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Leather Pickguards?

S

shoot-r

May 26, 2007
4,107
3,847
Illinois
#1
I'm considering replacing the stock, black plastic pickguard on my Elite Jazz with the black, tooled leather pickguard (in the pic), to subtly dress it up alittle.

Has anyone installed a leather pickguard on their bass?

Pics if you have em please.

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#4
I made some leather pickguards for my Rickenbacker. But I ended up not using any of them after realizing a couple of issues. First, you really need to have some kind of rigid/stiff backing on the leather so that the guard will hold its shape (especially over cavities). Similarly, if you want to have proper shielding, something other than raw leather is required. Finally, they are a time consuming pain to make yourself as a DIY project unless you have the proper tools, haha. Leather pickguards can really look awesome though! I hope you enjoy yours.


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#7
I’ve had a few… here is a link to one:

Leather pickguard for 50's CV, '51 (or Dirnt?) bass

For sale Leather pickguard for 50's CV, '51 (or Dirnt?) bass

Had to return this bass (Squier CV 50's Precision)- already ordered this pickguard... so no more need for it. Tooled Leather for Squier CV 50's Precision- had it installed on the White Blonde- pictured Also included a pic of it against a Mike Dirnt (Sonic Blue)- it is not a perfect fit for...
$35.00
 
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#8
IMO, they usually look bad, because they're overdone stylistically, but they can look good if they are simple/circumspect in design.

E.g. I'd rather go for a classy piece of mostly plain leather, maybe with a simple border stamped in it, than something with cows, skulls, etc.

I have always thought that they would stretch and soften, leading to cupping and/or arching between the screws.
 
#10
If you watch the video posted awhile ago here on TB called "Rig Rundown with Chris Squire" you will see that his 3 necked bass had a tooled brown saddle leather pick guard. It covered most of the face of the body. He also had all the controls taped down with scotch tape to keep them from moving inadvertently during a performance.
 
#15
I wouldn't put a leather guard over a nitrocellulose finish. Depending on what the underside of the guard is like, it could bond with the nitro.

I've had to surgically remove leather objects from dining tables and sideboards finished with nitro and shellac. And the removal is just the start of the fun.
 
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#17
2saddleslab said:
I added a cowhide pg, ala Keith Ferguson many years ago. It included a clear plex top due to the hair, which you wouldn't need.

I bet it would look good.
View attachment 7407757
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What a wonderful SCPB!!!!!!! And, what an honor to Keith Ferguson!!!!!!!!!!! (One of my favorite bass players! Not because of what he played but because of what he didn't play!)
 
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