Options & Customizations

Bevels

Most manufacturers use a 45° bevel, typically applied to the outer edge of the pickguard. This is the standard OEM-style bevel and is the default option on Paradox pickguards.

Paradox also offers the following custom bevel options:

  • Wide 30° bevel (recommended for 5-ply or thicker materials) [NR*]

  • Round-over edge (non-polished; acrylic materials only) [NR*]

Important:
Wide 30° and Round-over bevels are non-returnable / non-refundable [NR*] custom modifications.

Due to material thickness limitations, certain thin materials are shipped unbeveled. Bevel options are not available for these material selections.

Mounting Holes

All Paradox pickguards are manufactured using OEM-based reference data, including standard mounting hole patterns.

You may choose to have pickguard mounting holes removed. This option removes only the pickguard mounting holes and does not include pickup mounting holes or control holes.

Important:
Removal of pickguard mounting holes is a non-returnable / non-refundable [NR*] custom modification.

Pickup mounting holes and control holes must be modified using their respective options.

Control Holes

All control hole layouts are based on OEM-based reference data.

You may:

  • Delete any or all control holes at no charge

  • Change control hole sizes, quantities, or configurations to accommodate alternative electronics [NR*]

Control hole layout or size changes are considered a non-returnable / non-refundable [NR*] custom modification.

When requesting control hole changes, specific details are required.
Example:

“Replace tone 1 with mini toggle switch (¼-inch hole, tone 1 position).”

Please include hole sizes, intended components, and exact placements. We will contact you if clarification is required. While most control hole changes are possible, certain placements may be restricted due to pickguard shape or spacing. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure.

Pickup Holes (Pickup Routings)

Pickup holes refer specifically to the large routs for instrument pickups and are manufactured using OEM-based reference data.

You may:

  • Delete pickup holes entirely at no charge

  • Change pickup routs to accommodate different pickup types or manufacturers [NR*]

Pickup routing changes are considered a non-returnable / non-refundable [NR*] custom modification.

When requesting pickup changes, provide complete details.
Example:

“Replace neck single coil with Bare Knuckle Juggernaut humbucker.”

Please include pickup manufacturer, pickup type, size, and position. Some pickguard shapes may limit routing options. Contact us prior to ordering if you are unsure.

How we position pickup routes:
When modifying for replacement pickups, we typically use the factory pickup locations as alignment references:

  • Neck pickup: The top edge of the new neck pickup is aligned with the top edge of the factory neck pickup location.

  • Bridge pickup: The bottom edge of the new bridge pickup is aligned with the bottom edge of the factory bridge pickup location.

  • Middle pickup (when added): The pickup is centered between the neck and bridge pickups.

This method helps preserve proper spacing and maintains a balanced appearance relative to the original layout.

Because pickup sizes and mounting formats can vary by manufacturer, minor visual differences may occur depending on the pickup model and instrument layout.

Copper Shielding

Most Paradox pickguards are manufactured and shipped unshielded, or have an aluminum shielded controls region (when applicable), regardless of OEM configuration. We do not shield clear or semi-transparent materials.

We offer an optional upgrade to have your pickguard fully backed with copper foil shielding. Shielding can help reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), minimizing hum, buzz, and radio noise—particularly with single-coil pickups.

Important:
Copper shielding is a non-returnable / non-refundable [NR*] custom modification. We recommend against selecting the copper shielding upgrade for clear, translucent, or semi-transparent materials, as it will affect the appearance of the material.

Non-Returnable / Non-Refundable Custom Modifications [NR*]

Custom options marked [NR*] are final sale.

Any pickguard ordered with one or more [NR*] modifications is non-returnable and non-refundable, with no exceptions, except in the case of a manufacturing or shipping error by Paradox.

For full details, please review our Store Policies & Returns page.