Question Buttons & Shrinkage

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Are the tortoise shell pickguards used on the Big Al (4 or 5) of the standard variety?

The reason I ask, is that I have read that on occasion the buttons have gotten stuck on the pickguards for a few individuals and I know that over time, standard tortoise (I am not sure about the pearloids) can and do shrink. This could potentially cause issues with the buttons. I know the Big Al is still new, so I would imagine that this would be more of a potential problem in many years from now. They do make "faux" torts, don't they?

 

[jlepre]

You mean an actual turtle gave up his shell for my pickguard?

Seriously, I thought they were just plastic.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I had one and after many years, the top layer started coming off and was slipping over the screw holes. I asked some buddies about it, and apparently that's normal for tortoise shell. I am not sure what the material is, but apparently it's very flammable!

 

[DCStingray]

That's intriguing to hear something like that occuring after such a short period of time. Have you called customer service about it?

Yes, they're of the standard variety.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

I am not sure what the material is, but apparently it's very flammable!

The old material (as used on my '65 P) is nitrocellulose, the same as in ping-pong balls. It is indeed flammable, and it will shrink over time. I presume most modern pickguards are a more conventional plastic.

As for the buttons, wouldn't any shrinkage also make the holes slightly larger, which would mitigate any problem? And that only applies to nitro...

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

That's intriguing to hear something like that occuring after such a short period of time. Have you called customer service about it?

Yes, they're of the standard variety.

It's actually not a problem. I'm just curious. If it were to (eventually) be a problem, it would be an easy fix; just get a new pickguard!

Nitrocellulose, that was the material name I was looking for! Are the torts made in that material?

 

[bovinehost]

Nitrocellulose, that was the material name I was looking for! Are the torts made in that material?

Oh God, no. Those things (as many of us who had/have vintage Fenders can attest) are fairly unstable over long periods of time. Newer modern-era pickguards are much less likely to change shape over time (or burst into flames).

I've had three Big Als here. The first one had a sticky button. Dargin can probably address this, but my GUESS is that the tolerances were a bit tight between button size and PG holes. Not enough play. On the one I had with a sticky button (which was Rex's), all I had to do was remove the PG then put it back on and - voila. Non-stick! Easy fix.

The two I have now do not stick at all, so (again, a guess) I think the holes are being drilled a bit bigger on the later crop.

And modern high-impact plastic pickguards do not shrink under normal circumstances.

Or burst into flames.

Jack

 

[syciprider]

Flaming Big AL.

 

[bovinehost]

Flaming Big AL.

I'd take one! Dang, wouldn't a Big Al with flames look ridiculously cool?

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'd take one! Dang, wouldn't a Big Al with flames look ridiculously cool?

That, I would like to see! (flame paint job, not an actual bass on fire)

 

[bovinehost]

Picture that motif on a Big Al...only the Big Al would be yellow and the flames would be red.

Or an orange Big Al with yellow flames.

Or - who cares what color?

That would RAWK.

 

[Aussie Mark]

The first one had a sticky button. Dargin can probably address this, but my GUESS is that the tolerances were a bit tight between button size and PG holes. Not enough play.

Same with mine, and it took me all of 5 minutes to fix. Removed the pickguard, gave the holes a very gentle touch with a round file for 5 seconds each, put the pickguard back on, and everything was sweet. No biggie.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Picture that motif on a Big Al...only the Big Al would be yellow and the flames would be red.

Or an orange Big Al with yellow flames.

Or - who cares what color?

That would RAWK.

I was thinking the more traditional black and orange-red flames, but yellow and red would look really good too!

 

[cellkirk74]

As for the buttons, wouldn't any shrinkage also make the holes slightly larger, which would mitigate any problem?

That.

 

[Movielife]

Old Tort did shrink (Fender P/J) but I very much doubt the new Tort will. Totally different guards.

 

[keko]

Ugh

I hope this can not happen on my incoming Reflex, there's no pick guard on it, so...!

 

[Moose308]

And modern high-impact plastic pickguards do not shrink under normal circumstances.

Or burst into flames.

Jack

Well they just go and take the fun out of everything don't they.

 

[mynan]

As for the buttons, wouldn't any shrinkage also make the holes slightly larger, which would mitigate any problem?

I think this is the answer...

 

[Holdsg]

The active/passive button on my BA4SSS was sticking when I got it (used). A little work with a box cutter knife to slightly enlarge the hole. no stiky no mo.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

When my previous old tort guard shank, it pulled over the screw holes. Shrinking generally makes things smaller.

In any case, I don't anticipate any problems for many many years and judging by the responses on the actual material, there probably won't be any at all!

Now, if we boys could just find a fix after we go swimming...