to wait for almost 2 years ( this due to international Covid19 crisis and all airports were closed – Nevertheless good communication and advice from Tony during the wait – order confirmed in 2021 and received in good condition as packing was superbly made – Very satisfied with this item and fully recommend the purchase – THUMBS UP TO TONY – ( Keep the Flag flying high ) Big CHeers
Anthony –
Thanks for the review Jacques, very glad you are so happy with the Scratch-plate after your long Covid wait. And a big shout out to you over in the Mauritius Islands!
John Dickson (verified owner) –
Super chuffed with this!..arrived on time, excellent communication, top drawer build quality, and the pickups (Platinum) are just sublime! Fitted to a circa 1980 Daion Performer (Japanese strat copy), this plate provides a huge palette of very usable tones, not just D.G, but quite a few other famous strat players come to mind as you play about with the switching options. Unbelievable at this price! Top job Ironstone!
Anthony Partridge –
As you say John, dispite the scratchplate’s famous namesake, the tones it can produce extend into many other artists / genres. I have always been a big fan of series pickups configurations, which are something of a revelation to players used to standard Strat tones. A customer once described the version that these plates have (via the mini toggle switch) as a ‘wide humbucker’, which I think captures the vibe very well. Enjoy!
Alexander Heytens (verified owner) –
Tony,
Thank you very much for the excellent craftmanship! My 25-year-old Fender stratocaster has never sounded this vivid and versatile! The combination of the hybrids and Gilmour wiring really makes me want to keep on playing this strat. Sparkling highs to higher output… it’s all in there. Thanks!!!
Regards
Alexander Heytens – Belgium
Anthony Partridge –
Its great to hear of a cherished older instrument getting a new lease of life Alexander.
Martyn Low (verified owner) –
Top class work. I got the Gilmour plate with hybrids in all black and could not be happier. Placed it on a black 2003 m/n squire standard. The guitar sounds class now with a great tone. No buzzing or unwanted noise. Lovely clean tones and the floyd tone through my wee vox vt20+ sounds amazing. Just love playing again even more. Communication from Ironstone was great with an update on the work being done. I recommend Ironstone to anyone. I’ll defo be back.
Anthony Partridge –
The Customer Service is as important as the product in my opinion, and its great to hear how pleased you are with both. Your comments about the plate delivering ‘no buzzing or unwanted noise’ mirror many Ironstone customers (plates and pickups). I am an engineer by training and that gives me a different perspective on build techniques and components to the traditional manufacturers. My aim is to deliver the best tones possible, without noise. Cheers, Tony
Kevin Heard (verified owner) –
If anyone is on the fence about getting this, don’t be. I received mine today. I’ve been playing guitar for over 30 years and my guitar now looks and sounds better than anything I’ve ever played before. The price is a steal. I’m a huge Pink Floyd fan and this black Pickguard plus the platinum pickups and custom Gilmour wiring and switch is the business! Such a bargain and high quality workmanship! Very fast service from Tony. You can’t go wrong folks. Buy it now!!!
Graham Jones (verified owner) –
Just fitted the Gold pickups with bridge blender to my Squier Affinity Strat and I now have a much greater range of sounds and tones. Really great! Best of all was the fantastic customer service I received from Tony. We had an initial discussion to determine which combination would give me the sound I wanted. I went for a fully completed scratchplate to minimise the soldering etc as that would probably be beyond my abilities! Just left me with 3 wires to solder and job done! I can’t recommend Tony and his products highly enough if you’re looking to do an upgrade. You’ll be in expert hands all the way through the process. Patient and friendly throughout even when I was asking lots of (probably daft) questions! Thanks again, Tony.
Anthony Partridge –
Asking questions is of course how we all learn, and a big part of the Ironstone package is making sure customers are making the best choices for what they want. That goes for selecting the right products and of course getting them fitted correctly to get the best performance. Cheers.
Martin Ebdon (verified owner) –
Worth waiting for”
So, after hanging on financially and then waiting a little longer for Ironstone to relocate, I finally ordered my Gilmour Scratch Plate.
Ordering was as simple as it’s ever been and dispatch was pretty fast (less than a week between order and delivery).
I already had a set of Silvers in my standard wired scratch plate installed in my Black Strat.
I had always thought them to be really good but wanted a little something more…
My Gilmour scratch plate is, I guess, a typical order of Platinum pickups with cream knobs, covers and switch tip.
The finish of the assembly is top notch, very tidy with well soldered joints and quality components.
It took me roughly 30 minutes to install and get tuned up.
First I noticed that there was absolutely no hum or any other nasties.
Second, I noticed that on first strum, the output was up on the Silvers.
Having played around with the settings and pickup heights, I can say with alacrity that the sound is awesome.
The depth of tone is fantastic and the clarity and separation from the individual strings is very striking.
The most noticeable thing is the extra bite when you dig into the strings with the pick if you’re playing a little dirty but you also get a sense of this when playing without a pick.
So far, I haven’t been able to put it down
For £110, built to order and delivered, you simply can’t beat this scratch plate.
And as for the Gilmour sound?
It definitely delivers.
Anthony Partridge –
As Martin rightly says, these plates are all hand built to order. And yes, a black plate, Platinum pickups and cream knobs etc is my most popular order. Something do do with a certain Black Strat I guess!.
And I would reiterate, if you are looking for versatility, clean to dirty, the Ironstone Platinum’s (and Hybrids) are where you should look.
Richard Crediton-Hughes (verified owner) –
The guitar is a 1985/6 Jap built Strat. It’s previous owner had done unspeakable things to it.
After tearing it down, I realised the body was clean, virtually scratch free and all of the body mods made to accommodate a weird pickup, would be covered by the scratchplate.
In the past I’ve used Ironstone pickups as first choice – let’s face it they’re pretty damn fine! So I ordered the ‘top of the shop’ version of the Gilmour modded plate. Simple to fit, and within a hour of receiving it I was being amazed, and loving the sheer flexibility, from fingerpicked clean, to overdriven down and dirty. Tried out now on amp modelled Cube 80, hot valves with my Marshall JCM 900, and Orange Tiny Terror, and Rockerverb 50, also my THR10 practice amp. It does the job, fantastically well – in fact, I’m in need of getting into the studio with it now to use a bit of volume!
Huge thanks to Tony for helping me save one of those now very sought after Jap Strats – as I’ve already said – ‘It’s a keeper!’
Anthony Partridge –
As Richard says, my top of the range, mixed magnet Origin pickup equipped plate, as befits a classic guitar like his. And always rewarding to help a guitar back from the grave! Cheers, Tony
Alan Miller (verified owner) –
I installed the Gilmour Scratchplate with Platinum pickups into a Kit built Guitar with a very resonant Ash body. The the improvement and tonal palette
is now astounding, I’m very busy exploring all the new sounds and possibilities that I have in combination with my Amp.
A big thank You to Tony and all involved in the in the high quality of the product and the top service in sorting out a postal problem.
Regards Alan
Nick Hadlow (verified owner) –
I put the Gilmour scratchguard (Platinum pickups) into a 2002 Squier Standard Strat.
First of all, the scratchplate assembly was absolutely immaculate and arrived in less than a week – Tony’s communication throughout has been first class and gave me confidence to choose the Platinums. A genuine pleasure to deal with.
The important bit though, is that I’ve now got a Strat that sounds ‘proper’ and gives amazing versatility – not just the extra switching options but the responsiveness of the pickups. Having a guitar you don’t have nagging doubts about is a huge boost to confidence in playing – the only trouble is, the frets are already well-used and given that I haven’t picked up another guitar since getting the scratchplate a couple of weeks ago I’ll probably need a new neck in a year’s time!
I can’t claim to be a great guitarist, but the difference this has made to the sound is very, very obvious and in the best possible way. I suspect that I’ll be back for more from Ironstone at some point in the future.
Tony Partridge –
Many Thanks Nick. Ease of installation is a big part of these plates. I aim to deliver the most tonal variety for the least amount of end-user installation effort!
Ian Torbitt –
Shame I’m only coming back here now after about 2 years, been enjoying my strat so much! I started my ” black strat” project and searched for an easy solution to the pups and associated wiring loom etc, you can imagine how excited I was when I found Tony ! I’ve actually documented the build, which other readers may find useful, you can find it here. http://www.welcometomywebspace.com/theblackstrat/index.htm So why am I posting now? After all this time? Well I’ve sold my “black strat” and have just acquired a Squier Vintage Modern 70s black strat and while the fitted Seymour Duncan’s sound good….they aren’t as good as Tony’s , so it looks like I’ll be back for another complete gilmour set up from Tony.
Tony Partridge –
Hi again Ian, I had forgotten how good your ‘Build Blog’ is, so I have popped a link to it on the website Gilmour plate page for all to see! And of course thanks for the praise re the SD comparison. I’ll look forward to hearing from you. And what happened to the SRV / Gallagher plans…Tony
Johnnie (verified owner) –
I had purchased some Ironstone pickups a couple of years ago for a strat and was very impressed with the sound from them.
This project was to upgrade a Squier Standard Strat. After a brief conversation with Tony to sanity check my plans I decided to go ahead and order the Gilmore scratchplate with Hybrid pickups. It arrived a few days early and when I opened the boxed it looked amazing. Tony is an electrician by trade and his soldering work is second to none. I was very pleased that I had decided to order the scratchplate and leave all the soldering to him. I fitted the plate to the guitar the following weekend. The sound is just as amazing as the build quality of the plate. I can get all those distinct “Pink Floyd” strat sounds that I had grown up hearing and have been so heavily influenced by.
I would certainly recommend this to anyone who wants to supercharge a stratocaster.
David Wilmot (verified owner) –
Hi there,
This is my second set of the ironstone pickups i have they transformed my squire into a pleasure to play my second project was to try and build a 1964 stat in theory all from Ebay I got an old squire burst body a new mighty mite v neck and the ironstone Gilmore scatchplate and the results are exactly what I have always wanted inspiring
Thank you again,
David
ChrisAdmin –
“Thought I’d send you an update.The gear arrived on time, thanks.My local dealer installed it last week and it sounds fantastic,in fact the guy who installed it wanted to keep it..!!
I’ve used it at home on a practice amp and can’t wait to try it out properly. I’m still trying to work out the various pick up configurations, even whilst looking at your helpful diagram.I guess it would be more useful to just use my ears!
I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of your efforts on this, it has changed the sound of my Strat beyond recognition.
I would have to spend a serious amount of money to get the same results from any other guitar.As it is, I’ve spent less than £130 on the whole project..!!”
ChrisAdmin –
“The scratchplate arrived yesterday and it was very well packed. Fitted it last night and had a quick play on it. I am very impressed with the sound (Ironstone note; Gold pickups), very clear, very clean just what I wanted and perfect for Shadows music.
I also like the other pickup combinations lots of choice great sounds. It has breathed new life into my strat – its like having a new guitar.
Thank you very much can`t wait until the weekend to try it out properly. Great job well done”
ChrisAdmin –
“the black strat is now finished . . I have gigged it a couple of times. I must say the improvement in clarity, tone, overdrive and feel is amazing . . back the vol pot off a touch . . Hank Marvin ! wind the vol pot right up . . SRV ! brilliant . . thats just the strat wiring too . . .
In the ‘Gilmour position’, a little delay, Big Muff just starting to crunch . . . shine on and comfortably numb sound probably as near as I will get . . turn up the gain on the strat and the intro to Sorrow is . . . well . . . Gilmour ! (so I’m told.)
As I thought, in the humbucker mode, amazing deep south, jangly, screamy . . . scary to be honest ! Brill with Freebird solo.
I’m totally impressed and will be using Ironstone for future projects . ..”.
ChrisAdmin –
From the Harmony Central review; “I just couldn’t be happier with my purchase. For all those out there with a Squier strat or similar then this is the upgrade that you need to transform that guitar into something special. I went for the silver pickup option which gives a real vintage sound with the ability to get hotter when you need. Ironstone also have even hotter pickups in their range for that SRV sound and I’m willing to bet that they will sound equally good. Tony (who is Ironstone Pickups really) is a super chap and will go out of his way to get you exactly what you are looking for (he made the bridge pickup specially hot for me). I can’t recommend these pickups enough, don’t be put off by the budget price these are serious bits of kit. Get them now before everyone else finds them and the price shoots up.”
ChrisAdmin –
“All I can say is Brilliant, I installed the plate into my 1996 squire strat and wow what a difference. I was considering buying a Fender strat ,not now. A friend who is a blues man tried it out . It took me 4 hours to get the guitar back, and as for the price I don’t think it can be beaten. Thank you for the beautiful tone.”
ChrisAdmin –
“The scratchplate arrived safe and sound. Got it soldered in this afternoon and absolutely love it, the depth of tone compared to the stock pups is huge. the cleans are glass like and sound awesome. Many thanks indeed for a great product” (Platinum grade pickups)
ChrisAdmin –
“….you may remember me having a Gilmour set-up with platinum pickups in it. Well I have had my hands on it since Xmas now and after extensive jamming would like to thank you for an amazing set-up! The guitars played through a fender blues junior amp and no matter what I’m playing the variety in the pickups and the extra switching options mean the guitars so versatile its unbelievable. Have recommended your pickups to everyone that will listen! The modest price tag does not do these pickups justice, and you can quote me on all of that!!”
ChrisAdmin –
Looks and sounds perfect. Gilmour tone out of the box. Thank you!
In one word, awesome!
Great item good price sounds like Floyd a1++++
Great seller, great communication, great product! Sounds AMAZING! Thanks A++
A1 ebayer can’t fault,, excellent item amazed at the tone!! and quality
looks fantastic, work out the component costs, this is a bargain. great trade
Great product! professionally made. Good communication, prompt dispatch good p&p
Excellent communication, fast delivery and well packed !
excellent easy smooth transaction and sounds brilliant A++++++++++++++++++++++
Perfect Product, perfect service & communication, wunderbar!!!!
Great item, very well put together. Packed very securely and quick delivery !!A+
Fast delivery, amazing bit of kit, many thanks! A++++
Awesome Seller – looks amazing!!! And talk about quick delivery!!!
<([ GREAT ])> Very well made pickguard – good communication – 1A