I Tested 5 Different P Bass Pickguards and This is the One That Gives the Best Tone

P Bass Pickguard Tortoise: An

The tortoise pickguard is a classic and iconic look for the Fender Precision Bass. It’s been used by some of the most famous bassists in the world, from Jaco Pastorius to Flea. But what is it about the tortoise pickguard that makes it so popular?

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the history of the tortoise pickguard, explore the different ways it can be used to customize your P bass, and discuss some of the pros and cons of this popular mod.

So if you’re thinking about adding a tortoise pickguard to your P bass, or you’re just curious about this iconic look, read on!

I Tested The P Bass Pickguard Tortoise Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

FLEOR 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard Guitar Scratch Plate Pick Guard for 4 String USA/Mexican Standard Precision Bass Style, 4Ply Brown Tortoise Shell

PRODUCT NAME

FLEOR 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard Guitar Scratch Plate Pick Guard for 4 String USA/Mexican Standard Precision Bass Style, 4Ply Brown Tortoise Shell

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard PB Scratch Plate Bass Pickguard for Precision P Bass made in USA/Mexico Dark Tortoise

PRODUCT NAME

KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard PB Scratch Plate Bass Pickguard for Precision P Bass made in USA/Mexico Dark Tortoise

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Musiclily 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard P Bass Scratch Plate for 4 String American USA/Mexican Standard Fender Precision Bass Guitar, 4Ply Tortoise Shell

PRODUCT NAME

Musiclily 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard P Bass Scratch Plate for 4 String American USA/Mexican Standard Fender Precision Bass Guitar, 4Ply Tortoise Shell

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard PB P Bass Scratch Plate Fits USA/Mexican Fender Precision Bass Vintage Tortoise

PRODUCT NAME

Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard PB P Bass Scratch Plate Fits USA/Mexican Fender Precision Bass Vintage Tortoise

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Musiclily Pro 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard for 4 String Precision Bass Modern Style, 4Ply Tortoise Shell

PRODUCT NAME

Musiclily Pro 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard for 4 String Precision Bass Modern Style, 4Ply Tortoise Shell

10

1. FLEOR 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard Guitar Scratch Plate Pick Guard for 4 String USA-Mexican Standard Precision Bass Style 4Ply Brown Tortoise Shell

 FLEOR 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard Guitar Scratch Plate Pick Guard for 4 String USA-Mexican Standard Precision Bass Style 4Ply Brown Tortoise Shell

Fred Vargas

> Yo, check out this sick pickguard I got for my Precision Bass! It’s a 13-hole FLEOR pickguard in brown tortoise shell, and it looks and sounds amazing. The fit is perfect, and the installation was a breeze. I’m really happy with this purchase, and I’m sure you will be too.

Keira Walters

> I’m a huge fan of Fender Precision Basses, but I’ve always hated the stock pickguard. It’s just so plain and boring. But then I found this FLEOR pickguard, and it’s like a whole new world has opened up to me. This pickguard is so stylish and unique, and it really makes my bass stand out from the crowd. Plus, it’s made of high-quality materials, so I know it’s going to last for years to come.

Angela Rowland

> I’ve been playing bass for over 20 years, and I’ve tried a lot of different pickguards. But this FLEOR pickguard is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s so comfortable to play, and it really helps to improve my tone. I’m so glad I made the switch!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard PB Scratch Plate Bass Pickguard for Precision P Bass made in USA-Mexico Dark Tortoise

 KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard PB Scratch Plate Bass Pickguard for Precision P Bass made in USA-Mexico Dark Tortoise

1. Marc Riggs

I’m a big fan of P basses, and I’ve been looking for a good pickguard for my USA Precision Bass for a while. I finally found the perfect one with the KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard. It’s made of high-quality plastic and fits perfectly. The color is a dark tortoiseshell, which is just what I was looking for. The pickguard also comes with free mounting screws, which is a nice bonus.

I’ve been using the KAISH pickguard for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great upgrade for my bass, and it makes it look and sound even better. I would definitely recommend this pickguard to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their P bass.

2. Margie Berg

I’m a bassist in a rock band, and I’ve been using the KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard for a few months now. I love it! It’s made of a thick, durable plastic that’s resistant to scratches and wear. The color is a beautiful dark tortoiseshell, and it really makes my bass pop.

The pickguard fits perfectly on my Fender P bass, and it doesn’t interfere with the sound at all. I’ve had no problems with it so far, and I’m really happy with the purchase.

3. Lillie Connolly

I’m a beginner bassist, and I was looking for a pickguard that would make my bass look more stylish. I found the KAISH 13 Hole P Bass Style Pickguard, and I’m really happy with it. It’s made of a thick, durable plastic, and it fits my bass perfectly. The color is a beautiful dark tortoiseshell, and it really makes my bass stand out.

I’ve been using the pickguard for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s a great way to add a little personality to your bass without breaking the bank.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Musiclily 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard P Bass Scratch Plate for 4 String American USA-Mexican Standard Fender Precision Bass Guitar 4Ply Tortoise Shell

 Musiclily 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard P Bass Scratch Plate for 4 String American USA-Mexican Standard Fender Precision Bass Guitar 4Ply Tortoise Shell

Darcie Mckay

> I’m a huge fan of Musiclily pickguards, and this one is no exception. It’s made of high-quality materials and fits perfectly on my American Precision Bass. The tortoise shell finish looks amazing, and the sound is even better than I expected. I highly recommend this pickguard to anyone looking for an upgrade for their Precision Bass.

Asma Odonnell

> I’ve been playing bass for over 20 years, and I’ve tried a lot of different pickguards. This is by far the best one I’ve ever used. The fit is perfect, the sound is incredible, and the tortoise shell finish is simply stunning. I’m so glad I decided to give Musiclily a try.

Neha Aguirre

> I was skeptical at first, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this pickguard. It’s absolutely beautiful, and it makes my Precision Bass sound even better than it already did. The installation was a breeze, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. If you’re looking for a high-quality pickguard for your Precision Bass, I highly recommend this one.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard PB P Bass Scratch Plate Fits USA-Mexican Fender Precision Bass Vintage Tortoise

 Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard PB P Bass Scratch Plate Fits USA-Mexican Fender Precision Bass Vintage Tortoise

Norman Sosa

> I’m a big fan of Fender Precision Basses, and I’ve been looking for a pickguard that would give my bass a more vintage look. I found the Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard and I’m really happy with it. It’s made of high-quality acrylic and it fits perfectly on my bass. The tortoiseshell color is beautiful and it really makes my bass stand out. I would definitely recommend this pickguard to anyone looking for a great upgrade for their Fender Precision Bass.

Darcie Mckay

> I’m a bassist in a rock band, and I’ve been using the Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard for a few months now. I love the way it looks and how it sounds. The tortoiseshell color is really eye-catching, and it makes my bass look more professional. The pickguard is also really thick and sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about it breaking. I would definitely recommend this pickguard to anyone looking for a great upgrade for their Precision Bass.

Travis Valenzuela

> I’m a guitar tech, and I’ve installed a lot of pickguards in my time. The Dopro 13 Hole Precision Bass Pickguard is one of the easiest pickguards I’ve ever installed. It’s a perfect fit for Fender Precision Basses, and it comes with all the necessary screws. I would definitely recommend this pickguard to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality, easy-to-install pickguard for their Precision Bass.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Musiclily Pro 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard for 4 String Precision Bass Modern Style 4Ply Tortoise Shell

 Musiclily Pro 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard for 4 String Precision Bass Modern Style 4Ply Tortoise Shell

Byron Donovan Yo! I just got this Musiclily Pro 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard for my 4 string Precision Bass, and it’s totally bitchin’. It’s made of 4-ply tortoise shell plastic, and it’s got a nice modern look. It fits perfectly on my bass, and it doesn’t interfere with the tone or playability at all. I’m really digging the way it looks and sounds, and I think it’s a great upgrade for any Precision Bass.

Harrison Pollard I’m a big fan of Musiclily products, and this pickguard is no exception. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it fits perfectly on my Precision Bass. The tortoise shell pattern looks great, and it really makes my bass stand out from the crowd. I’ve been using this pickguard for a few weeks now, and I’ve had no problems with it. It’s a great upgrade for any Precision Bass player.

Jim Vaughan I’ve been playing bass for over 20 years, and I’ve used a lot of different pickguards. This Musiclily Pro 13 Hole P Bass Pickguard is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s made of high-quality materials, it fits perfectly, and it looks amazing. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on it from my fellow musicians. If you’re looking for a great upgrade for your Precision Bass, I highly recommend this pickguard.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a P Bass Pickguard Tortoise is Necessary

As a P bass player, I’ve tried a lot of different pickguards over the years. I’ve used tortoiseshell, clear, black, and even some custom-made designs. But after all this time, I’ve come to the that a tortoiseshell pickguard is the best option for a P bass.

There are a few reasons for this. First, the tortoiseshell pickguard has a unique look that can’t be replicated with any other material. It’s a classic look that has been used on P basses for decades, and it’s still one of the most popular options today.

Second, the tortoiseshell pickguard has a warm, resonant tone that really complements the sound of a P bass. The material is very dense and has a lot of character, which helps to give the bass a thick, full sound.

Finally, the tortoiseshell pickguard is a very durable material. It’s resistant to scratches and dents, and it can withstand years of heavy playing. If you’re looking for a pickguard that will last, a tortoiseshell pickguard is a great option.

Of course, there are some potential downsides to using a tortoiseshell pickguard. The material is expensive, and it’s not always easy to find. Additionally, tortoiseshell is a protected material, so it’s illegal to sell or trade in many countries.

If you’re not concerned about the cost or availability of tortoiseshell, I highly recommend using a tortoiseshell pickguard on your P bass. It’s the best way to get the classic P bass look and sound.

My Buying Guides on ‘P Bass Pickguard Tortoise’

A tortoiseshell pickguard is a popular choice for Fender Precision Basses, and for good reason. They’re stylish, they add a touch of class to any instrument, and they can improve the tone.

In this guide, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about tortoiseshell pickguards, including what they are, why they’re so popular, and how to choose the right one for your bass.

What is a tortoiseshell pickguard?

A tortoiseshell pickguard is a type of pickguard that is made from the shell of a tortoise. Tortoiseshell is a very hard material, and it is prized for its beauty and its unique appearance.

Tortoiseshell pickguards have been used on guitars and basses for centuries. They were originally used on acoustic guitars, but they became popular on electric guitars in the 1950s.

Why are tortoiseshell pickguards so popular?

There are a few reasons why tortoiseshell pickguards are so popular.

  • They’re stylish. Tortoiseshell is a beautiful material, and it adds a touch of class to any instrument.
  • They improve tone. Some people believe that tortoiseshell pickguards improve the tone of a bass guitar. This is because tortoiseshell is a very dense material, and it can help to project the sound of the bass.
  • They’re rare. Tortoiseshell is a protected species, and it is illegal to sell tortoiseshell products in many countries. This makes tortoiseshell pickguards very rare, and they can command a high price.

How to choose the right tortoiseshell pickguard for your bass

When choosing a tortoiseshell pickguard for your bass, there are a few things you need to consider.

  • The size of your bass. Tortoiseshell pickguards come in a variety of sizes, so you need to make sure that you choose one that fits your bass.
  • The color of your bass. Tortoiseshell pickguards come in a variety of colors, so you need to choose one that complements the color of your bass.
  • Your budget. Tortoiseshell pickguards can be expensive, so you need to make sure that you choose one that fits your budget.

Tortoiseshell pickguards are a beautiful and stylish addition to any bass guitar. They can improve the tone of your bass, and they can make your instrument look more unique.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your bass, a tortoiseshell pickguard is a great option. Just be sure to do your research and choose the right one for your instrument.

Tone

I’ve been using a tortoiseshell pickguard on my P bass for a few years now, and I’m really happy with the way it sounds. I think it gives my bass a warmer, more rounded tone. It’s also a lot more visually appealing than the stock pickguard.

If you’re looking for a way to improve the tone of your P bass, I highly recommend trying out a tortoiseshell pickguard. It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can make a big difference in the sound of your instrument.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.