How to Aged a White Pick Guard on a CHEAP Strat Style Guitar Kit.

[@DeeTee79]

I’m all about relicing my guitar parts but you do NOT need to un solder ANYTHING to remove the pickguard. Just take off all 8 or 11 screws, the three knob washers, the two screws for the five way switch, and the 6 screws for the pickups. Also, wood stain works great but I have to admit the Rit dye did a great job!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for the tip. M~ 😎

[@dennisneo1608]

Now you tell me, as I cut all the wires. :(

[@DeeTee79]

@@dennisneo1608 to be fair I told you a year ago. haha :P

[@tonypistilli7111]

I think it turned out great! You may want to relic the bridge, jack plate, strap buttons, and tuning pegs as well. There are some youtube videos on how to do that. I loved how you didn't edit out the coffee fail - that's real life! I thought it was going to work. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Tony. I heard the coffee does work, but you have to leave it soaking for days, I was wanting a faster method. It did work out in the end. lol

[@Bobby_Digital37]

That dye worked great! Gonna give it a try, thanks👍🏽

[@timsullivan9767]

Nice..I've had some success using the coffee method on white tuner buttons but it took 3-5 days....I'll have to try Rit

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Tim, It may have worked if I left it in a few extra days, Mr. Impatient. lol

[@frankhughes5702]

I've been trying to figure out how to do that with my stratocaster. Thanks for the tip!!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Frank. good luck on yours. M~

[@Crook1kk]

Looks great. I hear that the spice "Tumeric" mixed with warm water works too. Word is that it takes effect in about 15-30 minutes.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks. I may have to try that. M~

[@jordanprysmiki5361]

Sanding with a foam pad or a sponge using your palm sander using a rubbing compound will leave no scratch marks. It will not "look sanded". Takes much longer, but on the bright side, you have more time to evaluate as you go.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for the tip, Jordan. I'm always looking for new things to try. M~

[@deaconpaulbuck4391]

Thank you for the great tips and the humor as well! I think your method even looks more like aging because it isn't perfectly uniform. Looks great!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

You are so welcome! Thanks for checking it out. M~ 😎

[@taketwo_duo]

Love the humour in this.

[@cdburgess75]

Fantastic idea

[@serfinusa9532]

a couple other things people can try - Lugol's iodine. i accidentally discovered this after a guitar pick got stained. try it on a test piece first. The next thing i have actually tried successfully is leaving pick guard in direct sun in my vehicle in the california sun. the summer heat warped the pickgaurd however, so i would only do this in cold winter months and screw it to a piece of scrap wood first to prevent warping, but you can prolly use a UV light indoors to achieve similar results.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for the tips, brother. M~

[@larrytaylor6192]

Well to each his own. As long as you are happy thats the main thing.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Larry. I totally agree. Especially when You're paying for it. lol M~

[@DavidKennaway1]

Well done I'm going to give it a go.

[@lousekoya1803]

I really like it ! Thanks from Quebec !

[@nickb.9727]

looks awesome, easy way to add some character to a guitar. Fenders always look better the more rugged and aged to me.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks. M~

[@gregward404]

Dude…. genius! Thanks for this!👍

[@miked8075]

I used instant freeze dried coffee, but it’s gotta be hot and In a container that stays hot for a few hours, like a contigo cup that seals. My knobs came out very tinted, like they’d been smoked around for decades

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Cool, Thanks for the tip Mike. 😎

[@garymenhusen8077]

Super look Michael, turned out Great 😊

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Gary. M~

[@yaboiaceinthebuildin]

dad vibes are strong in this vid. keep it rocking. feel like my dad just made a video lol 🌴

[@RobertSmith-yd4mv]

Looks good. I use rotten walnut hulls stirred to a mush with some water added. Works great. Have to let the part dry, then repeat the process 2 or 3 times. I know those rotten hulls do a number on bare hands. Lol

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Robert for the tips. M~

[@farhadtajarobi1714]

Hej thanks for putting in all the effort to show your work!! I think it all turned out great. Just a thought, I think I would dilute the yellow stain solution/suspension and also remove the parts just a bit earlier. Btw…..te stains much worst than coffee!

[@chrisCANguitar]

I have a mint green pick guard I want to relic if you will. Would you recommend a tie dye color to blend well with that?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

not sure on that one, might have to give it a try. M~

[@icy9428]

Looks so much better!!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks icy. I think so too/ 😎🎸

[@martywright1979]

The BOSS said YES

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your NOT the Boss of ME lol

[@empressita47]

nice way to age that pickguard 🔥

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks, empressita47 M~

[@briansimpson8116]

I used to hate relic jobs. However, I've been getting used to it slowly.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Brian. Then I wasn't talking to you lol

[@johnmarshall8484]

Genius buddy …. You never cease to amaze me …. Great job buddy 😊

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, John. 😎

[@sicfukferrara8002]

Yeah, ya know what? Thats just cool.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, SIC. I thought so. lol

[@larrysjpereira2074]

Much better look aging the pick guard very nice. I have a request, do you have version of Wille Dixons Spoonful

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Larry. I don't have a version of that tune, I'll have to look it up. M~

[@CulAcct]

Nailed it!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ken. M~

[@piercedarrow57]

I'm WITH You on this One Michael...nothin' BETTER than an Aged Well Worn Guitar!!! My Favourite Acoustic is an old battered Very Well USED Pawn Shop find that I was very lucky to find Cheap years ago!!! I going for the SAME Look on some of my Home Made Guitars so THIS Video is Very Helpful...LOVE that term...'Distress is a Success'!!! Thanks for ALL of your Great Videos...ALWAYS look forward to seeing them!!! Cheers!!!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks piercedarrow. That's awesome, Its hard to find cheap guitars in pawn shops these days

[@DavidAndersoniiVI]

It turned out great. How about adding some color to the control knobs and pickups on a future project?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Orwell. I may do that. M~

[@BaronQ]

Much more 'together' now dude! Next, fun with an acid bath and sandpaper to distress all the chrome parts!?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Barry. I may be headed that way lol

[@ratmanmurray7137]

Looks and sounds just fine! Only issue I have, is, I had to have two cups of coffee while watching the video... now i will be in the can all night haha

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ratman. LOL

[@sumaqabanto7535]

i love you for this

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Sumaq. M~

[@uria702]

That came out awesome. I might need to do that

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks, give it a go. M~

[@jeremybardin6540]

Nice technique! I was wondering if the stain held over time?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Jeremy, so far so good. M~

[@laolla2555]

What would happen if you took one of those cheap guitar kits and slimmed the neck a couple of inches to make a 3 string ‘strat’?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That's a good question, maybe a task for a future video. M~

[@bill.clifford.59]

I'm definitely trying this! I used turmeric and it came out with a green tint!😢

[@mastercom2003]

Great Job, but I'm more of a fan of custom pickguards. Using 1/8" plywood you can make your own pickguard.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Eric. I do want to try that. M~

[@ultrakool]

the italian gomer pyle ftw!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Ultra.. I think lol

[@ultrakool]

@@SouthernFireGuitars I kid, I kid😆 from one guinea to another, you're the best!

[@cleangoblin2021]

Thank you. I dont like how my fresh pickguard looks. That looks great

[@walterkemp6558]

Another brilliant video. Certainly got the result you wanted. 👍

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Walter. Yes, I think it came out nice. M~

[@Douglas_I]

I saw a Bigfoot behind you! After you talk about the chickens wanting to be in the video.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I see him all the time, he likes to watch the chickens, he wont eat them cause he's a vegetarian. LOL

[@floydlay9189]

Great job,,,THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, floyd. Thanks for watching. M~

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

Michael, you are awesome and that guitar rocks buddy! Glad I found you man, love the show. This is the secret to my sanity. Wasted some great coffee sand gave up! LOL! Thanks a bunch!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Kirby. I will definitely need to buy more coffee.. M~

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

@@SouthernFireGuitars LOL!! DARK Roast.

[@Bluesbreaker4Ever]

Is it better to sand the pickguard before dyeing?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I would say so. M~

[@backandfour]

Now what about darkening that pale neck. Doesn't it need some aging as well?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I just may do that. M~

[@backandfour]

@@SouthernFireGuitars sorry for keeping you busy haha

[@ratmanmurray7137]

Just change the diff oil in your truck and then play the guitar without washing your hands... that will grubby it up a bit haha

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@ratmanmurray7137 That would work. lol

[@ratmanmurray7137]

@@SouthernFireGuitars Always happy to help with some good ol' Aussie injun... enjun... uity... clever thinking haha

[@gbvoul]

how do they relic mint pickguards to look like a darker green?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Not sure on that one. M~

[@sunnyray7819]

Nice job!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Sunny. M~

[@bluntzera8238]

Is rye die you bought for dying fabric or leather? Here in Brazil i can find that brand but it might find other brands

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I believe it is for dying fabric. worked pretty good. M~

[@bluntzera8238]

@@SouthernFireGuitars thank you! How many ML did you buy?

[@VALLAERION]

I wanna stain it with tobacco just because it's more badass than saying it was stained by coffee or anything else. I wonder if that's possible

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

You would have to give it a try. It would be cool. M~

[@1satisfiedmind]

A year later, how did the dye hold out?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Still looks the same. M~

[@1satisfiedmind]

That's great, I'm gonna do this. Thanks!

[@feno8983]

Im willing to get matching humbucker rings with my mint pickguard. Do you think green rit dye will work well on white frames?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

It just may. M~

[@feno8983]

@@SouthernFireGuitars okay thanks!

[@craigh5156]

Hi, thanks for the video. Just to check, it hasn't faded back to its original white after a few months has it? I used a turmeric and shoe polish mix and it was great for about a month, but started to fade back to white? Thanks.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks. So far it looks the same. M~

[@kevinsalas2716]

@@SouthernFireGuitars How was the shade after a year? Does it retain its shade until now?

[@Max-bq8fm]

Thanks a lot !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Your welcome, Thanks for watching. M~

[@papablue3015]

next one try the chicken coop aging process! lol! nice job I'll have to try it! thanks!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks papa blue. The chickens would like that. M~ 😀

[@MAX96MENDES]

How to age and yellow guitar plastic parts 1 = scrub plastic-parts with very fine steel wool and scrub some areas with fine-sandpaper 2 = use a bowl and put in Hot water and 2 black-tea-bags and 1-1/2 table spoon of TURMERIC cooking powder Leave it to soak for 5 hours (no more) --- LOOK at them once every hour to get the correct yellowish old-age look !!! ...if you leave them for too long, they can become too dark yellowish. Take them out and clean them with a paper-towel. Let them dry for an hour or more before you place them back into your guitar. You want all the parts to be completely dried.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Max, I'll have to give it a try. M~

[@MAX96MENDES]

@@SouthernFireGuitars I wish the best of good times to you in Modding your guitars. Thank you for sharing your video and adventures. At the moment I am also upgrading and modding a cheap (but very good) Squier Affinity Stratocaster with that 1970s classic vibe look. I also want my white plastic parts to look "vintage aged". IMPORTANT Note - Make sure you take a look at the plastic parts in the Turmeric+Tea-bags bowl mix once every hour , to make sure they are coming out "old aged yellow" to the exact color you want to see, otherwise, they can become too much old-age yellow-ish in color. I did mine for 4 hours, looks like the real thing. Turmeric is also very good to yellow into wood (as a stain) for a vintage-color old look to a guitar neck.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@MAX96MENDES Thanks. I'm definitely going to try it. Those Squire Affinity Strats are pretty nice. Good luck with it.

[@KianErikssonOffical]

Hi mate got a question, i own a hofner 500/1 violin bass would this method work for a hofner? Cheers

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I'm going to be honest, I have NO idea what that is. 😀

[@ratmanmurray7137]

Just a question... why are cigar box guitars always only 3 string? Has anyone ever made 4 or 6 stings? Or is 3 strings the 'tradition' and no one messes with it? Maybe you could make a 12 string, double dog bowl, cake tin guitar (Franken-tar?)

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Hi Ratman, I think the 3 stringers are the most popular, but they come 4 and 6 stringers. Here is a video Ive posted on each. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHjQfmeCqsmlkNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/foPSgmZvZaeFkNk

[@seanmurphy26]

I think this video, the guitar, and this method you created was awesome! Just a quick critical question, I noticed when you had the back plate off, that was a very thin tremolo block, I could be wrong, was that a full block?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Sean. Yes, the tremolo block was very thin. M~

[@JJodell92]

A cheap alternative is to use brown food dye and water. Work well for me 🤷‍♂️

[@JJodell92]

For relicing hardware I use white vinager

[@JJodell92]

I also do for thr hardware, I was leaning towards the plastics in my comment

[@JJodell92]

White Vinager and some light steel wool to clean it up to my preference

[@graysaw]

Looks good but the chrome needs some scuffs

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks David, That may be next. lol

[@williamcottone814]

👍 next video scuff up the hardware

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks William. Ive done that in a few other 6 string kit build videos. M~

[@guitarcrappy]

cool video

[@insufferablethrashelitist9305]

Now you just need to patina the chrome with some denatured alcohol.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks. I might have to try that. M~

[@sunnyray7819]

I heard people say coffee works but I had my doubts.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I may work, if you leave it in there for days. not sure. I'm impatient. lol

[@sunnyray7819]

@@SouthernFireGuitars Me too, unless I just forget about it from getting side tracked..

[@scottloessy2088]

You have a lot of great ideas! Nice job

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thank you, Scott. M~

[@martywright1979]

Hope your going to drink that coffee when your finished LOL

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Marty. That batch of coffee would have kept me UP for days lol

[@ShiverinSid]

Did you check that wasn't floor coffee Michael?😄

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Definitely not floor coffee, it was more like MUD coffee . lol

[@Phicxtion]

Cow manure works really well 😂

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

I haven't tried that yet. 😬

[@shaunw9270]

Heck of a lot of work . I found that when I was using Ambersil label remover on my old Squier Strat's body , I used lots and used it to clean the pickguard while I was about it. It was only the next day I realised the citrus oil in the product had yellowed the pickguard quite a bit , the pickup covers and knobs not so much but it looks decent and this was by total accident!

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Shaun. I may have to check that out. M~

[@palm444]

That worked well. However, now the hardware looks too shiny! Next episode?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Steve. You may be right lol

[@stevenleek1254]

was that a 3 legged dog in the background, or was that just my imagination?

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That was Buster, he has 4 legs lol

[@bukwok]

put all guitar parts into your old dirty tool box,then put the tool box on your car, week later, job done.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

That sounds like it MAY work. 😀

[@garydeceder2181]

Boil in tea with lemon

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Gary. I will have to try that. M~

[@garydeceder2181]

I can do it 4 you... wanna send it 2 me I'm in Volusia county..??

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

@@garydeceder2181 Thanks for the offer, but the fun is doing it your self.

[@ashperks2608]

tumric and warm water mate, only takes 30 minutes

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks for the tip. M~

[@suizaband]

Turmeric, they say, works

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Uuo, for the tip. M~

[@chickenlickin3820]

i tried coffee and shoe polish and it didn't work about 8 years ago.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Chicken L. I wasted valuable coffee on that task lol 😀

[@richardstumph7833]

More chickenz, then some chicken picking

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks Richard. love that chicken pickin. M~

[@lieutenantomni3642]

lol this guy is hilarious

[@ilovegsus]

you wasted 8.5 minutes of people's time at the beginning of the video for no reason. why is that?

[@peterlewon7956]

I agree. Click bait…if it had accurately read “Failed relic job” I never would have opened it. A topical coating like this will reveal the white @ wear points.

[@Rau1S]

😂

[@сергеймазурин-у7ф]

Тепер черга хромованих деталей.

[@SouthernFireGuitars]

Thanks. M~