There is a very long story behind that pickguard/scratch plate), and I won’t get into it here, because it would only be of interest to hardcore enthusiasts, but yes.
Ok, ok…you talked me into the short version.
That’s a Martin D-28, and not the original pickguard. The original was simply a thin black piece of plastic, which never bothered me, because I’m generally a stickler for keeping things original, but someone did some work on the guitar, and it necessitated a pickguard change, so I upgraded.
That’s a Greven guard, made by legendary luthier John Greven. See, way back before the hippies took over (that’s just a joke), guitars had actual ivory for the nuts and saddles (and tuner buttons sometimes) and real tortoiseshell for the pickguards (and some decorative inlay work sometimes). Same tortoiseshell used in hair combs and things like that.
That became a serious, go-to-jail no-no after those turtles (hawksbills) were hunted to near-extinction (they’re still on the critically endangered list), and for decades, guitar buyers wanted something that could emulate the look of a tortoiseshell pickguard, which are unique and stunning visually.
There were lots of attempts made, but they all fell short (one version being derided as “the pepperoni slice,” because it looks like a cross-section of some salami
).
Finally John Greven came up with a near-perfect copy, and they’re some really gorgeous emulations (though he no longer makes them). When I had to replace mine, I knew it would be with a Greven.
Went out to his catalog, looked at his various offerings of tight grain, wide grain, whatever else he had (knowing that every pickguard he made was unique), and then…at the very bottom…there it was: a tortoiseshell copy, all swirly, but in a shimmering black-blue-grey color scheme that tripped all my triggers. I didn’t even know such a thing existed!
So I ordered it and had it put on. I love it, because depending on how the light catches it, it’s a different color, or some weirdo combination.
Now, I’ll bet you know of some motorcycle makes that have their fanatical fanbase, and if someone were to take one of those motorcycles and do something outside the accepted realm of what’s allowed, there’d be a hue and cry over it, right?
Well, Martin Guitar is like that - they have rabid zealots (of which I’m not one - I love the maker, but I’m not a crazy person).
So…sitting on a music forum I frequented, very small community, much like here, with regulars, and many who know each other personally, because the forum held annual meetups, someone started a “Show us your pickguard” topic, looking for photos of genuine tortoiseshell ones and good copies…and keep in mind, John Greven is a household name on some of these sites and a legend/god.
I posted my black-blue-grey one. Mistake.
I received so much hate, it was alarming. I had people threatening to beat my azz and take my guitar if I ever showed up at a meetup. I had people block me. I had people report me for suspension. The kindest thing anyone said was, “Well, you just theft-proofed your guitar, jerk!” It was unreal.
Me? I love it because it’s different, but it’s still quality (and was quite expensive at the time), and literally no one else has one that I know of.
…and
that’s the short story!
TLDR: Why yes, it is!
s.
I’m always more interested in the playing of the thing, not the endless tinkering, customizing, and pecker measurement that went on. 
