Tort: So Much About Nothing

[mongo2]

Some torts are nice. Others? Not so much.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Was tort actually ever real tort, as in the animal? Or did they always just slice them from a tortloaf?

 

[sissy kathy]

Ain't that the truth. Hate that cheesy, dot-matrix-looking print. I have seen some decent tort guards. Depends on the maker, but never could figure out why they can't just make them like a tortoise shell pick.

The only reason they don't is cost. As long as people will settle for crap, that's what they'll sell; why should they make a better product if you'll buy the garbage?

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

The only reason they don't is cost. As long as people will settle for crap, that's what they'll sell; why should they make a better product if you'll buy the garbage?

I'd pay extra for better quality. Maybe someone will read this, and understand how it relates to all commodities in general.

 

[sissy kathy]

I'd pay extra for better quality. Maybe someone will read this, and understand how it relates to all commodities in general.

Me too, but that makes a market of two.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

They do.
(no title)

 

[khutch]

Sunburst and tort look good together, I don't care for either one in any other combination.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

They do.
(no title)

I'd like to see these up close, but I really like the variations from one to another.

 

[Jeff K]

no reason for a pickguard on a Bass.

Tort pickguards suck. Nerdiest thing I've ever seen on a bass.

Well, that's one man's - er, make that TWO men's opinions.

Actually, I voted "Other" because I love tort on some basses and do not like it on others. Similarly, I think some basses look great without a pickguard while others look much better WITH the pickguard. Especially Fender (and Fender-style) P's & J's. Rock whatever you like...

 

[sissy kathy]

I'd like to see these up close, but I really like the variations from one to another.

Is it worth $10 to you to get a key chain? They look to be about 1 x 2 inches. I don't see any prices except for a $50 non refundable deposit; I imagine they are around $100.

 

[boristhespider9]

Guess how I voted?

 

[sissy kathy]

Guess how I voted?

Good, but overused?

 

[boristhespider9]

Good, but overused?

Well, I do have this one!

 

[JimmyM]

I don't think there have been as many comments about anything else that has so little to do with bass guitars as tort pickguards.

It's actually become an ongoing joke: "That'd look good in tort." So, do you love it? Hate it? Would like it more if so many basses weren't covered in it? Is the sunburst/tort combo still the most popular look? How important is this stuff, anyway?

I don't love it or hate it. I have one bass with a tort pickguard. The last thing I worry about are trends on the internet, though. If I think a bass would look good in tort, I'll use it. If not, I'll use something else. The only thing I don't like is that cheap looking budget tort.

 

[bobba66]

Love. It.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Good, but overused?

 

[gfen]

Was tort actually ever real tort, as in the animal? Or did they always just slice them from a tortloaf?

IIRC, it was only ever used for actual pickguards on insturments on acoustic guitars. It's never been actual dead reptile on a bass, nor at least not any production insturment.

Once I saw how beautiful real tortise shell was I couldn't understand why anyone would be interested in the plastic version, regardless of it's vintage.

 

[2cooltoolz]

I'm not particular. I can go with Tort or No Tort. I'm completely open minded.

 

[sissy kathy]

IIRC, it was only ever used for actual pickguards on insturments on acoustic guitars. It's never been actual dead reptile on a bass, nor at least not any production insturment.

Once I saw how beautiful real tortise shell was I couldn't understand why anyone would be interested in the plastic version, regardless of it's vintage.

Imitation tortoise shell can be made that is visually indistinguishable from the real thing now. There are telltale differences when you handle it. An area where this is getting to be a problem is in the small community of collectors of Spanish style hair combs (Flamenco hair combs.)

 

[2cooltoolz]

IIRC, it was only ever used for actual pickguards on insturments on acoustic guitars. It's never been actual dead reptile on a bass, nor at least not any production insturment.

Once I saw how beautiful real tortise shell was I couldn't understand why anyone would be interested in the plastic version, regardless of it's vintage.

And I'm forced to repost my one and only TB Meme: