As much as I hate covering up purpleheart, I think the figured maple would look really good.
Here's a sample... this is from the same sheet
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Special Edition Build-off : Tripppler!
- Thread starter BioWeapon
- Start date
Here's a sample... this is from the same sheet
Okay, I know I said I didn't want a full guard for a couple reasons... couldn't help but mock one up though.
View attachment 3784063
I'm busy tracing out a scanned version in my CAD package. If I did a full guard, I have a couple options to explore as I can have one cut from wood, metal, or plastic.
Of course, I changed the strings on my Brubaker Brute last night so now I'm leaning towards using my figured maple veneer and mixing up some white wash.
I think this is more aesthetically pleasing than the pickup ring and jazz plate. Kind of a Fender Marcus Miller vibe.
Frankly I'm thinking this is the route I'm going to go. It was going to be either this or extending the rings into a jazz-esque guard that mates with the plate. @Jeff Siddall was right saying that this way would look more deliberate!
Okay, I know I said I didn't want a full guard for a couple reasons... couldn't help but mock one up though.
View attachment 3784063
I'm busy tracing out a scanned version in my CAD package. If I did a full guard, I have a couple options to explore as I can have one cut from wood, metal, or plastic.
Of course, I changed the strings on my Brubaker Brute last night so now I'm leaning towards using my figured maple veneer and mixing up some white wash.
I like the full size guard as well. Making it in a nice accenting wood would be even better.
With respect to the actual shape, I would try to make it so that I didn't have the "fingers" created by the bass side portion of the pup. Maybe an accenting curve like on a "Strat" pick guard
Shot an email off to a local laser cutter. 124$ CAD and a 7 day lead time if they have the material in stock. I checked an online cutter, OSHCut, and they quoted me 80$ CAD in aluminum before shipping, which would like take too long. 
Anyways, I'll just print it off and stick it to some 1/8" voidless birch ply I had in the garage and cut it all out myself I think. It might not be as precise but it'll be less hassle and zero expense.
Anyways, I'll just print it off and stick it to some 1/8" voidless birch ply I had in the garage and cut it all out myself I think. It might not be as precise but it'll be less hassle and zero expense.
I took what you guys said into account and tried some new shapes with my patented PaperCAD system 
In any case, instead of sitting around and pondering that, I took the time to try iron veneering for the first time. Glue both surfaces, let dry, put them together and iron into place! Worked out well I think.
Good contrast... I may glue up a sample piece to try white washing on. I've never tried on figured wood but have had good results on some cabinet doors.
In any case, instead of sitting around and pondering that, I took the time to try iron veneering for the first time. Glue both surfaces, let dry, put them together and iron into place! Worked out well I think.
Good contrast... I may glue up a sample piece to try white washing on. I've never tried on figured wood but have had good results on some cabinet doors.
I'll second that, it lets more of the purpleheart show
I think I like 1 and/or 3 more.
My brain told me all three of those things too
I think I like this almost-white colour I've got going on my test piece. It doesn't make the figuring disappear, though it isn't as obvious. Pictured with printer paper for reference.
Finished the pickguard CAD design and did a sort of in-between of the three other designs. Print, tape, spray glue...
Head to the garage, find your skinniest scroll saw blade, drill, cut the pickup holes out, cut the contour...
Needs a little sanding to get the shape just right, and I'm gonna have to scrape the paper template off, but so far so good!
I have options for the control layout now, I was just going to leave them in a line but you'll have noticed I've been moving them around to see what they look like. The big issue for me is whether I use a side jack or one on the pickguard, as I do have parts for both...
Head to the garage, find your skinniest scroll saw blade, drill, cut the pickup holes out, cut the contour...
Needs a little sanding to get the shape just right, and I'm gonna have to scrape the paper template off, but so far so good!
I have options for the control layout now, I was just going to leave them in a line but you'll have noticed I've been moving them around to see what they look like. The big issue for me is whether I use a side jack or one on the pickguard, as I do have parts for both...
I vote barrel jack in the side. It looks abit more modern imho.Finished the pickguard CAD design and did a sort of in-between of the three other designs. Print, tape, spray glue...
View attachment 3788467
Head to the garage, find your skinniest scroll saw blade, drill, cut the pickup holes out, cut the contour...
View attachment 3788468
Needs a little sanding to get the shape just right, and I'm gonna have to scrape the paper template off, but so far so good!
I have options for the control layout now, I was just going to leave them in a line but you'll have noticed I've been moving them around to see what they look like. The big issue for me is whether I use a side jack or one on the pickguard, as I do have parts for both...
It will be the perfect blend of modern and vintage with the hardware you've shown and that wooden pick guard. I'm really digging this design and can't wait to hear how it sounds im betting it will growl an snarl with the best and still be uber versatile.
I know I've got a dual p setup in a Bc Rich warlock bass and it sounds angry so I can imagine this will get there without issue.
Nice guard.
I soak the paper in denatured alcohol to help it peel off.
I soak the paper in denatured alcohol to help it peel off.
The guard shape looks good! Usually, I like the cord coming out of the pickguard, but in this case I'd go with a side jack.
