Finding good Tortoise pickguard material?

**Top of the Arch!** · 12-10-2012, 04:12 PM

Does antone have a source for decent looking Tortoise pickguard material? Ive already checked out StuMac,LMI,WD Allpats etc. but the only stuff I found suitable was from Tor Tis Pickguards and it seems they are temporarally out of business. Im looking for something roughly the thickness of 3 ply but single ply .095 or so with the look of the guard on... I know,I know.... Princes Hohner Telecaster!

**Tom Karol** · 12-10-2012, 04:18 PM

If it's actually for a Tele, go here:
Custom Shop Page

**Top of the Arch!** · 12-10-2012, 04:24 PM

THANKS! But I forgot to mention,its not for a Tele. Just a small piece is all I need like 6" by 5" or so.

**Spook410** · 12-10-2012, 04:28 PM

Warmoth sells blank material for a decent price. Here is what they have:
http://www.warmoth.com/Blank-Pickgua...rial-C210.aspx

Don't see tortoise in the list, which is a pity because they have a really nice Italian celluloid tortoise made up for tele's and stat's.

I would give them a call to see if you can get some of their tortoise material in a blank. I can get pictures of this stuff (have it on a strat) if you like.

**jasonc** · 12-10-2012, 04:35 PM

You might try Axiom (axinc.com) or Martin guitars sells some tortoise I think. I don't know if any of these places have 3-ply. It might all be solid. What do you need it for? Are you making a pickguard? I'll look around and see if I have any laying around if you want. I just need to now what plys and what color (dark brown, red etc...).

**Top of the Arch!** · 12-10-2012, 05:37 PM

Solid is what Im looking for,as I said Id like to find some in the thickness of three ply but single ply. I cant believe how theres tons of tortoise out there but either too thin,too thick or just plain crappy looking. Ill check out AXIOM. Yes,its for a pickguard,I need a piece 6" by 5" min. Im looking for some thats yellowish and brown no real red to it.,I really dont know how to describe it. Ill post a pic. if I can. Thanks! Heres something like what Im talking about,the third from the right,maybe with a bit more figuring.

**Top of the Arch!** · 12-10-2012, 05:52 PM

Its going on a Korina bodied guitar and Id like to see the grain between the dark blotches . I dont mean like a clear backdrop just a bit transparent. Enough transparency so it doesnt look like a hard edge.

**fws6** · 12-10-2012, 05:57 PM

I do !!! Just send me a PM or take a look at my ebay auction

Archtop Guitar Pickguard Material Tortoise Genuine Cellulose Acetate Celluloid | eBay

**fws6** · 12-10-2012, 05:59 PM

Oops sorry I think I typed too soon. Should have read first ;-) Mine is for archtops, so a bit thicker than youd need

**calgarc** · 12-10-2012, 06:07 PM

stewmac??

**jasonc** · 12-10-2012, 06:09 PM

Hey fsw6, you happen to have that stuff in dimensions for binding?

**Top of the Arch!** · 12-10-2012, 06:13 PM

FSW6,I saw yours earlier today,it looks like real nice stuff. Not all washed out ,I may just pick up a piece for another guitar. It will be for a 355 type guitar Im having made for me,it will have a vintagey yellow finish and it looks like some of your stuff would look great. Ill let you know. Is there any chance of getting pics. of the material in outdoor natural sunlight?Thanks!

**Top of the Arch!** · 12-10-2012, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by fws6

Oops sorry I think I typed too soon. Should have read first ;-) Mine is for archtops, so a bit thicker than youd need

You might just have exactly what I need. The #6 looks quite nice,is there any chance of getting a couple of hi def pics. of it? Im going all out on this guitar and want it to be just right.Thanks.

**fws6** · 12-10-2012, 06:22 PM

Sorry dont have binding material

All the pics of the sheets on ebay are held outside in sunlight if you need better ones shoot me an email through my website

The material is not polished yet so needs to be cut, wet sanded and buffed. Since you have a repair shop (right?) suppose it wont be a problem.

Some examples of my finished guards here: niceguitar.eu

**jasonc** · 12-10-2012, 06:41 PM

**Spook410** · 12-10-2012, 06:49 PM

That's some nice stuff you have there fws6. May have to get some just to play with.

**fws6** · 12-11-2012, 03:48 AM

Sure you do !

**cosmic gumbo** · 12-11-2012, 05:56 PM

Don't look at me!

**Top of the Arch!** · 01-07-2013, 02:20 PM

The guard material showed up Sat,its about the best Ive come across in a while. Ill post a pic. when the guard is done. FWS6,please PM me,I cant send PMs for some reason. Thanks a bunch. T.O.T.A.

**Jazzchief1** · 01-08-2013, 07:40 PM

WD Music on line.

**fws6** · 01-09-2013, 04:34 AM

Bob/ Top of the arch , thanks for the compliments, please do post a pic when you're done

**Top of the Arch!** · 02-19-2013, 07:52 PM

Heres the material I got from FWS6 its aboulutly the best stuff Ive seen in years. Its hard as rocks and hard as hell to polish but once done it looks sweet! TOTA!

**fws6** · 02-20-2013, 03:20 AM

Wow that looks fantastic great job

**Top of the Arch!** · 02-20-2013, 09:14 AM

Yes,I agree,it does look great. Ill be buying more,let me know what you have left. Thank you Frank. Bob

**Top of the Arch!** · 02-21-2013, 08:46 AM

Yes it is,its a great guitar. All it needs is a staple top alnico v p90 in the neck . I have a Stork Jazz 2 with p90s with a staple top in the neck and it has the perfect tone. Seventy Seven makes killer guitars. I just received an Exrubato Custom I had ordered back in August and will have the same material used for its pickguard.The Exrubato is finished in Vintage Yellow and will look great with this tortoise material ,the guitar has 7 ply binding so the guard will be bound also. If you like, I will try to post a pic. of it. Thanks. Bob