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Burst/blackguard Club
- Thread starter A. D. Fairhurst
- Start date
I don't need a number, but any excuse to show off my best examples (both past and present) is good enough for me! 
I don't need a number, but any excuse to show off my best examples (both past and present) is good enough for me!
…and since we're blowing the dust off this thread, I may as well update my roster. My somewhat-recently acquired Fender-Japan "Foto-Flame" Jazz bass sporting a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz neck and a brand-spankin'-new AllParts pickguard.
Sick, just sick.…and since we're blowing the dust off this thread, I may as well update my roster. My somewhat-recently acquired Fender-Japan "Foto-Flame" Jazz bass sporting a Squier Classic Vibe Jazz neck and a brand-spankin'-new AllParts pickguard.
I'm particularly partial to the single ply bakelite blackguards.
You really dig that "shimmer", huh? Or is it the texture?
It's the contrast of finishes (satin finish guard against glossy body) that I like; plus I find the white line edge of the 3 ply distracting with some body finishes.
I can post an example if you want to see what I mean.
P.S. I don't have a bass in this configuration, so I'm not eligible, but my wife has a gorgeous Tele like this.
I can post an example if you want to see what I mean.
P.S. I don't have a bass in this configuration, so I'm not eligible, but my wife has a gorgeous Tele like this.
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I can see where you're coming from on the "contrast" front. Perhaps I should've said "sheen" instead of "shimmer".
As for the pinstripe along the edge, there are ways of making them more interesting. I've done a few DIY tinting-jobs on black/white/black guards and had some pretty slick results, if I do say so myself. (apologies for the slightly off-topic pics, y'all)
The blue-to-purple color shift on the second one is no optical illusion. It changes depending on the quality of the light and how it hits it, like a scarab-effect. If you like what you see, I can link to my "How I Did It" post.
But, to get back on topic…you may notice how the AllParts guard on my Foto-Flame Jazz isn't a perfect match with all the screw holes. Well, I've been debating on having Terrapin Guitars make me a custom guard using this slick-as-hell lookin' [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I gotta give them mondo-props for their offer to send you a batch of samples, so you can see what their materials look like "in the flesh".
Here's the main part, then a later follow-up report.
The best thing is how inexpensive the whole process is!
All you really need is a Sharpie permanent marker of an appropriate color, a paper towel, some elbow-grease and a bit of patience.Even if I don't go with the Terrapin custom guard, I might attack the AllParts guard in a slightly new fashion. Another idea I had was to highlight the top portion of the guard with a yellow-orange that closely matches the "sunny-side" of the finish, then go after the bottom portion in a matching red. This would eliminate the abruptness of the white pinstripe.
On behalf of my Jaguar, whom I have named Sunny, I'd like to join. Sunny can't apply on her own since she doesn't have hands.
