A website visitor asks: I noticed Marcus Miller has what appears to be a stainless steel pickguard on his Fender bass. Does this affect the overall tone at all?

Roger Sadowsky answers: Marcus has the vintage Fender metal pickup cover over the neck pickup. This was originally intended to shield the pickup from noise but as they are not grounded, they do not accomplish that purpose. The pickguard is black 3 ply plastic. It does not affect the tone, in my opinion. Both Marcus and Will Lee use it because they have gotten used to resting the side of their hand on it while playing. Will also uses it as a "cowbell" for a percussive effect.