A warped guitar pickguard is a common problem that can occur on both electric and acoustic guitars. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in temperature and humidity, exposure to sunlight, and accidental damage.
Diagnosing a Warped Pickguard
There are a few ways to diagnose a warped pickguard. The first is to simply look at it from the side. If the pickguard is not flat, and instead has a slight curve or wave to it, then it is warped.
Another way to diagnose a warped pickguard is to try to fit it back onto the guitar. If the pickguard does not fit snugly against the body of the guitar, or if it creates gaps between the pickguard and the guitar body, then it is warped.
Fixing a Warped Pickguard
There are a few different ways to fix a warped pickguard. The most common method is to use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the pickguard until it is pliable. Once the pickguard is pliable, you can bend it back into shape and then clamp it in place until it cools down and hardens.
Another way to fix a warped pickguard is to use a heat lamp or oven. To do this, simply place the pickguard on a flat surface and place the heat lamp or oven over it. Heat the pickguard until it is pliable, and then bend it back into shape. Once the pickguard is in the desired shape, remove it from the heat lamp or oven and clamp it in place until it cools down and hardens.
If your pickguard is severely warped, you may need to take it to a professional guitar technician to have it fixed. A guitar technician will have the tools and experience to fix a warped pickguard without damaging it.
Here are some detailed instructions on how to fix a warped pickguard using a heat gun:
- Remove the pickguard from the guitar.
- Set the heat gun to a medium setting.
- Heat the pickguard evenly, starting from the edges and working your way towards the center.
- Once the pickguard is pliable, bend it back into shape using your hands.
- Clamp the pickguard in place using a flat surface and some heavy objects.
- Allow the pickguard to cool down and harden completely before reattaching it to the guitar.
Here are some tips for fixing a warped pickguard:
- Be careful not to overheat the pickguard, as this can damage it.
- Wear gloves when handling the pickguard, as it will be hot after heating.
- Be careful not to bend the pickguard too sharply, as this can also damage it.
- If you are having trouble bending the pickguard into shape, you can try heating it up again.
- Once the pickguard is in the desired shape, clamp it in place and allow it to cool down completely before reattaching it to the guitar.
If you follow these instructions, you should be able to fix a warped guitar pickguard with ease.
