Custom scratchplates?

[brensabre79]

Hi there good folks of Basschat.

I have a 1980s Japanese Fender Telecaster '72 Thinline guitar that needs a new scratchplate (previous owner covered with stickers, then scratched them off with a blunt object). Unfortunately the US, MIM models are a slightly different size and don't fit. It seems the usual suspects (allparts, WD etc.) only cater for the US / MIM models. The pic is one of them, only about 4 of the screws line up, te rest aren't even close. As old as it is, I'd rather not drill new holes in the body.

So I'm looking for someone who can make me a new one. I have the original to send (or trace) I don't want one of those Scratch-it type ones though, just a traditional looking black/cream/black 3 ply.

Any recommendations please?
thanks

I know this is technically guitar related, but basses have scratchplates too and I thought I'd post here for best response.
Mods please move if you are offended by the thin strings.

[12stringbassist]

http://www.originalscratchplates.com/

[karlfer]

As above ^^^^^^^^^^^

TimAl of this parish, top class work, great service and price. Even etched a little Eye of Horus on one of my plates.
[url="http://www.originalscratchplates.com/"]http://www.originalscratchplates.com/[/url]

Edited November 24, 2015 by karlfer

[brensabre79]

Thanks Guys, but the Scratch-it ones at that link appear to be clear plastic with a printed vinyl behind.
Whilst these are pretty cool, I'm looking for something more like the original on my 30 year old guitar.
I can't see any 3 ply traditional style ones on the site, but if I'm missing something do say.

[karlfer]

Ask Tim himself, he can only say no.
Very happy with mine

[URL=http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Karl_Altdorfer/media/008_zpssqdxnuof.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q693/Karl_Altdorfer/008_zpssqdxnuof.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[brensabre79]

Thanks Karl, but he's already said as much on another site unfortunately, it's a completely different process and material.

Like I said, on another instrument I'd probably get a Scratch-it plate (yours looks great btw), but I'm after something more original looking for this one. I never thought a simple 3 ply b-w-b would be such a huge ask, especially when i can get one with a unicorn shooting laser beams from its eyes while pooping rainbows, in space! from TimAl, but there it is..

I found that Sims custom do do the more traditional kind, but their website seems to imply that they will only take on certain projects. I thought there might be more people out there doing custom scrathplates to be honest, there's lots in the US.

[karlfer]

Sorry, no more ideas I'm afraid, good luck.

[ikay]

Jack's Instrument Services in Manchester make custom pickguards and should be able to replicate your original guard - [url="http://www.jacksinstrumentservices.com/custom-scratchplate-cutting.html"]http://www.jacksinst...te-cutting.html[/url]

Edited November 25, 2015 by ikay

[leftybassman392]

Not wanting to tread on any toes, but have you thought of doing it yourself? I don't know about sourcing the material these days, but if you're at all handy with a few basic tools it's really not hard to get a convincing result.

[Panamonte]

[quote name='brensabre79' timestamp='1448386123' post='2914990']
I found that Sims custom do do the more traditional kind, but their website seems to imply that they will only take on certain projects. I thought there might be more people out there doing custom scrathplates to be honest, there's lots in the US.
[/quote]

Worth dropping Sims a line and seeing what they can do. I sent them an American Deluxe P bass scratchplate to copy. Found them great to deal with and very helpful.

[chriswareham]

Jack's instrument services did a scratchplate and truss rod cover in b-w-b three ply for one of my instruments. Very pleased with the results.

[brensabre79]

Thanks folks.
I couldn't access Jack's website yesterday so assumed they were no longer around. But today it's all there again.
Which is typical, as I've now ordered a blank b-w-b sheet and traced myself a template!
So, when that comes out like a dogs dinner, I'll give Jack a call!