Custom Pickguard

[LowTorque]

I simplified my Ray35 by just having the pickup wired in parallel directly to the EQ. No additional switch or filter.

It bothered me, that the slot for the switch was showing. A while back I saw a bass with a custom pickguard on here and I used it as inspiration.

I ordered this https://a.co/d/0d71ZU2L, some spray adhesive, and the cheapest pickguard i could find on Ebay and glued this vinyl/fabric cover to the pickguard.

Overall it looks good, but I suspect that this is not overly durable. The edges are frail and I feel they will not stand up to day to day use or abuse.

I was thinking about using vinyl wrap. Has anybody done this or something similar? What were your results short and long term.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Looks great!
"Hell Bent!"

 

[ghostdog93]

The durability depends on the spray adhesive you used, and the backing of the vinyl gator fabric. But I suspect you're going to get some rolling/lifting on the edges at some point. I'm also assuming you cut the fabric flush with the top edge of the guard and didn't wrap it underneath.

I've done quite a bit of vinyl wrapping, and that too depends on the application and type of wrap you use. You can certainly get a good quality vinyl wrap (3M) meant for auto use, and wrap a pickguard with it with a little patience and some heat to help you wrap under the edges. You could use cheaper vinyl, like stuff meant for Cricut machines, and do it that way. It will be cheaper but it won't be as durable.

FWIW, I think the croc looks good.

 

[LowTorque]

This vinyl fabric is fairly thick so I didn't wrap it around. Honestly, I wouldnt have thought about wrapping it around.

I will do some wrapping with thinner vinyl and try to wrap that around the edges.

I very much like the looks of the pattern. Gives the bass a very unique look.

 

[Mastiff_5]

I would warn against wrapping around the edges. While the screws may hep secure the vinyl, it will create a gap between the pickguard and body. This gap will allow dirt/dust and oils underneath to the edge of the vinyl. The adhesive edge beneath will sap the oil and dirt, which causes adhesive failure.
Better is to utilize a black pick guard (when using dark/black vinyls like your gatorskin here) and to cut the edge of the vinyl just inside the outside edge of your pickguard. Buy a small bottle of vinyl wrap primer, prime the edge where the vinyl will lay (top outside edge), then lay the vinyl using heat and good pressure from a squeegee. In the case of textured vinyls like this one shown, use a felt squeegee to avoid scratching/marring the vinyl. Then trim the excess with an exacto style blade, using the edge of the pickguard as a guide, with the blade handle tilted toward the inside-top of the pickguard, so that the cut is JUST inside the outside top edge of the pickguard. Apply heat again and allow it to sit and cool.
Screw the pickguard to your bass and enjoy. Durability is all going to depend on severity of usage.
If you are a sweaty metal player gigging several times a month, prepare to enjoy many different looks on your bass. If you are a gentle hand, it will last MUCH longer.
I’ve wrapped many guitars/basses, and mileage varies by abuse.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

I’ve never done any of this, but that looks pretty cool.

 

[funkinbottom]

It bothered me, that the slot for the switch was showing.

Leave the switch in, but not wired. "Producers switch"

 

[LowTorque]

@Mastiff_5 very good input thank you.

 

[LowTorque]

Leave the switch in, but not wired. "Producers switch"

Haha, I was thinking about it....

 

[ghostdog93]

I would warn against wrapping around the edges. While the screws may hep secure the vinyl, it will create a gap between the pickguard and body. This gap will allow dirt/dust and oils underneath to the edge of the vinyl. The adhesive edge beneath will sap the oil and dirt, which causes adhesive failure.

IME, unless you're playing in a sandstorm or underwater, the vinyl is thin enough (1.5-3mm) that any gap that is created under the rest of the pickguard is virtually negligible.

I'm not particularly kind to some of my basses and I've had zero problem with this issue on a bass pickguard I wrapped 13 years ago. YMMV.

 

[Mastiff_5]

IME, unless you're playing in a sandstorm or underwater, the vinyl is thin enough (1.5-3mm) that any gap that is created under the rest of the pickguard is virtually negligible.

I'm not particularly kind to some of my basses and I've had zero problem with this issue on a bass pickguard I wrapped 13 years ago. YMMV.

Agreed if it’s printed or flat,but if it’s a textured vinyl… or on a complex curve… or if there’s a wrinkle…