Pickguard dilemma

[John Boyd]

Hello all,
I am currently putting together a 60's style Strat, in Fiesta Red of course, but I have a problem.
What colour pickguard, pickup covers and knobs etc should I use - 3ply white or mint green?
Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
JB

[RogerCook]

3 ply for a rosewood neck, single ply for maple

[JimN]

Early 1960s multi-ply celluloid-based 'guards were white when made, but turned green over a period of years. The effect was certainly noticeable by the end of the decade, which is about when collectors and dealers began to remark on it.

Fender had switched to a different material by about 1966 or 1967. The newer material did not age in the same way.

So... it depends on the effect you're seeking.

A "new" early 60s guitar?

White ply.

An aged guitar from 1959 - 1966?

Mint green.

[RUSSET]

Definitely a three-ply pickguard for a Rosewood board Strat. White is rather stark & bright to my way of thinking, but it's your taste that matters. The Mint one is nice, as it is quite pale & not obviously Green. I believe they also do a pale cream/parchment shade one too. A subtle contrast with the shade of the pickup covers & the knobs looks quite nice. Of course, you could go with a complete contrast & go for brown tortoiseshell, like Jet's P.Bass. I think that works too.

Tony.

[negninegaw]

The green one will look even greener because of the complementary colour contrast...Quite ugly that is.

[Uncle Fiesta]

I don't know why they call them mint green, because they only go slightly green, even the very old ones, and I find white can look very stark.

Tortoiseshell looks good with some colours, and in my opinion red is one of them.

[John Boyd]

Gentlemen,
Thank you all for your contributions.
I have sets of 3ply white and 3ply mint p/guards and accessories waiting for the decision to be made.
What to do? Now I have to decide if I want a brand new or aged looking instrument.
I'm leaning a little - just a little towards brand new, since all the components are brand new.
Anyone with some knowledge of star signs reading this will recognise one of the traits of a Libran -
an inability to make a speedy decision.
Just how I got through a 40 year career as a TV director having to make split second decisions, I don't know!!
As for the pickguard, I still don't know, but thanks again for your input.
Cheers,
JB

[John Boyd]

New Year greetings to all from downunder
My pickguard problem is no more - I made a decision!
The beautiful Fiesta red body now sports a Fender parchment colour pickguard and knobs etc.
I'm really pleased with the look and want to thank all who helped me resolve the situation.
Cheers,
JB

[David Martin]

Good choice!

[Paisley]

Parchment goes great with red if you're wanting to retain a white guard but not have it quite as stark. I had the same problem with my candy apple red Jazzmaster when I bought it; it came with a white guard & pickup covers that were so stark it looked like a supernova sitting in the middle of the Guitar!

I was actually considering parchment; however I ended up getting hold of a brown tort guard that looked a million dollars with the CAR.