Could You Make A Pickguard Out Of 1/8" Thick Maple?

[fyb]

Hi! I was thinking about making some flamey maple pickguards for a few guitars. I think standard pickguards are .090" thick, so I was thinking about getting some 1/8" (.125") maple for the project. I figure I'd lose a bit in sanding and stuff, but it'll still probably be close to 1/8" when done, I think.

My questions for you then . . . will this work OK? Is 1/8" maple going to be strong enough? If it's a little thicker than standard pickguards, will the pots and stuff still fit OK?

Thanks for the info!

[ryanb]

Yes it will be strong enough, but it may not stay flat enough for very long. Make sure it is properly dried and then seal it up on both sides and the edges really well.

[postal]

I've seen custom shop maple top strats with matching maple pickgards. Tey are in the neighborhood of 1/8 thick. Maybe 1/10 thick.

[prs man]

you should be fine as long as you seal it good on both sides and put some clear finish on it.

I have made wood pickguards with no trouble.

you might find you like them better for your project and you could make different pickguards out of different wood to go with what your working on.

[erikbojerik]

I personally would use epoxy to stabilize it flat, I think it would look great.

[soapbarstrat]

I've made a few out of oak , less than 1/8" thick.

They aint too pretty, but it was a way to use some of the oak flooring scrap that was given to me.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/552631...061584286jkJmeA

I still like them better than plastic. I used Danish oil for the finish, but will probably just wipe a coat of wax on the next one. Very first one I made (the rough practice one) was pine with a super thin oak veneer, plywood, thinned down to under 1/8" thick, and I didn't put any finish on it, and the recordings I made (sorry, old cassette tape method) with that pickguard sound great. Better than the later finished Oak guard.