• From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Topic: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

I have an 08 Les paul that I put black plastic on shortly after I got it.  The factory plastic was very peach/pink colored and I hated it.  Does anyone know where I can get the plastic parts in a much lighter off white color?  All the pictures of older pauls appear to have very light cream colored plastic, and some of the historic models also, but it's too tough to really tell due to the light that might be shining on them in the photos.  I hate to order something and it shows up looking like the crap I already have.  I'm getting a little bored with the black and would like to change it up a bit.  Thanks. -Seth

  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

helrazr84 wrote:

I have an 08 Les paul that I put black plastic on shortly after I got it.  The factory plastic was very peach/pink colored and I hated it.  Does anyone know where I can get the plastic parts in a much lighter off white color?  All the pictures of older pauls appear to have very light cream colored plastic, and some of the historic models also, but it's too tough to really tell due to the light that might be shining on them in the photos.  I hate to order something and it shows up looking like the crap I already have.  I'm getting a little bored with the black and would like to change it up a bit.  Thanks. -Seth

Depends how much you want to pay.
I would recommend RSGuitarworks for colour accuracy. They look good...There are also the fake58 or many other replica companies that make accurate plastics. Personally, I like RSguitarworks.

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Thanks.  I don't feel the need to spend a lot of money.  As long as they fit right and are a better color than what came on it from Gibson.  I didn't think to check RS.  I got a wiring kit from them, good company.

  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Hmm unless you go generic, then RS is probably the best bet. What about Gibson Historic parts?

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

I don't think the Gibson "historic" pickguard will fit correctly onto a Les Paul Traditional model.  I think the sizing is a bit off.  I'll keep checking around.  Be nice to try and bleach my plastics somehow to a better shade.

  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Then chances are, the RS may not fit either. I wasn't sure if your guitar was a Historic or not.

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Contact Kim LaFleur at Retrospec (Historic Makeovers). Phone him up and tell him what you have and what you want. He's a great guy and will not try to sell you something you don't need.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

OK, hear me out.  I've praised these guys for 3 years and haven't been disappointed but once.  That said Guitar fetish has some rings that are $4.95 that should fit.  When they say it will fit no mods required I believe them.  The only time I was disappointed with them I wasn't exactly sure what I was buying.  They offered a refund but shipping it back would have cost exactly what I had in to this part I bought so I just decided it was better to eat it then to pay shipping and have nothing.  These are $5 so if they don't fix right your not out on anything really, but I bet money they will work perfectly.  I know the flesh color your discribing and I have the same issues with my dads Les Paul traditional pro.  I woud have changed it but the binding is the same color and I thought well it's harder to change that plus the pickups are zebra so they are like that flesh color too.  Its just Gibson trying to make you pay more for a color thats right rather then give you what you want.  Here is the link http://www.guitarfetish.com/Pair-Cream- … p_591.html

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Hey thanks guys.  AD3: My SG standard's binding is that real pinkish color, but I don't mind it cause the hardware is different all together.  I like the stuff from Guitar fetish, I'll check them out.  And Wharris: I'll look him up too.  There is a philly luthier tool company that sells a vintage white LP pickguard, they're one eBay.  But again, I'm not sure if the pickup cutouts will match up correctly.

  • Registered: 2011-02-08
  • Posts: 18

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Best lookin LP pickguard I have seen my friend fabricated in his garage.
Made a template with his original, then built one out of a sheet of hardened steel.
Cut to size, drilled holes, then spent hours hand pollishing.
Turned out almost chrome ( Silversurferish )
badass and cheap if you have the tools
Im tryin to get him to do a strat pickguard for me. Soon enough
Todd

Ceriatone OTS FM50 build #1,Ceriatone 2550 build #2, Ceriatone HRM w/ EL34's build #3,
Trainwreck Express clone build #4 More to come because I am addicted now!
Steve Morse signature EBMM original model ,50th anniv American Strat
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

All Parts has plastic in white.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2008-08-24
  • Posts: 181

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

I had the same mismatched trouble with my '09 standard.  I threw all my plastics into  a pan of coffee for a few days.   It "evened"  them right out! big_smile

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

does it permanently smell like coffee now?  hmm
that was my only worry

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

I know people soak their strat pickguards and knobs in black coffee to dirty them up for the road warrior look.  I wonder if they do reak of stale coffee afterwards?

  • Registered: 2008-08-24
  • Posts: 181

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

I couldn't tell ya!  My nose has been broken 4 times-I can't even smell gasoline! lol

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Les Paul Pick Guard, Plastics...

Man don't like a match then.

I tried this a few years ago I sat my strat out on a pool table under floresent light blubs for a few weeks to knock the shine down a bit because it was so shiny and clean you couldn't see the wood grain in pictures well.  I didn't think it did a thing until I took the pickguard off and saw the orignal finish was as bright as it could be.  The glair was still there but it looks a lot older then 10 years of age now.

AD3THREE's Website