Inset pick guards?

[turf3]

Does anyone/has anyone made basses with inset pickguards, or are they ALWAYS applied on top?

No reason for the question, just wondering. Seems like back-side control cavity covers are often (usually??) inset and flush with the surrounding surface.

 

[ahbass2500]

Closest I can think of to what you are describing is The Bass Company (TBC). They were not inset, but they were designed to be part of top of the instrument (not screwed on). See example at: The Bass Company

 

[NedRyerson]

I tried it once on a guitar project. While I wasn't happy with the end result, it was a learning experience.

 

[Pep]

I would imagine it’s because the front of the bass where the pickguard and body meet would be exposed enough to possible get scratched up.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

They did something similar but with the wood top for this Acoustasonic style build. It’s the guitar top not the pickguard but it gives an idea of the effort involved.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Having a hard time imagining that would look good

 

[Twice19]

The Bacci Marlita kinda does.

 

[Iristone]

I've got a mandolin with an inset wooden scratchplate. It could be a nice touch on high-end instruments, but the weakened soundboard doesn't hold up that well on my vintage instrument.
With solid-body bass there's probably no structural problem, but can be a pain to be made correctly. Note that even the inset backplates often don't sit completely flush.
A similarly aesthetically pleasing solution is a clear scratchplate. In China we often use just a clear plastic sheet on a pipa or moon guitar, to protect the soundboard while preserving the woodgrain look.

 

[ragetoca]

I've got a mandolin with an inset wooden scratchplate. It could be a nice touch on high-end instruments, but the weakened soundboard doesn't hold up that well on my vintage instrument.
With solid-body bass there's probably no structural problem, but can be a pain to be made correctly. Note that even the inset backplates often don't sit completely flush.
A similarly aesthetically pleasing solution is a clear scratchplate. In China we often use just a clear plastic sheet on a pipa or moon guitar, to protect the soundboard while preserving the woodgrain look.

With CNC machines it would be no issue making one

 

[Dynacord]

A friend has a Strat with a countersunk pickguard. Looks pretty cool for what it is.

Built by Przemek Druzkowski. Got to change those pickguard screws though...

 

[ahbass2500]

Remembered Fender offered an inlaid one: Fender Dealer Event Select Stratocaster - Inlaid Pickguard

In general I think this works best if it is not done like a traditional pick guard (screwed on/removable) as that would collect dirt over time. Inlaid (like the Fender) or glued to top (like the TBC I linked earlier) achieve the look without the drawback.

 

[ahbass2500]

A friend has a Strat with a countersunk pickguard. Looks pretty cool for what it is.

Built by Przemek Druzkowski. Got to change those pickguard screws though...

The screws ruin it for me. For this look to work it needs to be clean. Looks clean until I see screws that are not flush with the top and pointing at all different angles.

 

[Dynacord]

The screws ruin it for me. For this look to work it needs to be clean. Looks clean until I see screws that are not flush with the top and pointing at all different angles.

In fairness, I think this shot was just from when it was test fit together.

 

[2saddleslab]

Ordered this back plate from WD but I had to file the underside edge so it fit flush.

 

[Dynacord]

Ordered this back plate from WD but I had to file the underside edge so it fit flush.
View attachment 7340457

Same idea on the back cover on this bass I have - plus nice job of grain matching:

 

[bassdude51]

A build by "yours truly". Inset hand made figured maple guard. Did this over 20 years ago. Used a hand router to free hand cut an inset into the body. I could never do this again. I'm 74 now and do not have any desire for such meticulous work!

 

[2saddleslab]

Same idea on the back cover on this bass I have - plus nice job of grain matching:

View attachment 7340471

A build by "yours truly". Inset hand made figured maple guard. Did this over 20 years ago. Used a hand router to free hand cut an inset into the body. I could never do this again. I'm 74 now and do not have any desire for such meticulous work!

Wow, both of those look amazing.

 

[burgerdj]

I’ve seen a couple of Benavente basses with inlaid wood pickguards. Recall that LeCompte also did them. Tasty!

 

[turf3]

Just to be clear, I am NOT planning on doing this. Talk about putting lipstick on a pig - I paid less than $200 for each of my two electric basses.

 

[jutty17]

A build by "yours truly". Inset hand made figured maple guard. Did this over 20 years ago. Used a hand router to free hand cut an inset into the body. I could never do this again. I'm 74 now and do not have any desire for such meticulous work!

Wow, that is amazing looking. Done by hand, you must have been young and invincible! I would NEVER be brave enough to try anything like that lol.