Cutting a pickguard for an electric guitar or bass guitar can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily. Here are the steps you can follow to cut a pickguard:
- Choose your pickguard material – Pickguards are typically made of plastic, such as acrylic or PVC. You can purchase pickguard material from guitar parts suppliers or online retailers.
- Trace the outline of your guitar body – Place the pickguard material over your guitar body and trace the outline of the body onto the pickguard using a pencil or a marker.
- Cut out the pickguard – Use a jigsaw or a coping saw to cut out the pickguard along the traced line. Be sure to wear safety goggles and use caution when cutting.
- Sand the edges – Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges of the pickguard and remove any rough spots or burrs.
- Drill any necessary holes – If your pickguard requires holes for pickups, switches, or other hardware, use a drill and appropriate-sized bits to create the necessary holes.
- Test fit the pickguard – Place the pickguard onto your guitar body to test the fit. Make any necessary adjustments to the pickguard or guitar body to ensure a proper fit.
Cutting a pickguard can be a bit time-consuming, but with patience and attention to detail, you can create a custom pickguard that perfectly fits your guitar and adds to its overall aesthetic.
