Some American Eagle secrets I found

[MartyGrass]

I was adjusting the L bracket on my American Eagle tonight and discovered two surprises.

 

The first is that the pickguard screw that secures to the L bracket doesn't have a nut. Apparently it needs something larger because of the strain from the Challenger exhaust.

 

 

On the underside it has a thumbwheel to hold it in place. This is really convenient and goes a long way in preventing the nut from falling in the f hole. Here's the underbelly exposed.

 

 

The second odd thing is that the pickguard is not at all secured to the top. Usually the pickguard is held in place by a screw in the top by the neck. Note the two screws in this one.

 

 

There is only one screw through the American Eagle pickguard. Hmm.....

 

 

The American Eagle is attached to the side of the neck, like the Benedetto and D'Angelico. In theory this eliminates a dampening effect on the sound board. I'm not sure it matters. But anyway I've never seen this on a Heritage.

 

Note the two pieces of wood under the pickguard. One supports the pickup without touching the top. The smaller one holds a pin that supports the pickguard.

 

 

I chronicle this kind of stuff because there is nowhere else to find this information. I imagine in 10 years someone will find it and it will be useful. In the meantime maybe it's interesting to some HOC members (I hope).

 

 

[Gitfiddler]

That is very interesting, especially since, as you state, there are no other Heritage models with those unique and thoughtful touches.

 

I agree that it is an excellent idea for you to document the special features. It needs to be included in the Heritage Guitar coffee table book.

[Keith7940236]

Thanks for sharing that Mark, it is a rather unique instrument. My Golden Eagle also had a thumbwheel to hole the pickguard on the bracket.

[DC Ron]

I like the neck joint design, that is special. I have the thumbwheel on my Super Eagle but suspect that it was left over stock from the minimum quantity they had to order for your guitar. Love your guitar.

[Kuz]

Very unusual and very interesting. Thanks for posting Mark.

[Guest HRB853370]

I find it interesting that you have a space shuttle on your pickguard! Was this applied at the Heritage factory?

[Steiner]

Beautiful! Never get enough of that quilted maple!

 

Cool post.

[bolero]

that is really good info!!

 

they went to great pains to avoid anything touching the top...which would, I suppose, dampen the soundboard, in theory?

 

I always wondered how those floating pickups were installed as well

 

thanks!! great post!!