Terrapin Guitars - What I need From You

If you do not see the pick guard you are looking for
anywhere on this web site then
I will need an original or a tracing to duplicate.

I sent you the link to this page because you may have missed it on the home page or because I feel like your question can be answerd by the information provided on this page.

I'm showing you this information because based on your question you may be asking if I have done something specific before or if I have the template for the particular pick guard you are asking about.

If you have received this link as a reply to your email question then let me first apologize if I have offended you in any way by just sending you this link. I get these kind of questions all of the time, dozens per day, and I have to explain it again and again so this is just the most efficient way for me to communicate my answer. In doing it this way I can be more productive and keep the production flowing by saving time answering the same basic question over and over.

What I Need From You
In order to make you a pick guard I will need:

• An original Pick Guard or a tracing to duplicate - You can specify any pickup or control configuration you want. It does not have to match your original but clear instructions as to what your needs ar will be required. Please see the following page: Sending Tracings Or Originals

Any alternate pickup configuration that specifies a specific pickup you want to use will require that you provide exact pickup hole dimensions and mounting hole spacing or you will need to provide a link to the exact page on the manufacturers web site that gives this information. Failure to provide accurate detailed dimensions will result in me doing the best I can with what I have to work with and no returns will be accepted if it is not what you were expecting.

There is no extra charge for me to reconfigure an existing pick guard with a new pickup configuration or eliminatin certian pot holes etc. I offer many pickup options. I am not limited to what you might find on my site. If you can get me the specs I can probably do it.

If you provide a tracing then you will need to be specific in indicating which sides are to have a beveled edge and which holes are to be countersunk. If you have specific pot hole or switch hole size requirements then you will need to specify them as well. This is not a machine shop so there will be certain allowable tolerances on any pot or switch hole.

What's a beveled edge? info here.
What's a countersunk Hole" info here

• Your contact information and order instructions - You will need to provide clear and readable contact information and order instructions.

Please do not assume that because we discussed something by phone or email that I will know what your order is all about or who you are once I receive your package.

• A note on Lead time / turnaround time or in other words "How Long Does It take?" - You can read my turnaround time policy.

It basically takes two to three weeks for me to complete most orders. If you are sending me an original or a tracing you can expect three weeks unless for some reason something goes wrong on my end or I run into some other unforeseen circumstances.

If you fail to provide accurate information or follow the tracing guidelines I have laid out on this web site or in my making a tracing video then it will delay your order.

Ordering And Payment

• Ordering and Payment - There really is no efficient streamlined way for you to order a pick guard on my web site for which you intend to send me an original or a tracing.

My preference is that you send me what you intend to send and I will contact you for payment once I receive and have evaluated your order instructions. I prefer you not send me any PayPal funds until I have received your package.

If we have agreed on a price beforehand you can include a check or money order with your order.

When I contact you for payment it will be by primarily by email if you have provided and accurate email address for me to reach you or by phone if no email is indicated in your contact information. If no contact information is included I will wait for you.

All order timelines begin on the day the order payment is received.

Pricing And Quotes

• Pricing and Price Quotes - I'm happy to provide you with a price quote in a timely manner if I can. It can be very easy for you to determine a rough price quote on your own from my site.

Pricing is primarily prices on two factors. Pick Guard Size and Material Color Selection.

If you are sending me a tracing or original then the template fee will be based on size and complexity of the guard in question. Most small stuff like acoustic guards, Les Paul® DOT and others will require a $10.00 template fe and anything beyond that in size will be $20.00. In some rare cases if the guard is very large or complex I the fee may be more.

To determine a price for the Pick Guard fabrication you first find a pick guard from the pick guard list on my home page that is close in size to the one you are inquiring about. Go to the order page which will show you a list of options. Of those options you want to focus on the Materials Option which lists the different materials I offer and the price for that specific pick guard size.

There are basically three sizes. Smaller stuff like DOT, Les Paul® etc., Medium size like Tele®, Strat® Jazz Bass etc. and Larger size like 72 Tele® Deluxe or P-Bass etc.

There are some that may be larger. Do the best you can and let me know by email what you have determined and I'll confirm at that point or make any corrections that may be necessary and get you a final price.

Material Selection

• Material Selection - I often get asked if I have a certain material and again the time it takes to repeatedly tell people No or to look at my materials gallery to see what I have can be a burden to my busy schedule.

So please look at my Materials Gallery and read the text on the pages that explain where to find more materials that may be available such as decorative acrylics or other specialty materials that I may be able to get for engraving.

Also take time to read about what can and cannot be engraved if you are inquiring about engraved pick guards or truss rod covers.