W.J. WATSON PICKGUARDS

This operation began in 2020 when I sought to swap out the sterile guard on my Martin. I quickly discovered what little options there were for custom, handmade pickguards. I wanted something more than a cleanly cut, beveled, and polished piece of sheet-stock: I wanted something one-of-a-kind that separated my instrument from all the rest.

It didn’t take long before I discovered the work of John Greven who pioneered the method I use today—though, with a few of my own personal touches and improvements. However, by 2020 John was long since retired from guard-making and on the precipice of his full retirement from guitar building.

The trail ran cold…

But Lo!

As a furniture and cabinetmaker, English major, and recovering hillbilly, whose mother was an artist and mathematician and whose father was a master upholster and stubborn do-it-yourselfer, I knew I had everything I needed to begin producing the guards I envisioned.

What began as a small, personal, pet-project has now expanded to include you. Fitting an instrument is a great fulfillment that I’m happy to be able to share with you.

My approach to fitting is designed to be a one-of-a-kind experience which is reflected in your one-of-a-kind pickguard. Unlike cheap peel and stick guards which are designed around their planned obsolescence, we can work together to select or produce a guard which fulfills your unique vision.

I look forward to fulfilling that vision with you.

Willy