Long time reader of this forum, first time poster! I'd like to thank you first for all the great projects shared here that eventually inspired me to build my own jazzblaster. But more on that in a future post!
For now, I'd like to share with you the outcome of something that has been obsessing me for almost one year:
The making of my own tortoiseshell pickguard.
I couldn't stand my Mij jaguar fake-ass printed tortoise pickguard, and was lurking at spitfire guards, but couldn't afford one. So I took the challenge to make it myself... that was almost a year ago!
I will spare you all the countless prototypes, the stories of chemical hazard at home and the ruined pickguards because of cheap tools... Ultimately two things allowed me to get out of the dead end. First, I had the chance to meet a now retired professional who used to be in the manufacturing of faux tortoiseshell here in Paris in the sixties! He gave me some priceless pieces of advice. Second, I was also able to move in my own workshop where I could conduct my experiments without annoying anyone around, and install some quality equipment.
Long story short, it set my research on the right path... So here I am today, very happy to share with you guys my own take on a vintage jaguar tortoiseshell pickguard! Everything was handmade from the 3-ply material to the tortoiseshell. I would love to hear what you think!
Best,
François
ps: more pics on the jag coming up soon!
