Cool Scratchplate

NorioDS

Nicely done, I think...

http://bluesboyburb.deviantart.com/art/Guitar-56376017

Spyke

Nice... i like it.

Wouldn't copy it but the B/W contrast works nicely together. Very funky!

Spanish_Fly

very smart
i would get 1
?

AlanRatcliffe

Nice! Very distinctive and original.

Deaan-Vivier

I kinda like it. I think it will look cool jumping around on stage in a punk band.

Wessel

cool cartoon characters! , if you zoom in its something totally different from what you see at firts. Looks awesome

SimoneMeyer

Nice! I like it! Very original...and artistic!

Gray

That scratch plate is broken, now the question is how to get one, im guessing this one is custom. anyone do custom scratch plates in S.A?

AlanRatcliffe

Not that I know of. I make my own by hand, but it's too lengthy a process to do it commercially.

I usually tell guys wanting custom graphics to get a transparent pickguard from Stewmac and then print a cool pic on some decent paper and fit it under the pickguard. Advantage is you can change the graphic every few months if you want to.

Jay

Bit off scatchplates but look at these.

http://www.simscustom.com/html/guitar_of_the_month.htm

Gray

I make my own by hand, but it's too lengthy a process to do it commercially

Is it complicated in terms of tools required, skills needed or is it just long and time consuming requiring minimal skill in terms of construct?

Is any of your scratch plate work showcased here Alan?

AlanRatcliffe

I don't do custom graphics, and I've moved away from guitars with pickguards, although I've still got two.

Here is my Cort G-VT with a pearloid plate I made:

Bigger pic here

I originally made the pickguard as I needed one that had three single-coils, instead of the original HSS. I've also done a matching trem and jack cavity cover too. The pickguard was made for a different bridge and with a mini-toggle between the two volumes, so I'll have to make a new one sometime when I get a chance - probably from wood.

It's a pretty straightforward job as long as you pay attention to detail and is a days work done properly. I used to cut out the rough shape with a jig saw, drill holes for screws and the pickups and do the rest with a few files and a blade to scrape the bevel smooth. These days I use a Dremel with a small router bit to do both the outline and the pickup holes. I countersink all the screw holes (including switch and pickup holes) with a drill press and use the smaller Gibson size screws for the guard, so I can get them flush with the surface.

It's a solid days work, so I only do it if I have to.

NorioDS

Here's a crazy question but I'll ask it any way ?

If someone paid you for each full day, would you make them a custom scratchplate? Say cutting takes 1 day and then there's another day or 5 for drawing something on it from a template, or something, and they paid you full-price, would you do it?

I'm asking coz you get those types of nutters out there that will pay the full price for something totally unique and, if you don't mind the work, it could be a good way to make some bucks. You could even write an eBook about it if it ever becomes a huge trend -- so others can follow in your footsteps.

Crazy talk, I know, but I believe I make most of my money from being a little crazy ;D

AlanRatcliffe

Eight hours at R200 p.h.? Yeah right... "Here's your pickguard sir, that will be R1,600." Fine doing it for myself where all I'm paying for is materials.

There are guys on the internet with CAD/CAM machines that can cut anything quickly and easily that will do it for $35 or so. If it's a Strat or Tele or something common, hundreds of places have all kinds of graphics and materials.

cain

I reckon the transparent pickguard is the easiest way to do this ... looks neat as
welll