Official Luthiers Forum!

I am not a fan of pickguards. But once in a while, a client will ask for one. Most often, I use the pickguard material from Stewmac and cut a custom piece from that. They work fine and dandy, but I hate the edges.

Could someone recommend a way to soften the edges? I think there are some who put the pickguard on before they finish. If so, at what point? How do you keep from sanding through at those edges? Does it make the finish process more difficult?

I'm open to ideas and curious how other tackle this.

Thanks,

Dave

Mylar

This probably wont help, but once I had purchased several clear pick guards to use for future builds. I put them away and then when I needed them, I couldn't find them. I thought someone had played "hide my pickguards" but eventually I found them.

This might actually help. Use the edge of your bench or another hard piece of wood to support the edge of the pick guard and then sand it with 600 grit paper to soften the edge. Shine it up again with 1000 and 1500 grit and apply as normal.
The only thing I ever heard about putting the pick guard on before finishing was that it is not a good idea. I forget why though.

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http://www.CostaGuitars.com
PMoMC

Since I switched to new, dedicated scissors for cutting mylar (thanks Colin) the edges are as clean as you'll get. Trouble is I have to hide the scissors to keep my family away from them. I'm not sure where they are now.

Yes, dedicated scissors. Specifically, a good quality pair of hair cutting scissors. That's the ticket.

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Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

Dave,

If your looking for a beveled edge on the pick guard, take those new shears and tilt them at an angle as you cut. I have also used templates with a beveled edge to guide a razor knife to cut the mylar material. With minimal practice both methods produce the desired results.

Steve

They are with Tony's pickguards. . . I've been hiding them. . .

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.