A guitar pickguard is the piece of plastic that covers the top of your guitar, and it can be customized in many different ways. It’s primarily used to prevent damage to the instrument’s body from accidental contact with other items. A pickguard also helps protect against some types of discoloration. There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a pickguard, including color, shape, material, and thickness.
This post will walk you through on how to shape guitar pickguard. So whether you want it for aesthetics or to prevent scratches on your instrument, read on to find out everything you need to know about shaping your pickguard.
Related Article: How to cut guitar pickguard
Pickguards
Guitar pickguards are one of the most overlooked parts of a guitar. You can find them in a variety of colors, thicknesses, shapes, and materials.
You’ve probably noticed that some guitars have pickguards while others don’t. This is because musicians will often change the shape or material of their pickguard to make their guitar unique.
In this post, we’re going to focus on picking out the perfect pickguard for your specific needs. You should read through all the sections to determine what type you want best before you begin shopping!
What is a pickguard?
Pickguards are used to cover the top of an electric guitar, acoustic guitar, or bass guitar. They are typically made from a hard plastic material that is designed to protect the instrument’s body from accidental contact with other items.
They also help against some types of discoloration and can be customized for aesthetics or to prevent scratches on your instrument.
What does it do?
Pickguards are primarily used for two reasons: to protect the guitar body from accidental contact with other items and to protect against some types of discoloration.
Why is it important to shape your pickguard?
There are many different colors, shapes, and thicknesses of pickguards to choose from. A tempered glass pickguard is a type of pickguard that will help protect your instrument against scratches and discoloration. It’s made from the same material as a television or window, so it’s tough and can be polished to remove any imperfections.
Another type of pickguard is a plastic one that can be shaped with heat and cold—you simply bend it until it reaches the shape you want. This type of pickguard is available for use on guitars with or without pickups, so it’s flexible in terms of customization.
A guitar pickguard is also important for convenience reasons. If you have an acoustic guitar that has a cutaway, then you may need a pickguard to prevent your hand from hitting the body while playing chords around the neck area.
Who should shape their pickguard?
Anyone who wants a customized pickguard should shape their own. There are numerous shapes and thicknesses for pickguards, and you can choose whichever one you want.
There are many benefits to shaping your own pickguard. First, it’s cheaper than purchasing one from a store. Second, you don’t have to worry about return policies because you made the purchase specifically for your guitar. And lastly, it can be done in just minutes with some simple materials that are readily available!
What Makes A Pickguard Different From Pickguards On The Market?
Pickguards are primarily used to protect the body of an acoustic guitar or electric guitar. But there are many instances when you might want to make your pickguard different from a standard one. One common example is when people put a custom design on their instrument. Another reason would be if the pickguard is not made of the same material as the body of your guitar.
It’s important to understand that there are two main factors that can make a pickguard stand out: color and thickness.
But if you really want your custom pickguard to stand out, you would use it for aesthetics purposes. For instance, if you were going for a specific look for an event or video shoot, it might be worth investing in a custom pickguard even if it doesn’t offer any other benefits. When considering what kind of pickguard you want for your instrument, think about what the purpose will be, and then choose accordingly!
Choosing the Right Material For Your Guitar Pickguard
Guitar pickguards come in a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and carbon fiber.
Plastic is one of the more popular materials for guitar pickguards because it’s resilient and easy to shape with a heat gun or other tools. It’s also fairly affordable. One drawback is that plastic can take on scratches easily and discolor over time. Metal has a different look that some people find appealing, but it can be difficult to work with because it can be heavy and inflexible when heated. Carbon fiber is another option that looks sleek and professional while being lightweight, strong, and resistant to changing colors or thickness. With this material you have the added bonus of being able to choose your own color so you can match any custom paint job you might already have done on your guitar body.
How To Shape Your Guitar Pickguard
1. Color
The type and color of your pickguard should depend on the color of your guitar. If you have a dark-colored guitar, then you’ll want to choose a dark-colored pickguard. You can also get pickguards that come pre-painted in your desired color or in colors that match popular brands like Fender, Gibson, and Ibanez.
2. Shape
Shape is another important factor when figuring out what kind of pickguard you need. The shape of your pickguard will vary depending on the type of instrument it is used for, but there are some general shapes to consider:
– Rectangles are used for guitars with Fender-style headstocks
– Ovals are used for guitars with Gibson-style headstocks
– Custom shapes are often specific to certain guitars and types of guitar players
3. Material
Pickguards come in a few different materials: plastic, metal, fiberglass laminate (or “fiberglass”), and solid wood (typically mahogany). Most players prefer either plastic or fiberglass because they’re lighter than metal or wood. However, fiberglass doesn’t offer as much protection against scratches as plastic does; so if you’re looking to prevent damage to your instrument’s body, then opt for a plastic pickguard instead! It’s also worth noting that the thickness of the material affects how much protection it offers against scratches. Plastic is
How to shape guitar pickguard FAQS
A guitar pickguard is the piece of plastic that covers the top of your guitar, and it can be customized in many different ways. It’s primarily used to prevent damage to the instrument’s body from accidental contact with other items. A pickguard also helps protect against some types of discoloration.
There are many benefits to using a custom pickguard for your guitar. The most important benefit is protecting the expensive wood surface of your instrument from being scratched or damaged by objects like rings, watches, or bracelets. As well as preventing any dirt from getting on the wood and causing discoloration and damage. In addition to that, it gives you a chance to customize your instrument in any way you want! You can add text or graphics, use multiple colors, or even make it reflective! The possibilities are endless when you have a custom pickguard for your guitar.
The thickness and material will depend on how often you play your guitar and if you have any sensitivities to certain materials. If this is something you’re worried about then please consult with an expert beforehand.
This has everything to do with the size of your instrument! Make sure to measure before choosing which size is right for you.
If you are trying to decide whether or not to have a custom-shaped guitar pickguard, there are many reasons why you should consider doing so. For one, it can be shaped exactly how you want, which makes it perfect for personalizing your guitar. You also don’t have to worry about color matching since you can find a pickguard in any color! A custom-shaped guitar pickguard can also be designed to match your style and personality. Finally, when you use your own creativity and shape your own guitar pickguard, you never have to worry about making a mistake because there are no mistakes.
Conclusion
A guitar pickguard is the protective layer for your guitar. It covers up the area of the guitar where the strings come in contact with the front of the guitar. A pickguard can be made of many different materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, or fabric. They are typically shaped in a rectangle-shape to cover up the front of your guitar. And now you know how to shape your pickguard.
The process of shaping your guitar pickguard is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Quality materials and patience can make all the difference when it comes to your guitar pickguard. Make sure to take your time with all aspects of this project, as you want to ensure you have a product that will last a lifetime.
