Pickguardian- any cop?

Post by **Doog** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:13 pm

Hey dudes, I figured out the amount of stuff I'd need to make my own pickguard for the Marauder (blank big enough, new Dremel collet, chamfer bit small enough to fit Dremel etc) it might as well just get one made for me.

Pickguardian quoted me $69 (Â£45) shipped, can anyone vouch for their quality and turn-around time? Anyone from the UK ever use 'em? Luckily, I've got a scaled template JPG I've knocked up, so it's not an issue going to a place who doesn't happen to have Marauder templates like Pickguardian happen to.

I've also asked these guys and these guys but no reply yet. The website for Sims says they charge Â£45.50 alone for a big 3-ply 'guard versus Pickguardians Â£45 for-the-whole-deal price, but obviously it's more local to me, so easier to return it, if need be, and the like.

I'm slightly alarmed that someone who thinks the Aurora Project website is valid in 2010 is allowed to operate powertools, but there you go. I suppose they do make LEDs to put in your guitars..

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:41 pm

I feel like someone here has dealt with Pickguardian for sure... robroe?

endsjustifymeans · Post by **endsjustifymeans** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:43 pm

if I recall it was not a good experience either.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:44 pm

It's Jeannie Pickguards that were shite, Search function reveals one good and a few meh experiences with Pickguardian; criticisms seem mainly to be about the fact that they won't guarantee that the guard will line up; since this one isn't replacing a previous guard, I suppose this isn't an issue. Seems a fair old wedge for what's otherwise been a nice cheap project, though.

Post by **Doog** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:46 pm

benecol wrote:Seems a fair old wedge for what's otherwise been a nice cheap project, though.

Yeah, that's true enough I guess, if purely based on the generosity of others so far.

Alas, I've been trying my jigsaw and Dremel handtool skills out on some shitty old pickguards and, although I can get some okay results with lots of sanding and filing afterwards, the straight lines aren't that straight and it does have a slightly "crap" vibe. I feel I OWE it to the kind dudes helping me out hugely here to not cheap out on the other parts.

Unless there's anyone out there with the tools, time and talent who'd like to do this for me for twenny quid? I've already sourced a big enough pickguard blank for sensible moneeez..

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Thu Sep 16, 2010 10:52 pm

It was an out of character frugal post by me, Normal service will be resumed presently...

Buy it! Go on! You could get run over by a bus tomorrow! etc.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:20 am

paul_ wrote:I feel like someone here has dealt with Pickguardian for sure... robroe?

It was me.

They fucked me. Hard. Ended up paying close to 100$ for a 45$ jaguar guard because they couldn't guarantee that it would fit my guitar. Worst service I've ever dealt with.

DO NOT DEAL WITH THEM.

Or do, if you're willing to buy multiple pickguards until it fits. And for you to PAY for them their error.

Oh -- I almost forgot. I asked them if they could shield the guard for me, as they tout themselves as being a custom pickguard business.

The response was almost exactly the following:

'You can shield it yourself, we don't shield pickguards, it messes with the guitars high-end'

I'm seething just thinking about them now.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:26 am

After I bought it twice though, I realized it was pretty nice material.

Post by **Doog** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:27 am

Fortunately, it'll be the first time the body has this sort of pickguard on it, so I'll be defining all my own screwholes and stuff.

I'm interested to see the price the Aurora Project come up with; a bit of searching shows a glowing review from Tim with a few custom guards.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 11:59 am

El Doogerino - in the chance you don't use that blank and don't need it can I dibs on buying it off you? I'll need to do a custom guard to fit those P90s and the guard is not standard strat size alas. Happy to pay whatever you did for it and no worries if not!

Post by **Doog** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:22 pm

I haven't actually bought the blank yet, but I'll definitely keep it aside for you if I do and don't end up needing it.

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:23 pm

I bought my custom pickguard from pickguardian. I sent the original guard and my pickup covers and it came out great. It doesn't fit flush near the bridge, but that's my fault for not tell him to.