C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) Review: A DIY Lifesaver or a Fitment Headache?

We have all been there: you finally find that vintage guitar at a pawn shop or finish the wiring on a custom cigar box build, only to realize you are missing the most basic component—the cavity cover. It seems like a minor detail, but a gaping hole in the back of your instrument is more than just an eyesore. It exposes delicate wiring to dust, sweat, and physical damage, and it can even lead to your clothing getting snagged on internal components during a high-energy performance. Solving this problem is crucial for the longevity of your electronics and the professional look of your instrument. Without a proper cover, you risk grounding issues and a messy aesthetic that screams “unfinished.” That is exactly why we decided to put the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) to the test. We wanted to see if these affordable plates could truly serve as a universal solution for the DIY luthier and the repair enthusiast alike.

What to Consider Before Buying Solid Body Electric Guitars and Accessories

A Solid Body Electric Guitars is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for musicians who need a reliable, feedback-resistant instrument capable of handling high-gain amplification and diverse tonal palettes. Whether you are a bedroom hobbyist or a touring professional, the integrity of the guitar’s body and its protective components determines how well the instrument holds up under the rigors of use. The solid body design provides the sustain and stability required for modern music, but that stability relies on every part—including the back plates—being seated correctly and protecting the heart of the machine.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a restoration project, a custom builder working with cigar box guitars, or a player who has lost the original hardware for their Ibanez or Jackson style instruments. It is a perfect fit for the “tinkerer” who isn’t afraid to do a little light modification. However, it might not be suitable for those who demand a “drop-in” 100% guaranteed fit for every specific sub-model of Squier or vintage Fender, as those often require proprietary shapes. If you are looking for a perfect, no-mod fit for a rare vintage piece, you might consider custom-cut boutique plates instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: It is vital to measure your guitar’s cavity with a digital caliper before ordering. Even within the same brand, like Squier or Ibanez, cavity sizes can vary by millimeters between different years or factories. A plate that is too small leaves gaps, while one that is too large requires sanding.
• Capacity/Performance: In the world of cover plates, performance is measured by how well the plate shields the electronics and stays flush against the body. Look for plates that offer enough surface area to be trimmed down if necessary, providing a versatile solution for various cavity shapes.
• Materials & Durability: Most standard plates are made of ABS plastic. You want a material that is thick enough to resist warping but thin enough to sit flush without creating a massive “hump” on the back of the guitar. The 1/16″ thickness is generally the industry standard for a reason.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider whether the screw holes are pre-drilled and if they are countersunk. Maintenance involves ensuring the screws don’t strip the wood over time, so having the correct gauge of screws included in the package is a massive benefit for any builder.

Understanding these factors will help you determine if a universal-style part like the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) is the right path for your specific instrument. While these plates are designed for flexibility, knowing your guitar’s specific needs is the first step toward a successful repair.

While the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) is an excellent choice for those looking to patch up a DIY project or a budget-friendly restoration, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models and full instruments that might better suit your needs if a simple repair isn’t enough, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.)

When the package arrived, our first impression was one of straightforward utility. There are no fancy graphics or excessive waste here; you get exactly what you need. The set includes two black plastic plates and a generous pack of 12 black screws. This is a significant plus, as finding matching black screws at a local hardware store can be surprisingly difficult and expensive when bought individually. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of how these look in different lighting conditions.

The plates themselves have a distinct texture on one side and a smooth finish on the other. This dual-sided nature is actually quite clever, though as we discovered in our testing, it leads to a bit of a quirk regarding the screw holes. The initial “feel” of the plastic is solid—it doesn’t feel brittle or cheap like the thin covers found on bottom-tier “toy” guitars. Instead, it feels more in line with what you would find on a mid-range Ibanez GIO or a Squier Affinity. Compared to the market leaders in replacement parts, C. B. Gitty offers a more “raw” product that is clearly aimed at the builder who expects to do a little bit of fitting work themselves.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.)

Material Integrity and Customization Potential

In our hands-on testing, the most impressive aspect of the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) was the quality of the plastic itself. When working with budget replacement parts, you often run into materials that crack the moment a Dremel tool touches them. We took one of these plates to the workbench to see how it would handle being resized for a neon green Jackson style guitar. Using a standard Dremel with a sanding drum, we were able to shave down the sides to fit a slightly narrower tremolo cavity. The plastic didn’t melt or gum up the bit, and once we finished with a bit of high-grit sandpaper, the edges were smooth and looked factory-fresh.

We found that this material thickness (just over 1/16″) is the “sweet spot” for guitar work. It is thick enough to provide structural protection for your potentiometers and switches, but thin enough that it doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb against the back of the guitar. If you are building a cigar box guitar, this plate is a dream. It provides a clean, professional finish to the access hole that many builders usually just leave rough or cover with a piece of scrap wood. For those looking for a versatile DIY component, you should check the latest price and availability as having a few of these in your parts bin is a smart move for any hobbyist.

The Countersink Conundrum: Understanding the “Backward” Holes

One of the most talked-about aspects of this product is the orientation of the screw holes. During our evaluation, we confirmed what several other users have noted: the countersink (the concave area where the screw head sits) is often on the smooth side of the plate, while many players prefer the textured side facing out. Why does this matter? If you use the textured side as your exterior, the screws will sit on top of the plate rather than flush with it. This creates a small “lip” that can catch on your shirt or even scratch your skin during aggressive playing.

However, we found a simple workaround. Because the plates are identical on both sides (aside from the texture), you can simply flip them. If you prefer the textured look, you can use a larger drill bit to manually countersink the holes on that side. It takes about two minutes of work but makes a world of difference in the final feel of the instrument. This minor “backward” design choice is likely a result of the manufacturing process, but for a DIY-oriented product, it is hardly a dealbreaker. It’s a feature that really sets it apart in terms of versatility—you choose which side you want, provided you’re willing to put in sixty seconds of labor. You can read more about how others handled this in the user feedback sections online.

Dimensions and Real-World Fitment Challenges

The C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) measures approximately 3 3/8″ x 5 1/2″. In our shop, we tried fitting these on a variety of bodies. On a standard Ibanez RG style body, the fit was remarkably close—near enough that only a tiny amount of sanding was required to make it perfect. On a modern Squier Stratocaster, however, we found the plate was actually a bit short in one direction and slightly narrow in the other. This highlights the importance of the “measure twice, buy once” rule.

We believe these plates are best marketed as “blanks with pre-drilled holes.” If your cavity is smaller than the dimensions provided, you are in luck—you have plenty of material to work with. If your cavity is larger, you might find these “collecting dust” as one user mentioned. But for the vast majority of super-strat style guitars and custom builds, these dimensions are generous. We recommend these specifically for those who are comfortable with the idea that “universal” in the guitar world usually means “some assembly required.” To see if these dimensions match your current project, take a closer look at the technical specs.

Hardware Quality and Longevity

Finally, we have to talk about the screws. Often, when you buy a budget plate, the screws are made of soft “mystery metal” that strips the moment you apply any torque. The 12 screws included with the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) were surprisingly resilient. We drove them into several different types of wood, including basswood and mahogany, and the heads held up without rounding off. The black finish on the screws also seems durable; we didn’t see any immediate chipping or “silvering” after multiple installations and removals.

This attention to the small stuff is what makes C. B. Gitty a respected name in the hobbyist community. They understand that a cover plate is useless without the hardware to mount it. Having six screws per plate (and four spares) ensures that even if you drop one into the depths of a shag carpet, your project won’t be sidelined. For the price point, getting a two-pack of plates plus high-quality hardware is an incredible value proposition. You can find the best deal on this set here and save yourself a trip to the hardware store.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the community is that the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) is a fantastic “problem solver” part, provided you know what you are getting into. Most users praise the value and the included hardware, while a vocal minority points out the sizing and countersink issues. We found that the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive from those who enjoy working on their own gear.

One user noted, “If you flip it around so the ugly side is facing out… it lines up just about right. The correct side has a nice textured look.” This confirms our own findings about the “backward” nature of the plates. Another reviewer shared a success story, stating they used a Dremel to shave the material down for a Jackson X DK2R and it now “fits nicely.” This reinforces the idea that these are professional-grade blanks for those with basic tools.

On the flip side, some users were disappointed when the plates didn’t fit their Squier models perfectly, with one mentioning it was “about a quarter inch short.” This serves as a vital reminder that “universal” does not mean “standardized.” However, even the disappointed users acknowledged the quality of the plastic, with many planning to cut the plates down for smaller projects rather than returning them. This versatility is a recurring theme in user feedback.

Comparing the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) to Top Alternatives

Sometimes, a simple repair isn’t enough. If you find that your guitar is missing more than just a backplate—perhaps it’s time to upgrade the whole instrument? Or maybe you’re looking for a platform that comes with all the right covers pre-installed. Here is how our favorite budget guitars compare to the “fix-it” route.

1. Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric Guitar Kit

While the C. B. Gitty plates are for the DIYer fixing an old axe, the Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster Kit is for the person who wants a perfect, factory-standard experience from day one. You won’t have to worry about “backward” holes or Dremel tools here. This kit is a complete solution, including an amp and gig bag. We recommend this for beginners who might be intimidated by the idea of modifying or repairing an older guitar. It’s a “buy once, play forever” option that offers the peace of mind of a 2-year warranty and guaranteed fitment of all its components.

2. Ibanez GIO GRX70QA Electric Guitar

The Ibanez GIO Series is famous for its sleek backs and recessed cavities. If you are looking at the C. B. Gitty plates to fix an Ibanez, you’ll find they match the aesthetic of the GIO series perfectly. However, the GRX70QA is such an affordable and high-performing instrument that some might prefer to simply upgrade to this model rather than pouring money into an old, broken-down project. It features a beautiful quilted maple art grain top and a neck that is significantly faster than most budget guitars. It’s the ideal choice for the player who wants that “Ibanez look” without the DIY hassle.

3. Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar

The Telecaster is the ultimate “working man’s” guitar. Interestingly, traditional Telecasters don’t use the large back cavity plates that the C. B. Gitty set provides (since they are top-routed). If you are tired of losing backplates and dealing with tremolo springs, switching to a fixed-bridge Telecaster like this Affinity model is a great “low-maintenance” alternative. It offers a laurel fingerboard and that classic twang. We recommend this for players who want a solid-body electric that is structurally simpler and less prone to losing parts than a Floyd Rose-equipped super-strat.

The Final Verdict on the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.)

After our thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) is an essential item for any luthier’s workbench. Its main strengths lie in its material quality, the inclusion of a full set of hardware, and the sheer value of getting two plates in one package. While the “backward” countersink and the “almost-universal” sizing mean it isn’t always a five-minute drop-in job, it is a highly capable product for anyone willing to do a little sanding or drilling. It solves the critical problem of protecting your electronics while giving your guitar a finished, professional appearance.

We recommend this product to DIY builders, cigar box guitar enthusiasts, and owners of mid-range super-strats who need a cost-effective replacement for lost parts. If you are looking for a high-quality, versatile solution to finish your latest project or restore an old favorite, this is the way to go. Don’t let your wiring stay exposed for another day—it’s time to give your instrument the protection it deserves. Click here to grab your set of C. B. Gitty Electric Guitar Cover Plates (2pc.) and finish your build today!