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Clear pick guard
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=41816		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Chris Ensor [ Thu Oct 31, 2013 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Clear pick guard
I have been trying to apply a clear pick guard- the self sticking mylar from stew mac- with less than satisfactory results. There are always tons of little bubbles under it. Any suggestions on how to get better results. I have tried both wet and dry applications. I am thinking about buying some thin clear plastic and gluing it on rather than using the precoated sticky kind. Thoughts?
Author:  StevenWheeler [ Thu Oct 31, 2013 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Hey Chris,

If they are bubbles it's your technique and you'll just have to practice more. Make sure everything is clean, clean, clean! That includes de-linting yourself before application.
If it looks more like a reverse imprint of the grain, let it sit a few days and that will go away. Slight heating with a hair dryer after applying the guard can help speed the process along. Don't get the surface much more than warm to the touch.

Steve
Author:  meddlingfool [ Thu Oct 31, 2013 10:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Exactly. Unless its a full on bubble, all the light spots in the summer growth lines will disappear by themselves.
Author:  Pat Foster [ Thu Oct 31, 2013 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Use a little dishwashing soap in the water, and squeegy it out.

Pat
Author:  meddlingfool [ Thu Oct 31, 2013 10:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
In the water?
Author:  Colin North [ Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Pat Foster wrote:
Use a little dishwashing soap in the water, and squeegy it out.

Pat

+1, a couple of drops in 200 ml (don't shake) here, spray on PG and top, large beveled eraser for a squeegee.
Don't get fingerprints on the adhesive!
Author:  SKBarbour [ Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Here's a good you tube video that may help.http://youtu.be/c9XKuourJs4
Author:  Chris Ensor [ Fri Nov 01, 2013 1:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Thanks for the tips guys. I am now happy with it.

Alright, so here is my list of learned mistakes (hopefully it will help someone not repeat what I did):

Mylar doesn't route well (using a template)
Cutting mylar with an exacto knife leaves the edge nasty and it likes to peel up
Plain water doesn't work as well as water with a few drops of detergent
Dry application.... nope
Cutting with scissors ala the Frank Ford video mentioned is the way to go.

Thanks again for everyone's help.
Author:  Trevor Gore [ Fri Nov 01, 2013 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Todd Stock wrote:
Almost all of our relationships begin and most of them continue as forms of mutual exploitation, a mental or physical barter, to be terminated when one or both parties run out of goods.
- W. H. Auden


As you change your quotes almost as often as you change your socks, Todd, I thought I'd "freeze" this one for a little longer.

So cynical, but so true.
Author:  JasonM [ Fri Nov 01, 2013 10:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
I messed with the stewmac ones, scissors, etc, and was equally diappointed with the results. l now buy the tap plates from Ron Fernandez, and then have them laser cut. I can send anyone my CAD file if you like, and then you just need to find one of those guys that have a laser engraving business, to cut them for you and you will have awesome high quality clear pick guards. I use a guy in Calgary, for any of you Canadians.
Author:  ernie [ Sat Nov 02, 2013 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
jason, who is r. fernandez? thanks
Author:  Robbie_McD [ Sat Nov 02, 2013 5:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
http://www.fernandezmusic.com/
Author:  ernie [ Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Thanks ok , yes I saw his name somewhere . I like wooden tap plates. But will check with RF for the plastique, merci
Author:  ernie [ Sun Nov 03, 2013 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
Chris , if you have the kinkead book on ss const . he uses a walnut veneer pickguard I don/t know if it/s glued or sticky sided.But IMHO like the look. I/ve noticed over many years (40) that clear pickguards curl up after X number of years attract dirt and dust under the curl and just my opinion look cruddy to my eye, just like plastic binding shrinks over time an cracks .It/s a judgment call on the part of the luthier. I/m guessing that on some tops , a clear pickguard would look better than a wood veneer What do you other luthiers do, and use ?? Just curious. Thanks.
Author:  Pmaj7 [ Sun Nov 03, 2013 10:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
JasonM wrote:
I messed with the stewmac ones, scissors, etc, and was equally diappointed with the results. l now buy the tap plates from Ron Fernandez, and then have them laser cut.

How does the stewmac material differ from the Fernandez? Laser doesn't melt the edges?
Author:  JasonM [ Sun Nov 03, 2013 9:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Clear pick guard
The fernandez ones are a little thicker. never tried laser cutting the stewmac ones, let us know if you try, if they cut cleanly. the thicker ones have a slight bead, but it ends up on top, so does not impede the adhesion.
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