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I'm thinking of making a custom wood pickguard for my current wenge build. All of the plastic pickguards I've ever picked up come with the protective film over the pickguard. I'm planning on having this for sale in a local guitar shop, but I'm wondering how to protect a custom wood pickguard while it hangs in the shop and is played by a myriad of potential customers?

Rob

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Rob Flindall
Flindall Guitars
http://www.flindallguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/FlindallGuitars

Heavy gauge clear packaging tape, or the 7 mil clear Mylar used on classical guitars.

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John

I have an instrument that got the top scratched up at a festival, and it was annoying if not heart breaking. So I have been thinking of using some clear static cling film, but have been unable to find any.

Does anyone have a source for this? I don't want something pre-made, I want to be able to cut out my own shapes.

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Phil

http://www.oleninstruments.com

"Those who tilt at windmills are only considered insane by those who can't see the dragon."

Maybe something like this?
http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproduc ... Pickguards

I have bought similar things from places like Musian's Friend or Zsound.

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EddieLee

If they're going to be in a retail situation, why not put it on a cardboard backer with a bit of contact cement or pressure sensitive adhesive... Vacuum/shrink wrap it. Then you can brand it, make it easier to display, and protect it.

Most any sign or print shop will have clear "static sticker" film, and most likely will be happy to give you such a small piece.

This stuff is also good for protecting demonstrator instruments at shows/festivals/gatherings, but be aware that it can react with some finishes, especially fresh nitro lacquer and shellac, if left-on for too long, so remove it every hour or two if at a show or something, to let the finish breathe.

As for the pickguard at the retail shop, test the static film by finishing a scrap of your pickguard the same way you did the actual pickguard, and apply the static film to it and leave it on for a few weeks, then peel it off to see if all is well... But really, I'd not bother at all. Pickguards get scuffed, so nobody's going to pass-over a good guitar because there are a few scuffs on a pickguard! And if they did complain, a quick buff will take care of it. I've also seen wayyyy too many guitars where the owners failed to remove the pickguard protector soon after purchase, with the results being that the protector film became one with the pickguard itself, creating an ugly, irreparable mess.

I would be a bit more concerned then just the pick guard. IT's been my experience that they scratch it all over the place especially on the top side of the sound hole.

Wow guys - those are all great suggestions. I'm going to try a few of the suggestions out and I'll report back to everyone on what I decide to do. I'll certainly try them out on a dummy wenge pick guard first to make sure there are no negative side effects to the one I wind up going with.
Thanks!
Rob

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Rob Flindall
Flindall Guitars
http://www.flindallguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/FlindallGuitars