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Hi!
I'm on my first acoustic build, and would like to add a pickguard into the mix. I would prefer to make it, and am planning to use wood.
Flame Maple, which is what I have on hand.




What i am wanting to know is, how thick? I know woods expand and contract at different rates, so i don't want to crack the pickguard or heaven forbid the top down the road.
I won't be gluing, if that matters. I'll be using the double stick adhesive LMI sells specifically to attach pickguards with.
The maple will darken after finish is applied (nitro), but I am also thinking of using a dark Walnut stain first. Not certain, though i lean towards the natural color of the wood.
The pickguard right now is between .80 and .84, depending where you measure it. Is this thin enough to not inhibit the top?
Thanks.

_________________
Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

Sounds about right to me. FWIW when I use a wooden guard I laminate it to plastic first and then cover it with plastic pick guard material to protect the wood from scratches.

You might consider finishing the guitar first then taping the pickguard down to the finish.

Thanks.
That is the plan. Do it just like any other guard. Definitely NOT finishing the guitar after applying. Finish the guard separate.

_________________
Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I think that is a bit thick. I have used standard veneer thickness which is about .030" thick.

Thanks.
I went back and thicknessed it further; it's down to .045-.050, depending where you measure.
I don't want to go any further because I am thickness with a palm sander, and it is "sniping" the little tip/point. If I keep going I will likely damage it. It is very flexible, and I'm pretty sure it will work fine at this thickness.

_________________
Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.