Alnicov 3-Ply Prewired SSS Loaded Pickguard Kit - DIY Strat Upgrade

In this review the Alnicov 3-Ply Prewired Loaded Pickguard Kit is examined as a budget-friendly, ready-to-install replacement for Strat-style electric guitars. The kit is aimed at guitar lovers, students and marching bands who need a quick, low-hassle upgrade, and the single biggest reason to buy is that it combines fully pre-wired SSS Alnico V pickups with a stylish rosewood-style pickguard so you get improved sound quality and a cosmetic refresh without complex soldering or long downtime.

Key Features

• Pre-wired SSS pickups: Three Alnico V single-coil pickups arrive assembled and ready to drop into most Strat-style cavities, saving time and avoiding soldering for simple swaps.
• Backplate and control knobs: The included back plate and knob set complete the visual update while protecting the controls and providing immediate usability.
• Rosewood-color pickguard: The wooden-style pickguard adds classic styling that enhances the instrument's appearance while protecting it from scratches.
• Environmentally friendly materials: Components are described as heat stabilized and odorless, giving a more pleasant handling and storage experience compared with low-quality plastics.
• Lightweight and portable: At under 0.5 kg the loaded pickguard is easy to carry for students or gigging players who need a spare part on the road.

Who It's For

This kit is best for DIY-minded players who want an immediate pickup and cosmetic upgrade without rewiring: students, hobbyists and marching band members will appreciate the plug-and-play nature and the protective pickguard surface. It also suits anyone refreshing an older Strat-style body who wants a warm Alnico V single-coil tone paired with a wood-look pickguard.

Players who need factory-perfect fit in every instrument should take care: customers report mixed notes about fit, particularly around control cavity placement, so those with unusual routing or non-standard hardware may prefer custom-fit parts or professional installation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good overall sound quality for the price thanks to Alnico V pickups with reported clear and responsive tonal character.
• Complete kit: pre-wired pickups, back plate and knobs reduce installation time and soldering needs.
• Attractive rosewood-color pickguard both protects the guitar and improves aesthetics.

Cons

• Fit is mixed across different Strat-style bodies; control cavity alignment may require slight modification on some instruments.

Specifications

Color	Rosewood color
Material	Aluminum alloy pickups, wooden-style pickguard
Pickup type	ALNICO 5 single-coil SSS
Pickup resistances	Neck 4.8 K, Middle 5.0 K, Bridge 5.2 K
Weight	458 g
Size	28.3 x 22.5 x 0.24 cm
Package includes	Loaded pickguard, back plate, 17 screws

Our Verdict

The Alnicov loaded pickguard kit is a practical, value-focused option for players who want a quick tonal and cosmetic refresh without complex wiring. It delivers solid quality and improved tone from Alnico V pickups, and is particularly good for students and DIYers; just verify fit on your specific Strat-style body before assuming a perfect drop-in replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this pickguard fit my Strat?
It fits many standard Strat-style bodies but customers report mixed fit; check your control cavity layout and screw pattern to confirm before purchase.

Are the pickups ready to use out of the box?
Yes, the kit ships pre-wired with SSS Alnico V pickups so no soldering is required for typical installations.

What is included in the package?
The package includes the loaded pickguard, a back plate, and 17 screws to mount the assembly.