Handmade Tru-Tort Pickguards

Beautiful reproduction tortoise for vintage-style acoustic guitars. The look of actual tortoise shell, complete with semi-transparent amber areas that intensify the soundboard color.

Each Tru-Tort pickguard is individually handmade.  Our pickguards are individually created using our resin casting technique.  The actual appearance can differ considerably from the stock photos.  Each guard is a careful work of art.  No two have exactly the same pattern.  As these are handmade there may be slight irregularities in the surface of the guard.

Durable, self-adhesive, and approximately 1.5 mm thick!  No more paper thin, printed pepperoni pickguards!  They won't shrink or crack like celluloid and the edges are naturally beveled.

Tru-Tortis is a handsome material which artistically uses poured resins and dyes to reproduce the color and 3-dimensional depth of antique Hawksbill tortoise shell. Co-owner Jonathan developed our process after receiving a constant flow of customers frustrated with the standard fare of cheep, thin, printed pickguards.

Removing your old pickguard: 

These instructions can be viewed in the video below. Depending on the instrument, some pickguards may be a cinch to remove while others stick quite well and require care to avoid damage. The first thing you want to know is what finish is on the instrument and whether the pickguard adheres to finish or directly to bare wood.

Most pickguards require heating to soften the adhesive prior to removal, a task that warrants caution as overheating lacquer and delicate finishes can cause them to blister and create an enormous problem.  A hairdryer is a great way to soften the adhesive, but not get things too hot.

Finishes, like Taylor's U. V. cured finish and other polyester finishes withstand heat far better than lacquer and shellac.

There are a number of items to help aid the removal from a plastic putty blade to dental floss and thin fishing line. Sticky residue left behind can usually be removed with Naphtha, which would be safe on a variety of finishes though a bit slow for the more durable surfaces. 

Installing your new pickguard: 

These instructions can be viewed in the demonstration video below.  Removing the strings and carefully cleaning the guitar's surface prior to starting is extremely important. 

First, place the guard in the exact position desired, and tape down the straightest edge. This allows the guard to fold back on the tape "hinge" and be laid back precisely. 

Second, warm the pickguard with a hairdryer.  This allows the guard to be more pliable as you lay it down.  Lay the "hinged door" back over the soundhole and remove the 3M backing.  Begin to press the pickguard down into position carefully ensuring you move from the soundhole outward (Note: it helps to bend the pickguard slightly backward as you press).  This prevents the capture of air underneath the pickguard.