The Electra Forums

So... Long time no see, y'all! Anyway, I picked up an X120 recently on TheBay and could see in the pics that it had a fairly unique pickguard. No big deal. I figured I'd remove it and fill in the holes, replace the pups and be done with it. No.

The pickguard is superglued on.

I don't feel like I can return it, because I had my chance (I guess) to ask what was holding the guard on. Any advice on how to remove superglue from a beautiful subtle sunburst finish without ruining it?

I realize that I made a mistake and may just have to live with it. It's still a pretty nice little Leslie West, a model I've had my eye on for quite a while. But I have to admit that the glue thing has got me a bit bummed on the axe.

There's no way I'll be able to recover what I paid for it in this condition if I sell it with any conscience at all. That being said, I don't think the seller knew that I'd be bummed. It was a very friendly transaction.

Anyway, any help is always appreciated. I hope you all are doing well!

Matthew

In the Gallery, it says that the Leslie West has a light to tell you the effects are on. I don't think this is true, or at least not of mine. If anyone knows an different, please let me know. I would hate to think that the pickguard is covering up the light!

M

I'd use a flush cut saw (carefully)

http://www2.northerntool.com/product/20 ... 307059.htm

in theory, it would leave the existing finish and need a very serious polishing.....

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mcbrat -

I've been doing some looking online and it looks like your plan is probably how I'm going to have to go. Just get the guard off and then sand and buff. Thanks for the link to the saw!

M

Or you can try using supper glue remover.

But first test it on some paint somewhere safe like under the pickups.

Good luck.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I think I will try the glue remover someplace safe first. It's kind of a cool guitar, really. I'm always impressed at how well these Electra battleaxes and workhorses hold up over years of pretty adverse conditions! Every time I end up with a new one it looks like whoever sold it to me stored it under their house in a wet gigbag for the last 15 years, but they always clean up great.

I'll let you know if I ever get the pickguard off. Take care!

M

I might try a sharpened putty knife or scraper to try to get under it and start prizing it away. a little solvent after I got an edge lifted might not be a bad idea as well.

Before trying anything, put a couple of layers of good ol' duct tape down just to catch any slips or to prevent a gouge or scratch.

and don't forget some tight cotton work gloves to protect the pickin' digits!!

Good Luck!

I have had pretty good luck with super glue de-bonder. It was less harmful than acetone, that is for sure. It is available through most hobby shops or craft stores, and IIRC even Stewmac has it. As all have said test for finish reactions in an inconspicuous place (pickup or control rout). I used it to free an improperly set neck and it did a good job of weeping into the gaps needing only gently pressure to free the parts.

Prying it might lift the clearcoat.

The X-120 I had did not have an effects indicator light.

Thanks again! I still haven't actually tackled the project, so I appreciate the advice.

Also, thanks for the info on the light. I think this site is the only place that says the X-120 is supposed to have a light. It's not really necessary, obviously.

M