If your kit came with a small metal “L"-shaped bracket (often with a slotted arm and a little upright tab with a round hole), you’re not alone. This is one of the most common “what is this for?” questions we get.

Courtesy of James M.

Short answer: it’s a pickguard support bracket. It helps stabilize and fine-tune the height/position of the pickguard once installed.

Q: What is the metal bracket used for?

The bracket is used to support the underside of the pickguard. The slotted arm attaches to the pickguard, and the upright tab screws into the guitar body. The slot gives you adjustment, so you can align the pickguard neatly before tightening.

Q: Do I need to install it?

No. Only if you’re installing the pickguard. If you’re building the kit without a pickguard (or you’re using a different style), you can set this part aside.

How to Install the Pickguard Support Bracket (Step-by-Step)

1. Test-fit the pickguard first.
   Place the pickguard on the body exactly where you want it. Make sure it lines up with the neck pocket, pickups, and control cavity routes.
2. Attach the bracket to the pickguard (underside).
   The slotted arm connects to the underside of the pickguard using the small screw + nut (if included with your kit hardware). Don’t fully tighten yet—you want the bracket to stay adjustable.
3. Position the bracket inside the cavity area.
   With the pickguard still in place, swing the bracket so the upright tab (round hole) sits flat against the body where it will mount.
4. Mark the screw location carefully.
   Once everything is aligned, mark the screw point for the upright tab. Remove the pickguard and bracket after marking.
5. Pre-drill a pilot hole (recommended).
   Use a small pilot bit to reduce the chance of splitting wood or slipping. Then install the screw to secure the upright tab.
6. Reinstall the pickguard and finalize the adjustment.
   Put the pickguard back on, adjust the bracket via the slot until the pickguard sits clean and level, then tighten the bracket hardware.

Q: I don’t want to drill through my flame maple veneer. What should I do?

Totally reasonable. Here are the best practices to keep your top looking clean:

• Only drill a shallow pilot hole.
  The bracket screw should not go “through” the top—just into the wood enough to hold securely. Use a short screw if needed.
• Use painter’s tape before drilling.
  Tape helps reduce tear-out and keeps the bit from wandering.
• Mark depth with tape on your drill bit.
  Wrap tape around the bit to create a visual “stop” so you don’t drill deeper than necessary.
• If you’re unsure, skip the bracket.
  You can build without the pickguard, or you can install the pickguard later once you’re 100% confident on placement.

Video Walkthrough

Here’s a helpful installation video that shows the bracket placement and how it attaches:

Still Not Sure If Yours Matches?

If you want us to confirm it’s the same part, reply with a clear photo of the bracket next to a ruler (or coin) and we’ll identify it for you.

Meet the author

Nathan T.

As a longtime contributor at Guitar Kit World, Nathan has spent more than a decade helping guitar builders turn basic kits into stage-ready instruments...

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