We specialise in reproducing Fender Red Tortoise Shell pickguards, at a price that wont break the bank!
As a longtime fan of offset guitars due to bands like My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, etc, I’ve always been captivated by the vintage aesthetic of these instruments—especially the iconic red tortoiseshell pickguards that define their look.
I noticed tort guards that capture the classic style often come with a hefty price tag - sometimes doubling the cost of the entire build, when it came to my own builds... Motivated to find a better solution, I dove into extensive research, closely studied original guards, and experimented over time to develop pickguards that not only embody the vintage vibe but also faithfully match the distinctive patterns of the 1960s originals—while offering a unique craftsmanship all my own, without actual Celluloid products being used, both in order to avoid the shrinkage, warping and cracking that can preset issues down the line, and keeping prices affordable - which was important to me.
Whether you have a specific year or model in mind, a favorite vintage pickguard you want replicated, or a custom colour and pattern you’d like to create, I’m here to collaborate and bring your vision to life. If you have an original vintage guard you want reproduced due to shrinkage/cracking, I can often replicate it faithfully. Please speak with me to discuss!
Please note, every pickguard is 100% handmade. While they may not have the perfectly glass-smooth finish of mass-produced factory made modern pickguards, I take great pride in crafting each piece as close to perfection as possible, bringing that 60's vibe to each one. My pickguards use a modern celluloid alternative material (not traditional celluloid), and a complex layering process to build up the desired effect + colour scheme, and a thick resin clear top. Due to my methods, these do take a bit to make, I will always give an estimated time for production, and do my best to update each customer as I go with custom orders.
Feel free to explore our [Gallery] to see examples of my work, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or custom requests at pickfordguards@gmail.com.