Silly cosmetic pickguard turmoil (trans green)

[nsps]

Hi all, been reading for a while but just joined to ask for some advice...

So I've got all the sound-related specs worked out on my black korina body with a dark trans green nitro finish, but I can't come to a solid choice for the pickguard. I was originally going to do black pearloid, but think that might compete with the grain of the wood and maybe be tacky no matter what. So now I'm thinking maybe I should go with white or creme or something.

In the photoshopped file I worked out, Tort looked better than I expected.

Anyone with similar bodies (or not) have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[RDM]

Ever think of going with a clear pickuard? They sell blanks over at stewmac. It may be an idea if you don't want something that's going to compete or look tacky with your finish.

[Balance]

I've seen tortoise guards on some sherwood green strats, and it's a really good match. If you don't want to go with the tortoise, white and cream both look really good against sherwood green. I can see black working okay with a tele, but less okay with a strat.

[nsps]

Thanks for the advice, rondillon and Balance. based on the Photoshop mockup I did, the Tortoise actually looks quite nice and classy—I was worried it'd look like a Christmas nightmare.

While a lot of people like them, the clear pickguards have never been to my taste. My only explanation is that it feels like trying to pretend that it's not there...or something.

[John Page]

I'd go with the tortoise. Make sure it's one of the nice dark ones, at least IMO.

[nsps]

Good point. A brighter one might make it look too much like Christmas.

[John Page]

Although, in his defense, Santa does have that "when no ones looking" thing going for him...

[zaguitart]

What color are your pickups and knobs?

[nsps]

Probably nickel (although tortoise might work well with gold).