Gear article

Fender Stratocaster Pickup Covers (Parchment, 3-Pack)

The Fender Stratocaster Pickup Covers in Parchment are official replacement parts designed to fit standard single-coil pickups. Sold as a set of three, these plastic covers provide a classic aesthetic upgrade or restoration for Stratocaster-style electric guitars.

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Overview

The Fender Pickup Covers Stratocaster Parchment 3 Pack is a set of cosmetic components intended for the customisation and maintenance of Fender Stratocaster guitars. These covers serve as a protective and aesthetic shell for the instrument's single-coil pickups. By providing a neutral, off-white 'parchment' hue, they offer a visual middle ground between brilliant white and heavily aged plastics, making them suitable for a wide variety of guitar finishes.

Design and Installation

Designed for simplicity and ease of use, these covers are engineered to slip directly over the pickup bobbin and pole pieces. They are secured in place once the pickup is mounted to the pickguard using standard mounting screws. This design allows for an instant change in the guitar's appearance without requiring permanent modifications to the electronics or the wood of the instrument. The parchment colour is specifically selected to provide an authentic, vintage-adjacent look that complements both modern and traditional guitar aesthetics.

Suitability

These covers are ideal for guitarists looking to personalise their instrument or restore a worn-out model. Because they are official Fender parts, they are primarily suited for owners of Stratocasters who require a reliable fit. The parchment finish is particularly versatile; it is frequently chosen by players who find standard white covers too bright, but who do not want the distinct yellowing associated with 'aged' or 'cream' plastics. They are intended for standard single-coil configurations and may not fit humbucking or non-standard sized pickups.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Fender parts catalogue, these covers sit alongside other cosmetic variants such as the 'Aged White' options found for Jazzmasters or Stratocasters. While aged white tends to have a more pronounced yellow or tan tint, parchment is a subtler, slightly muted white. Compared to third-party alternatives from brands like Gotoh, official Fender covers ensure a specific aesthetic match for the brand's proprietary hardware and pickguard layouts. While essential for Strats, those working on different instruments would look toward model-specific parts, such as the Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Fender Stratocaster Pickup Covers 3 Pack?
The pack includes three individual plastic pickup covers. These are designed to cover the neck, middle, and bridge single-coil pickups on a standard Stratocaster.
What colour are these pickup covers?
These covers are finished in 'Parchment'. This is a slightly off-white, muted shade that is intended to look more natural and classic than a stark, bright white finish.
Are mounting screws included with this set?
Based on the manufacturer description, these covers are mounted with screws during the installation process. However, the pack typically focuses on the plastic covers themselves, and existing pickup mounting hardware is usually reused.
Will these covers fit a Fender Telecaster?
No, these are specifically designed for Stratocaster single-coil pickups. Telecaster pickups have different dimensions and shapes, particularly the neck pickup which usually features a metal cover.
Do these covers affect the sound of the guitar?
No, these are purely cosmetic plastic shells. They do not contain electronic components and will not alter the output or tonal characteristics of your pickups.
Are these covers compatible with other guitar brands?
They are designed for Fender Stratocaster specifications. While they may fit other 'S-style' guitars, compatibility depends on the specific dimensions and pole-piece spacing of the third-party pickups.
How are the covers installed?
The covers slip over the top of the pickup bobbins. They are held in place by the tension and the screws that mount the pickup to the guitar's pickguard.
Can I use these on a Stratocaster with HSS routing?
You can use two of the covers for the single-coil pickups in the neck and middle positions. However, the third cover will not fit the humbucker in the bridge position.
What material are these covers made from?
These covers are manufactured from durable plastic. This material is standard for Fender pickup covers to ensure they are lightweight and do not interfere with the magnetic field of the pickups.
What is the price range for this 3-pack?
The typical price for this accessory pack is approximately GBP 10. This makes it an affordable option for quick cosmetic customisation.
Is 'Parchment' the same as 'Aged White'?
No, Parchment is generally lighter and less yellow than Aged White. It is designed to look like a 'clean' vintage part rather than a part that has undergone significant yellowing over time.
Are these covers available for Jazzmaster pickups?
Fender produces specific covers for other models, such as the Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers in Aged White. Stratocaster covers are smaller and will not fit Jazzmaster pickups.