Backplate
The removable plastic or metal cover screwed over an opening in the back of a guitar body, most often the tremolo spring cavity.
A backplate exists to close an access cavity, keep dust and fingers out of the springs and wiring, and tidy the appearance of the instrument's rear. Because it is not structural and is easily removed, it is the first thing a player takes off when adjusting tremolo tension, and it is often left off afterwards by players who want quick access. Its mounting screws are small and easy to lose, and on a vintage instrument the screw holes are a common place to see wear or stripped threads.
Example: The plastic panel screwed over the spring cavity on the back of a tremolo-equipped guitar is a backplate.
See also
Related
- PageTremolo cavity
- PageTremolo spring
- PagePickguard
- PageAction
- PageArchtop
- PageB-Bender
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley