Manchester Guitar Tech
Esquire “Bakelite” pickguard
I just made this pickguard for a Tele fanatic. He’s making (another) Esquire, this time using the body from a Baja Telecaster.
I cut the pickguard to accurate Fender dimensions (of course) and lacquered with clear gloss nitrocellulose lacquer and buffed it to a shine just like the originals.
I also fitted a Texas Special pickup in the bridge and wired it to a “cocked wah” circuit.
Just needs a nice neck now!
Hello Steve, I really like to use Bakelite raw, it’s such a lovely material to work with.
For me, and I realise everyone is different, If the body finish is glossy, a glossy pickguard doesn’t offer the texture contrast a matt pickguard can, also a glossy Bakelite finish looks more like plastic.
I finish mine with rottenstone or you can even use Brasso, this just smooths the surface producing a lovely texture with a subtle sheen. The bright hardware, bridge, control plate, nickel neck pickup cover and body finish really stand out against it. it’s a very practical finish too, there is no glossy surface to scratch.
Hi Steve
There seems to be a huge debate about blackguard thickness. What did you use please?
Regards
Dave
Pretty sure it’s 1/16″
Hello, I hope you’re well.
Please can you tell me where you bought the Bakelite pickguard material.
Many thanks
Diab
Yes of course. It is Garolite XX from McMaster-Carr
Hi Steve – just came across this thread. Where are you sourcing Garolite from in the UK or Europe?
I have my family in USA buy it from McMaster Carr