Pick Guard on or off

digmo · 02-15-2008, 04:41 PM

I just received my les paul deluxe gold top and I love it. One problem I have is I can't decide if I should keep the pick guard on or off. I have had it off and on a few times this week.

I think they look great without them but it is obviously there for a reason !

Many of the photos I have seen on here have the guards on but Neil Finn who has the same guitar does not have one on and I think it looks great

totally can not decide

David

Liam · 02-15-2008, 04:47 PM

I use them as a finger rest, so I struggle to play without a pick guard on guitars with arched tops.

SmokestackElRopo · 02-15-2008, 05:49 PM

I have recently purchased 2 new Les Pauls, and neither has a pickguard mounted. Since I don't want to drill into a 2300.00 guitar I will probably go with the Screwless pickguard (clear ) on each git. they are available from a member here and very reasonable also. And to me a clear guard shows all the guitar and that is gonna be the Bees nuts..........

jman08 · 02-15-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digmo

I think they look great without them but it is obviously there for a reason !
David

Some guitars look good with a pickguard and some look good without. It's all up to you. I personally have a pickguard on my goldtop and I love it. One of my friends says that he would rather have a couple scratches on his guitar than have the pickguard on it. IMO, if you are worried about getting scratches without the pickguard, i wouldn't really worry about it. It's not all that noticeable.

v8ko · 02-15-2008, 06:03 PM

I dont hit my guitar with my pick but I get nervous when someone picks up one of my guitars (without a pickguard)and starts strumming.

I do prefer the look without them but those clear pickguards are really nice.

digmo · 02-15-2008, 06:07 PM

a clear pickguard could be the solution actually. The problem is with the deluxe the guard is going to be non standard

I love the deluxe though, I had a standard in the early 90s and this is my return and (I maybe wrong) but I think the deluxe seems to offer a really good range of tones.....

with or without the pick guard

David

shotgunlew · 02-15-2008, 06:26 PM

Off or how ever you play better...

LongBeach · 02-15-2008, 08:11 PM

I like them, dont have one on my studio or standard.
Need them badly, let a friend play my studio, he's an acoustic player
and just strummed the crap out of it (wasnt paying attention) and
put a ton of light surface scratches, so, I need a pickguard to
hide them now!
I would also like to get screwless type.

MIDNIGHT · 02-15-2008, 08:22 PM

no pictures?

LongBeach · 02-15-2008, 08:27 PM

I dont know if black would work on my studio. opinions please!

LongBeach · 02-15-2008, 08:28 PM

I want the cream colored to match

Scooter2112 · 02-15-2008, 09:46 PM

New member here...Greetings to all!

I didn't vote, because I feel it depends on the guitar. I have a 1980 Gibson LP Custom that I leave the pickguard on. It's not a flamey top. so I like the pickguard on that one.

On my Epiphone LP Standard Plus (Honeyburst), I leave the pickguard off because I love the way that it looks and it shows more of the nice finish. I don't strum it as forcefully as an acoustic, so I rarely touch it with a pick, and I also don't anchor my pinky on my picking hand like some players (although I wish I could, as that would probably improve my playing ability). There ARE times where the increased depth without the pickguard gives me room to anchor my pinky just below the pickup.

So...in short, I think it depends on the guitar and it's finish. I love the look of the white guard on a Black standard for instance, but I also love that most Classic's with flame/burst finishes do not have a pickguard. To each his own.

LongBeach....that is one GORGEOUS Tobacco-burst! Probably one of my favorite finishes.

drewbertca · 02-15-2008, 10:01 PM

I think it depends on finish and grain pattern of the wood......personally I like a Goldtop with a pickguard but all other finishes and visable grains would have to be considered on an individual basis.....
For instance let's just say I had two Iced Tea Les Paul Standards (I don't but it would be awesome)....one might look better with a pickguard and one may look better without....I'd have to lay it on the guitar to make my decision.....It's a tough call really....so yeah I'm no help.....lol

2manyGuitars · 02-15-2008, 10:05 PM

Off. I couldn't bring myself to cover this up...

GLP4me · 02-15-2008, 10:25 PM

If you don't hit your guitar with your pick, leave the guard off. Otherwise I'd put it on. I went with a clear screwless pickguard and I absolutely LOVE IT! I started a thread with a pic on it a few weeks ago.

scozz · 02-15-2008, 10:25 PM

Plain top = pickgard on....

Figured top = pickgard off...

Mikeeeeh · 02-16-2008, 05:14 AM

Totally depends on the finish... my personal preference is off, although I reckon Bobby's clear screwless pickguards are a great idea!

BigC · 02-16-2008, 07:57 AM

I had a screwless pickguard on, but I ended up removing it in the end and leaving it off, as it was covering the nicest part of the guitar!

I couldn't cover the flame...

155 · 02-16-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LongBeach

I dont know if black would work on my studio. opinions please!

I have the same guitar with black pickguard looks great I post pix

LongBeach · 02-16-2008, 10:39 AM

thank you !

155 · 02-16-2008, 10:39 AM

how do i post pix?

LongBeach · 02-16-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 155

how do i post pix?

Well, there are many here more qualified to explain, but I will try.

I use photobucker (cuz Donaholic told me too) so, I download pictures
from camera to my computer, then download from computer to photbucket.
Photobucket is free - FYI

Once you've downloaded said pictures from your computer to photbucket.
It's on! You can transfer images from photbucket to the messsage screen
on MLP by right clicking & copy the picture with your mouse, then go to
the MLP screen and right click mouse & hit paste.

I really hope this helps!

155 · 02-16-2008, 12:02 PM

try that

Rico · 02-16-2008, 02:01 PM

Or once you have downloaded your picture onto photobucket, you can then click on IMG code and paste it in the reply to thread area. Then you can Preview the post before submitting it to see how it looks.

Oh back to the thread, I like my pick guards on.

2manyGuitars · 02-16-2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 155

try that

Here, try it like this...

BobbyK · 02-17-2008, 06:06 AM

I can't really make up my mind.

I think it depends on the pickguard, too.
the black one on my studio is so-so.
I'm making a wooden one for it, though. I'm hoping that will look nice.

LongBeach · 02-17-2008, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the pick 155.

Axeman16 · 02-17-2008, 02:31 PM

on.

shotgunlew · 02-17-2008, 03:21 PM

If its figured, off, if its painted on...

Robster · 02-17-2008, 10:29 PM

on

02-15-2008, 04:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
digmo Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Pick Guard on or off I just received my les paul deluxe gold top and I love it. One problem I have is I can't decide if I should keep the pick guard on or off. I have had it off and on a few times this week. I think they look great without them but it is obviously there for a reason ! Many of the photos I have seen on here have the guards on but Neil Finn who has the same guitar does not have one on and I think it looks great totally can not decide David

02-15-2008, 04:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
Liam V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom Posts: 3,163 Thanks: 35 Thanked 33 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I use them as a finger rest, so I struggle to play without a pick guard on guitars with arched tops.

02-15-2008, 05:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
SmokestackElRopo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Oklahoma City OK Posts: 494 Thanks: 40 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I have recently purchased 2 new Les Pauls, and neither has a pickguard mounted. Since I don't want to drill into a 2300.00 guitar I will probably go with the Screwless pickguard (clear ) on each git. they are available from a member here and very reasonable also. And to me a clear guard shows all the guitar and that is gonna be the Bees nuts.......... __________________ Marshall Valvestate VS 100 R, Marshall JCM 900 4102 Combo, Marshall Vintage Modern 2266C combo.Almost new in box Marshall Valvestate VS 102R. Epi les paul ultra w/57 classic and 57 plus. 2007 Gibson Les Paul standard desert burst, Gibson Les Paul Supreme Goldtop.

02-15-2008, 06:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
v8ko Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 3,747 Thanks: 113 Thanked 70 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I dont hit my guitar with my pick but I get nervous when someone picks up one of my guitars (without a pickguard)and starts strumming. I do prefer the look without them but those clear pickguards are really nice.

02-15-2008, 06:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
digmo Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off a clear pickguard could be the solution actually. The problem is with the deluxe the guard is going to be non standard I love the deluxe though, I had a standard in the early 90s and this is my return and (I maybe wrong) but I think the deluxe seems to offer a really good range of tones..... with or without the pick guard David

View Poll Results: Pick Guard on or off ?
On	36	62.07%
Off	22	37.93%
Voters: 58. You may not vote on this poll

Today
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02-15-2008, 06:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
shotgunlew V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,547 Thanks: 40 Thanked 11 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off Off or how ever you play better... __________________ 60% of the time...it works every time.... Gun Control = Using Both Hands!! Everyone Please Pray for Sgt Jeffery Crones and the rest of the boys in iraq! Get some boys! Chris "The Gunhand" Of the MLP Pirates Crew 1986 Les Paul Jr (Cherry red Singlecut ) 1994 MIJ fender Telecaster 52 reissue 1984 JCM 800 1x12 50 watt combo Behringer 4x12 cab (Bugera speakers)

02-15-2008, 08:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
LongBeach Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8,122 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I like them, dont have one on my studio or standard. Need them badly, let a friend play my studio, he's an acoustic player and just strummed the crap out of it (wasnt paying attention) and put a ton of light surface scratches, so, I need a pickguard to hide them now! I would also like to get screwless type.

02-15-2008, 08:22 PM	#9 (permalink)
MIDNIGHT V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,918 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off no pictures? __________________ Actually... ... I'd play for free ...

02-15-2008, 08:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
LongBeach Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8,122 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I dont know if black would work on my studio. opinions please!

02-15-2008, 08:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
LongBeach Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8,122 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I want the cream colored to match

02-15-2008, 09:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
Scooter2112 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 3,788 Thanks: 49 Thanked 12 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off New member here...Greetings to all! I didn't vote, because I feel it depends on the guitar. I have a 1980 Gibson LP Custom that I leave the pickguard on. It's not a flamey top. so I like the pickguard on that one. On my Epiphone LP Standard Plus (Honeyburst), I leave the pickguard off because I love the way that it looks and it shows more of the nice finish. I don't strum it as forcefully as an acoustic, so I rarely touch it with a pick, and I also don't anchor my pinky on my picking hand like some players (although I wish I could, as that would probably improve my playing ability). There ARE times where the increased depth without the pickguard gives me room to anchor my pinky just below the pickup. So...in short, I think it depends on the guitar and it's finish. I love the look of the white guard on a Black standard for instance, but I also love that most Classic's with flame/burst finishes do not have a pickguard. To each his own. LongBeach....that is one GORGEOUS Tobacco-burst! Probably one of my favorite finishes. __________________ "Have you hugged your Custom today?" the CS Customs make the Standards sound like a plastic banjo with a live cat stapled to the back! - Hemply, 2009

02-15-2008, 10:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
drewbertca V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Timmins, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,522 Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I think it depends on finish and grain pattern of the wood......personally I like a Goldtop with a pickguard but all other finishes and visable grains would have to be considered on an individual basis..... For instance let's just say I had two Iced Tea Les Paul Standards (I don't but it would be awesome)....one might look better with a pickguard and one may look better without....I'd have to lay it on the guitar to make my decision.....It's a tough call really....so yeah I'm no help.....lol

02-15-2008, 10:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
2manyGuitars Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,481 Thanks: 15 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off Off. I couldn't bring myself to cover this up...

02-15-2008, 10:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
GLP4me The Spaceman Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: A distant Galaxy Posts: 1,076 Thanks: 26 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off If you don't hit your guitar with your pick, leave the guard off. Otherwise I'd put it on. I went with a clear screwless pickguard and I absolutely LOVE IT! I started a thread with a pic on it a few weeks ago.

02-15-2008, 10:25 PM	#16 (permalink)
scozz Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Port Orange FL. Posts: 759 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off Plain top = pickgard on.... Figured top = pickgard off...

02-16-2008, 05:14 AM	#17 (permalink)
Mikeeeeh Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wexford, Ireland Posts: 936 Thanks: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off Totally depends on the finish... my personal preference is off, although I reckon Bobby's clear screwless pickguards are a great idea! __________________ Did you see the Sun outside today? Burning the bridges I built yesterday! Proud member of Ireland's ShamROCKers!

02-16-2008, 07:57 AM	#18 (permalink)
BigC Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North UK Posts: 184 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I had a screwless pickguard on, but I ended up removing it in the end and leaving it off, as it was covering the nicest part of the guitar! I couldn't cover the flame...

02-16-2008, 10:39 AM	#20 (permalink)
LongBeach Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8,122 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off thank you !

02-16-2008, 10:39 AM	#21 (permalink)
155 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ct,usa Posts: 920 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off how do i post pix?

02-16-2008, 12:02 PM	#23 (permalink)
155 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ct,usa Posts: 920 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off try that

02-16-2008, 02:01 PM	#24 (permalink)
Rico Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Henryville, PA Posts: 792 Thanks: 42 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Pick Guard on or off Or once you have downloaded your picture onto photobucket, you can then click on IMG code and paste it in the reply to thread area. Then you can Preview the post before submitting it to see how it looks. Oh back to the thread, I like my pick guards on.

02-17-2008, 06:06 AM	#26 (permalink)
BobbyK Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 211 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off I can't really make up my mind. I think it depends on the pickguard, too. the black one on my studio is so-so. I'm making a wooden one for it, though. I'm hoping that will look nice.

02-17-2008, 11:00 AM	#27 (permalink)
LongBeach Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8,122 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off Thanks for the pick 155.

02-17-2008, 02:31 PM	#28 (permalink)
Axeman16 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 2,079 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off on.

02-17-2008, 03:21 PM	#29 (permalink)
shotgunlew V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,547 Thanks: 40 Thanked 11 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off If its figured, off, if its painted on... __________________ 60% of the time...it works every time.... Gun Control = Using Both Hands!! Everyone Please Pray for Sgt Jeffery Crones and the rest of the boys in iraq! Get some boys! Chris "The Gunhand" Of the MLP Pirates Crew 1986 Les Paul Jr (Cherry red Singlecut ) 1994 MIJ fender Telecaster 52 reissue 1984 JCM 800 1x12 50 watt combo Behringer 4x12 cab (Bugera speakers)

02-17-2008, 10:29 PM	#30 (permalink)
Robster Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Westwood Hills, KS Posts: 943 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Pick Guard on or off on

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