Pickguard Replacement Search

[disgruntledowen]

Hi all! I have a 2005 F-50 that has a misaligned pickguard from factory. I’d like to get it replaced, but I don’t see any precut pickguards available from this time period? Anyone have suggestions for where I could get one??

 

[7GuildsandanSG]

Photos please?

 

[disgruntledowen]

Photos please?

Here you go! The top of the pickguard appears to be cut shorter than normal. It’s a small thing, but the placement and the angle bothers me quite a bit.

 

[wileypickett]

I suspect the glue holding the pickguard in place weakened over time -- maybe the guitar was exposed to heat? -- and the pickguard has shifted.

Rather than searching for a new pickguard, as a first option I'd remove this one and see if you can properly align it. Nothing to lose -- you'd have to remove the old pickguard anyway if it really does need replacing.

 

[disgruntledowen]

I suspect the glue holding the pickguard in place weakened over time -- maybe the guitar was exposed to heat? -- and the pickguard has shifted.

Rather than searching for a new pickguard, as a first option I'd remove this one and see if you can properly align it. Nothing to lose -- you'd have to remove the old pickguard anyway if it really does need replacing.

My plan is to replace it, it seems to be more than it simply shifting. I just don’t know where to source a replacement, that’s really what I’m asking. Sorry for the confusion

 

[adorshki]

My plan is to replace it, it seems to be more than it simply shifting. I just don’t know where to source a replacement, that’s really what I’m asking. Sorry for the confusion

No, I gotcha the first time even before the pic, and it'd bother me too. I took great pains to align the 2nd 'guard on my D40, it was slightly "off" but not like that.

Unfortunately unless someone knows of a good current source for pre-shaped guards, I think you're going to have to get some tortoise sheet from a luthier's supply like Stewmac and cut your own. IIRC there's stuff that comes with adhesive backing. It's the shaping that you might want to farm out to a pro depending on your skills and do-it-yourself urge. Although you've got 90% of a ready made template at least.

That's not the first Tacoma with a p/g prob we've seen but usually it was the glue as mentioned. Seem to recall there was legitimate problem with the glue on a batch of 'guards, the good news is that means it should come off easily, with a bit of gentle heat perhaps.

If you want more advice re the specifics of R&R, a post in "TECH" should get more focused views.

 

[jedzep]

Taylor Mullins owns and operates Holter Pick Guards. Contact him and he'll set you up with a beautiful, beveled non-flimsy copy.

Enhance Your Guitar with Holter Pickguards - Premium Guitar Accessories

Discover the perfect Holter pickguard to protect and personalize your guitar. Explore a wide range of high-quality pickguards designed to fit various guitar models. Elevate your playing experience with Holter!

holterpickguards.com

 

[bobouz]

Terrapin Guitars is another source. Had them make one for a Gibson LG-2 & was quite please.

 

[gjmalcyon]

That's not the first Tacoma with a p/g prob we've seen but usually it was the glue as mentioned. Seem to recall there was legitimate problem with the glue on a batch of 'guards, the good news is that means it should come off easily, with a bit of gentle heat perhaps.

My Tacoma DV-6 had this issue and I recall at least one other LTG-er had it too. My guitars are propped up against a wall, and the pickguard slowly shifted toward the bridge. My mistake was being too hasty removing the pick guard and creasing it. I have a sheet of material from Stewmac, and at some point I'll cut and attach a new pick guard. For now, I'm going guardless and admiring the guitar's tan line when I play it.

 

[bobouz]

An additional comment - On Terrapin Guitars website, you can print & cut out a copy of guard #UA-16 to see how well it might match the body of your guitar. It appears to closely match Westerly pickguards from the ‘70s. They can also custom cut to any size you want, but cutting out the mock-up is an easy way to visualize options & placement on your instrument. Be sure to print at 100% for the correct size!

 

[disgruntledowen]

Taylor Mullins owns and operates Holter Pick Guards. Contact him and he'll set you up with a beautiful, beveled non-flimsy copy.

Enhance Your Guitar with Holter Pickguards - Premium Guitar Accessories

Discover the perfect Holter pickguard to protect and personalize your guitar. Explore a wide range of high-quality pickguards designed to fit various guitar models. Elevate your playing experience with Holter!

holterpickguards.com

Thank you all for the suggestions! I’ve got all of these pulled up and will be making a decision soon. Really helpful. Leaning towards a Holter pickguard

 

[HeyMikey]

Just make sure the new guard completely covers the shape of the old guard. Otherwise you will see ghosting of the likely lighter colored top that was underneath the old guard.

 

[disgruntledowen]

Just make sure the new guard completely covers the shape of the old guard. Otherwise you will see ghosting of the likely lighter colored top that was underneath the old guard.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’m not 100% sure what to do about this yet, but I’ve talked to my luthier about it a bit and he’s going to take a look at the guitar. I don’t mind the coloring being off, but if there’s any sort of indention or anything from shrinkage or what have you - I would mind that. The current pickguard is in mostly good shape, it was just installed incorrectly.