How to Make a Wood Pickguard
Whether you're refurbishing an old guitar or building a new one, choosing to make a new pickguard out of wood can add a dash of flash and open up design possibilities you wouldn't try with plastic. Be aware before installing your creation on your favorite acoustic axe; changes in the soundboard will change its dynamics. If you are applying a new pickguard to an acoustic guitar, making the pickguard too thick or too large will affect the sound quality. An acoustic guitar relies on the free vibration of the soundboard for amplification and tone. Exceed standard thickness (.030 inches) or standard overall size at your own risk.
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Things You'll Need
- Pattern
- Carbon or transfer paper
- Adhesive tape
- Suitably sized piece of wood
- Sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Scroll saw or coping saw
- Particle mask
- Safety glasses
- Measuring calipers
- Tack cloth
- Epoxy
- Bristle paint brush
Instructions
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Cut and Shape Pickguard
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1
Using a thin piece of paper, draw a pattern for the pickguard. You can trace one or design your own.
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2
Use adhesive tape to secure carbon paper on the wood blank. Place your pattern on top of the carbon paper and tape in it in position as well. This will keep the pattern from moving while you transfer it onto the wood.
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3
Transfer your pattern to the wood blank by tracing the outlines with a pen or sharp pencil. Press firmly. You will want the lines to be as clear as possible.
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4
Cut the wood along the transferred lines with a scroll saw or coping saw.
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5
Hand sand all edges smooth.
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6
Use sanding block with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the back of the pickguard.
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7
Sand the front surface to the desired thickness. Check the thickness occasionally with calipers. Open the calipers, place the piece between the jaws and tighten until both jaws just touch the wood and read the measurement. You will want the finished piece to have the same measurement around its entire circumference. Use progressively finer grades of sandpaper as you approach final thickness.
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8
Sand the top edges of the pickguard. Hold your sanding block at a 45 degree angle to the surface and sand the edges until you form a smooth bevel around the entire piece. This will give a more finished, professional look.
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9
Wipe the entire pickguard with tack cloth to remove any loose dust or debris.
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10
Apply epoxy finish to the face of the pickguard with a clean, good quality brush. Brush in the direction of the grain. Cover evenly and thoroughly and allow it to dry. Repeat at least three times for a thick, scratch-resistant finish. Do not apply epoxy to the back of pickguard.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are hand sanding to thickness, be sure to use a sanding block. The block will help you get a consistently flat surface.
The main restriction on size and thickness for an acoustic guitar is solely for acoustic transparency. These restrictions do not apply for solid-body electrics.
When attaching the pickguard to an electric guitar with screws, be sure to drill pilot holes. The thinner the wood, the more easily it is split.
For attaching a pickguard to acoustic instruments, double sided adhesive film is available at most luthier's supply stores.
If you have access to a thickness sander, use it. It will save a great deal of sanding. If you don't know anyone who has one, many cabinet shops will be happy to do this for you at minimal cost.
Use a particle mask while sanding. Some woods are toxic if ingested.
Wear safety glasses while using saws.
