P-Bass (PBA-4)

[FrankenWashie]

Thank you Simon. Much appreciated.
One more question this time regarding the pick guard - I want to replace the stock white pickguard with a black one - I ordered a 3 ply blank - what is the best way to cut it into shape? (Jigsaw,hacksaw)?

Thanks

HI Shimmix,

you can cut the pickguard material with a fine bladed saw, but it is far easier to use a coping saw as it is far more maneuverable. You can cut it roughly to your required shape with a hacksaw and then tidy up the detail work with sandpaper/files.
the other thing you can do is to make an MDF template, and then use a small trim router to cut to shape. you can get a 45 degree trimming bit with a guide bearing which will also allow you to bevel the edge.

FOrum member Pablo pepper also custom cuts these for people and he may be able to help if you are not sure how to go about doing it yourself.

Cheers and good luck with your build!

[Shimmix]

HI Shimmix,

you can cut the pickguard material with a fine bladed saw, but it is far easier to use a coping saw as it is far more maneuverable. You can cut it roughly to your required shape with a hacksaw and then tidy up the detail work with sandpaper/files.
the other thing you can do is to make an MDF template, and then use a small trim router to cut to shape. you can get a 45 degree trimming bit with a guide bearing which will also allow you to bevel the edge.

FOrum member Pablo pepper also custom cuts these for people and he may be able to help if you are not sure how to go about doing it yourself.

Cheers and good luck with your build!

Thanks FrankenWashie!
That's helpful. Since I currently don't have a router (was stolen when my shed was ransacked), I will try the hacksaw and sanding paper/files method.

[JohnH]

Since I currently don't have a router (was stolen when my shed was ransacked), I will try the hacksaw and sanding paper/files method.

Man, that sucks. Did you lose much stuff? For what it's worth, the hacksaw/sanding process isn't very difficult or even particularly tedious, so you're not losing out particularly by not having access to a router.

[FrankenWashie]

Thanks FrankenWashie!
That's helpful. Since I currently don't have a router (was stolen when my shed was ransacked), I will try the hacksaw and sanding paper/files method.

You're very welcome; Dirty rotten light fingered mongrels, hope they get their karma payback.

[Shimmix]

You're very welcome; Dirty rotten light fingered mongrels, hope they get their karma payback.

Thanks, I hope so too
I found an amazing store I didn't know existed, that sells Shellac and pigments of all sorts... I was like a kid in a candy store..
anyway - will continue my work tomorrow on the body - re sanding the primer coat untill smooth and applying the shellac.