Guitarists know that a pickguard (aka: scratchplate) can do more than just protect an instrument’s finish—it also plays a big role in its aesthetic. Here at Armstrong Music we’re proud to offer thousands of custom pickguard and scratchplate templates for a wide variety of guitar makes and models. However, with so many instruments out there and new models always emerging, we might not hold a template for your particular guitar model. Whether you want a unique shape, a specific pickup configuration, or simply need a replacement, our custom pickguards and scratchplates are tailored to meet your exact needs.
How to Provide an Accurate Outline for Custom Pickguards
For the most accurate fit, sending us the original pickguard is the best option. If you choose to do so, we strongly recommend packing it securely to prevent bending or damage during transit and using a registered and tracked postal or courier service for peace of mind. However, if you’d rather keep your original safe, providing a high-quality outline is an excellent alternative.
Here are some guidelines for ensuring the outline of your custom scratchplate is precise:
- Use a fine-tipped pen: To ensure the most accurate tracing of your pickguard, opt for a fine-tipped pen. Avoid thick markers or broad-tip pens, as these can distort the outline. While a sharpened pencil is acceptable, it doesn’t produce as clear a result when we scan the outline into our system.
- Trace on Standard Printer Paper: Lay the pickguard, top side up, on a clean sheet of standard printer/copier paper. If your pickguard is oversized, feel free to tape two sheets together. Please avoid using unconventional materials like napkins, tracing paper, or cardboard.
- Include Every Detail: Carefully trace every cut and hole in the pickguard, including pickup slots, switch slots, potentiometer holes, mounting screw holes, and any adjustment screw holes. If you’re modifying the electronics configuration, clearly indicate these changes on the outline, ensuring that any new pickup positions or dimensions are marked with precision.
- Leave the Outline Uncut: Once the tracing is complete, please avoid cutting out the outline. Send the full sheet with your tracing intact, as this allows us to capture every measurement accurately.
- Folding and Mailing: To keep things simple, you can fold the paper and mail it in a standard business envelope—no need for a bulky box. This saves on postage and ensures we receive your tracing without unnecessary handling.
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Processing Time: Custom pickguard tracings are processed in the order they’re received during business hours. Most tracings are ready for production within 1 - 2 weeks.
Why Precision Matters
We take pride in producing custom scratchplates that match your specifications, but your outline is crucial. A precise tracing ensures a perfect fit, so please take your time following the above instructions. Custom pickguards and scratchplates made from non-standard templates are non-returnable, so accuracy is essential.
Avoiding Tracing Mistakes for Custom Pickguards
When providing an outline for a custom pickguard, precision is key. Below, we've included two examples to illustrate the difference between an unsuitable and a suitable tracing:
Bad Tracing Example:
The first image highlights common issues with a poor tracing:
- Thick lines from a black marker create ambiguity around the edges.
- Double lines or corrections make it difficult to determine the intended shape.
- Screw hole locations lack clarity, adding to the challenge of replicating the guard accurately.
Good Tracing Example
The second image demonstrates an ideal tracing:
- A clean, thin line clearly defines the pickguard shape.
- Screw holes are neatly represented with small, round circles.
- There are no overlapping lines, ensuring the outline is easy to interpret.
When creating a tracing, we recommend using a fine-tip pen or pencil for precision and avoiding markers or double lines. Place the pickguard securely on a flat surface and trace slowly to capture the exact shape.
Get In Contact
If you're interested in creating a custom pickguard, we encourage you to reach out to us by email first. Our team at Armstrong Music will gladly discuss your specific requirements and provide a personalised quote. Prices can vary depending on the size of the pickguard and the material chosen—whether you’re looking for thick or thin black, white, cream, parchment, celluloid tortoiseshell, Bakelite, acrylic mirrors, pearloids, or more. Once you’re happy with the quote and have created an accurate template, please send it to us at the following address:
Armstrong Music
Woodreeve Farm
Capel Road
Ruckinge
Ashford
Kent
TN26 2EJ
United Kingdom
We look forward to helping you create the perfect pickguard for your instrument!
