Where to buy wood for pickguard?

[mmbongo]

I'm kicking around the idea of making my own pickguard for my Brubaker Brute, but can't seem to find a good source for wood that's big enough.

Minimum size needs to be 12"x15" and around 5/16" thick or so.

[john grey]

Quality wood working shops. ask for a thicker veneer (>1mm) of a hardwood that you like.

[gjbassist]

Depending on your area it may be difficult to find locally. Try Woodcraft, they are a woodworking chain store and have an online store as well.

Lenexa Woodworking Supplies at Woodcraft

[RkdJehova]

On my recent project I was forced to cut my own guard. Because I'm not much of a slap and pop player, I was able to use a thicker (3mm) 3-ply sheet bought at home depot. Ended up working perfectly for what I wanted. Though its not entirely ideal for what you're trying, I think. Just figured I'd throw it out there.

[mmbongo]

Originally Posted by RkdJehova

On my recent project I was forced to cut my own guard. Because I'm not much of a slap and pop player, I was able to use a thicker (3mm) 3-ply sheet bought at home depot. Ended up working perfectly for what I wanted. Though its not entirely ideal for what you're trying, I think. Just figured I'd throw it out there.

Did you use wood or plastic?

[chuck norriss]

3,000 Wood Veneers: Burl, Bird's Eye, Quilted, Curly, Fiddleback, and More
try this
you may have to dig around for the appropriate size you want

[Turnaround]

I assume from your inquiry that you intend to make a pickguard of a single piece of solid wood. That would not be a good idea.

A single piece of solid wood will split. You should consider laminating a veneer onto a plywood substrate - that will give you the stability needed.

I make "dress plates" from exotic veneers laid onto thin baltic birch plywood substrates. Here's a sample - olive ash burl...

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attach...3&d=1183945139

Sounds so good, and looks OK too.

[mmbongo]

Great info, guys. Might be more work than I thought, but I'm still thinking.

Here's exactly what I'm trying to emulate. See how thick that pickguard is?

[Turnaround]

Yes that pickguard looks really thick. That will likely create a mounting problem for the controls and the jack. The guard must be routed out for the controls on the underside.

I suspect that the example shown is a veneer laminated onto a ply substrate. That's why it's finished with dark edges - so the plies don't show.

[mmbongo]

Well just an update, now that Kevin has a distributor they have pickguards readily available. So the distributor hooked me up with a new guard

[Turnaround]

BTW, I really like the idea of a fancy wood guard on a plain bass. A nice alternative to the typical fancy top wood. Here's one of mine.

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Great info, guys. Might be more work than I thought, but I'm still thinking.

Here's exactly what I'm trying to emulate. See how thick that pickguard is?

That one may be on a substrate of different material. The slight black sunburst may be hiding the edge of the wood. Phenolic sheet or another pickguard would be a good choice and the pickguard already has the screw holes. Thinner veneer won't be able to cause the backing to lift as much and the wood specie will determine how much it distorts after cutting. If the wood hasn't been dried properly, it won't lie flat.