Lashing Celluloid Nitrate Strat Pickguards
FAQ
Q: Are these real celluloid?
A: Yes. All 3 layers are Celluloid Nitrate. Not PVC or vinyl
Q: Are these the same guards Primitive Parts or SoandSo's Refinishing sells?
A: No. We are in no way affiliated. They SOMETIMES use thin Celluloid sheet over PVC but usually sell all vinyl guards. Lashing guards were manufactured from the ground up using CELLULOID. Be wary of those who use words like "Celluloid look". Unfortunately, you have to probe and ask specific questions. I do not play these games. I guarantee Lashing Guards are 100% celluloid thru and thru. No one else can do that for you which you will find for yourself shopping around.
Q: Do you take Credit Cards or Paypal?
A: We now take moneybookers which takes all forms of Credit Cards and I believe even Paypal.
Q: I notice Allparts guards are thinner than vintage ones. Are yours the same?
A: No. Allparts uses PVC. They also use widely available sheet goods which the standard gauges have changed over the years. That's why all today's guards are around .090" thickness. Lashing had to make our own celluloid in order to get the color and thickness right to equal a correct .100" guard.
Q: Others claim to have .100" guards and what's the big deal about this?
A: First of all what they have isn't celluloid. As for thickness, this is an increasingly frustrating trend in all industries. Sellers take any sheet thickness close to .100" and call it so. However when you measure them its .090 or .095". Confront them they'll come back with the "close enough" excuse. Lashing guards actually measure .100" with calipers. Tolerance is 2 one thousands so our guards will measure from .100 - .102". Vintage Fender guards had a looser tolerance and can be anywhere from .098 - .102". Vintage 59-65 Fender 3 ply guards never measure less than .098" (yes this is perceivable by eye, and obvious to the seasoned collector) We found no reason to spend all this money manufacturing a product that wasn't totally correct. Again, we didn't just slap off the shelf sheet good together for one reason - it wouldn't result in the correct thickness or color. We had to make our own. Lashing Celluloid is EXACTLY the same stuff on vintage Fenders. The point of the whole exercise was EXACT vintage recreation for those who demand the best - not close enough or "sorta".
Q: Can't I just import celluloid from China?
A: Sure. You can do whatever you like. We didn't however and here's why: Chinese Celluloid sheets are not available in thickness's that would result in a .100" guard. Also, its not the right color. Lastly and most important, Chinese Celluloid has UV inhibitors. Its not the same stuff.
Q: Why are your guards so much $
A: See all the above. We made these from raw materials on up. Its not a simple process to manufacture, ship and process the raw materials let alone develop it into a finished good. There is a reason why we are the only ones to have done it since the 60's. Acquiring real vintage pieces, destroying one to get the color perfect, heck just getting the raw material across borders .... this project cost tens of thousands and took 2 years. There is a reason even Fender has not done it - its very expensive and time consuming for just a small amount of product. Larger company's look at the time and cost then toss the idea. Lashing is a slave to vintage so it was a labor of love. We are not getting rich off the relatively few for sale. Celluloid is a specialty product. New plastics have made it obsolete for all but this very purpose. - vintage repro. In another 10 years I doubt it will be available at all.
Q: How much if I buy 2?
A: It cost the same to ship 4 as it does one, so you can save shipping. As for the purchase price, unless you are buying 10 and paying by cash there isn't much we can do for you.
Q: So and So claims to offer Celluloid Guards ...
A: Lashing Guitars is the only place to have made EXACT Strat guards since the 60's period. We have seen others claim they have it but when you ask the right questions you get to the bottom of it. Some have layered white, parchment or "green" celluloid on top of PVC. This obviously is not correct. Others have taken sheet goods both the wrong color and thickness and sell it as vintage spec. Simply ask these vendors that claim to have Celluloid guard's if their product is 100%, all 3 layers Celluloid in .100" thickness. Its that easy. When you get tired of the run around, come back and see me. I hold no grudges. This business is my passion and I do not mind being put to the test.
Q: I'd like to be a dealer of your products
A: Send me an email (lashing@lashingguitars.com). There are people all over the world who would appreciate a supplier close to home. Of course, I ask for certain minimums and business ethics.
We get some good and odd questions daily. Don't be afraid to add yours to the list. We do not mention where the questions come. Chances are someone else has the same curiosity so fire away.
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