brass pickguard instead of gold?

[jamrine]

On my JM-type build, I am planning to leave out all the rhythm circuit stuff and the lead circuit switch, leaving only a pickup switch and master volume and tone knobs - basically a two-knob SG configuration (Might even go with a single bridge pickup and have use the switch to bypass the tone and volume).  However, I am planning to use the JM pickup shape.  I would love to go with a gold guard, but to get one without the extra cutouts for a full JM setup would require a custom job, which isn't in the cards. 

Has anyone tried a brass guard?  I am thinking something cut from hardware store brass (maybe even a door kickplate which might already be brushed)?  If it was lacquered, it might retard any tarnishing, although a bit of tarnishing could look pretty cool.

Thoughts?

[mynameisjonas]

i started working on a brass guard, but i never got past cutting out the shape. i decided i didn't really like tho color... plus it was a pain in the ass to work with.
aluminium is much easier, and if you're not too concerned with getting the gold color exactly like the original 50s guards, you shouldn't have any trouble finding someone who can anodize it for you.

[ohm-men]

Or, you could try "messing" It is softer then Brass/copper and the colour is more in the ballpark of a Gold anodized guard. Pretty easy to work with. Don't know how thick the available sheet material is though....

[Orang Goreng]

Or, you could try "messing" It is softer then Brass/copper

Isn't "messing" simply the Dutch word for "brass"?

[jamrine]

I am not going for a vintage-accurate look.  I am going for something a bit more apocalyptic, I guess you might say.  Maybe I will buy a piece of brass and see what happens.  Shouldn't be too expensive an experiment.  I can always get a custom guard later and replace it too.  AGood to hear about others' experiences though.

[mynameisjonas]

Maybe I will buy a piece of brass and see what happens.  Shouldn't be too expensive an experiment.  I can always get a custom guard later and replace it too.

yeah go for it, brass is cheap so you don't have that much to lose. and even if it turns out crap, you will learn something in the process

[jamrine]

Too true.  Gotta head out to the machine shop here at work and see if there is a really cheap piece of future pickguard (scrap brass) laying around.  That makes it a very cheap experiment. 

[shikantaza]

The brass may look really cool as it ages and patinas. Keep us posted on this. BTW, the amazing builder Saul Koll, has made custom brass pickguards for guitars that turned a bit green. They are unbelievably cool!