The Making Of

The Making Of
Celluloid Nitrate Strat Pickguards

Putting to rest the myths of the nitrate pickguards used on Fender Stratocasters 1959 - 1965.

1963 pickguard. While the color is hard to capture in photos - it is very clear the top of the guard has changed drastically and the Bottom has not. Note the yellow stains left by the pickup "donuts". Also note the acetone cleaning in the top left corner. It is possible to clean/renew Celluloid to a point.

This back shot shows the "white" layers of Mint guards are only slightly mint. The modern PVC guards are way to fake looking green. The "mint" is actually the effect of UV light, oxygen and natural toxins. Celluloid, like lacquer, yellows with time.

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