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Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 4:39 am
by PorkyPrimeCut
A very similar thread already exists about this subject but my situation is now slightly different.

My guard is quite buckled (as seems to be the case with most old JM guards) but I went ahead & had a build done with all the electrical components anyway (foolish in hindsight). I've a few days to kill while some parts are delivered & am wondering if there's a way of flattening the guard WITHOUT having to take off all the circuitry??

I have no bottled "Florida Sunshine" unfortunately  :D  I thought maybe the old "towel & a hot iron" trick might work. Any suggestions or should I just bite the bullet, remove all the bobbins & press it with steam etc....??

Re: Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:19 am
by Soiouz
I think there is no safe way to do that...

..but why not remove the pots and switches? It's not a big deal on a normal Jazzmaster, 4 screws, a couple of knobs and bolts and that's it!

Re: Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:18 am
by PorkyPrimeCut
OK. Tried to steam it causing the front of the guard to discolour (it turned white).
Freaked out thinking I'd just ruined a vintage guard.
My blood pressures went through the roof & I almost shat myself.
Waited to calm down & discovered the discolouration just wiped off.
Thought about trying again.
Thought against trying again.
Thought about moving to Florida (that old sun joke again!!)
Put the guard back on, still buckled.
Thats the way its gonna stay.
I realise now I am very much a novice when it comes to guitar tech.

Re: Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:41 am
by Soiouz
???


Jazzheadmark, you have in your hands an incredibly scarce 11 hole pickguard... please be careful!!

Re: Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:44 am
by PorkyPrimeCut
Believe me. Thats the last DIY I ever attempt to do!!!

Re: Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:52 am
by dinosaur
:o

sorry to hear.  Seriously though, the thing is very fragile and delicate, on top of being rare.  Even if they were a dime a dozen, there is no real safe way to deal with them other than the glass plates and a file.

Re: Flattening Nitro-guards...

Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:29 pm
by PorkyPrimeCut
Roll on summer. It won't be up to Florida standards but, thanks to global warming, Londons gonna be hot in a few months!!