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 Post subject: modification: making your own pickguard
PostPosted: March 11th, 2008, 1:45 pm 
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Joined: March 10th, 2008, 7:00 pm
Posts: 1184
Location: Seattle, WA USA
for most people modding an existing bass with a new pickguard it is almost always a P-bass, J-bass, or MM-bass type job. But what do you do when the pickguard you want to replace isn't available on eBay or any on-line parts dealer?


For a project I worked in another thread here I needed to create a custom pickguard, and here's what's went down ...

I first created a full-scale pattern with card stock so I could easily work out the styling details. Once my client and I were both satisfied, I created a wooden template from the card stock pattern.

Image

and gave it a test fit

Image

This template was then utilized to route a piece of .090" black matte vinyl making use of a 3/8" x 3/4" flush trim bit. Here's the results prior to finish sanding the edges and removing it from the template

Image


This is a relatively simple job to do once you have a good fitting template. The most difficult part was getting all of the curves to flow smoothly, and to get that '51 Tele P vibe in a custom guard.

but what to do if the pickguard you're making needs an edge chamfer? easy enough to do if the pickguard is still on the template - just use a second chamfer bit with bottom bearing like this

Image

on all of the edges that require the chamfer


all the best,

R

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Moderator: Blueprinting and Bondo
Pickups: Honey Badger Pickups - Like Honey Badger Pickups on Facebook!
Basses: Regenerate Guitar Works - Like Regenerate Guitar Works on Facebook!


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 Post subject: Re: modification: making your own pickguard
PostPosted: March 22nd, 2008, 7:48 am 
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Joined: March 10th, 2008, 7:00 pm
Posts: 1184
Location: Seattle, WA USA
the finished pickguard as installed

Image

all the best,

R

_________________
Moderator: Blueprinting and Bondo
Pickups: Honey Badger Pickups - Like Honey Badger Pickups on Facebook!
Basses: Regenerate Guitar Works - Like Regenerate Guitar Works on Facebook!


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