Do Guitars Need Pick Guards
Replacing Pickguards (Scratch Plates)Depending on the instrument, some pickguards may be a cinch to remove while others stick quite well and require care to avoid damage. The first thing you want to know is what finish is on the instrument and whether the pickguard adheres to finish or directly to bare wood.Most pickguards require heating to soften the adhesive prior to removal, a task that warrants caution as overheating lacquer and delicate finishes can cause them to blister and create an enormous problem. I prefer a hairdryer to soften the adhesive. Martin's Shrinking PickguardsPickguards glued directly to the bare wood can cause top damage when they shrink.Once the pickguard is removed you will usually find a tan line, a change in colorcaused by the woods U. While this tan line is a helpful guideTan LineTop did not darken beneath pickguardto correctly position the replacement, it also means that you are forced to replace the original guard with one similar or larger unless you want to see the shading. Pickguard Types Clear PickguardsFor those who don't prefer pickguards but are afraid of damaging the finish you may opt to install a clear pickguard. Clear pickguard material is much thinner than regular celluloid pickguard material and applies much like a sticker. While this can sound ridiculously easy, more experience is needed to apply these correctly than a traditional guard.The clear pickguard acts like a sticker and bubbles are sure to find their way between the material and the top if not applied correctly.I install these by floating them on a bed of water and using a squeegee to force out any bubbles before adhesion.
Starting from the tip and working slowly towards the bottom, being careful to never touch the adhesive.Though these are easy to cut with scissors, the crisp factory edge that's required for a professional looking pickguard requires cutting with a template or purchasing one directly from the factory or supplier.Clear, removable pickguards are similar to the vinyl stickers that cling to glass. Pre-made Pickguards. Vintage pattern pickguardMost of what you'll find in the $5-$10 range today are basic, stamp cut pickguards.Luckily there are several tort and multi-colored pickguards available that give those of us who dislike the plain pepperoni that seems to be so common.Greven® pickguards by Turtleworks® happen to be my favorite replacement on vintage Martin's and those looking for unique patterns. The color on these go throughout the material as opposed to some pickguards being made today with a faux tort pattern covered by a clear top laminate. Hand-Made PickguardsWhen the appropriate shape and size are not available or when creativity strikes pickguards can also be made from scratch. Thick Celluloid PickguardThicker pickguards can also pose a problem, a common issue is celluloid decay which causes them to crumble. It begins with a crazed, shattered like appearance which advances to the point of disintegration.
How best to cut a pickguard Cyanna 14 years ago. Its where the neck fits into the pickguard, it just needs to have that cutaway cut back towards the neck pickup, the depth and width of the extra overhanging 22nd fret. The fretboard overhang and pickguard are both too thick to just allow the overhang to cover the pickguard.
These too must be replaced but unfortunately an exact material match is not usually available and we must use what's available. ArchTop and Floating PickguardsThese are also made from thicker material, usually around.100.125 thick as opposed to the thinner material used on many flat top guitars. They attach to the top by brackets and screws. These are obviously quite easy to remove and replace yourself. Finding replacements for these pickguards has gotten much easier as shops have manufactured templates by which they can re-make the guard using your material choice.
Do Guitars Need Pick Guards For Sale
When they do not stock a template for your instrument many will offer to make one using a tracing of the original. Inlaid PickguardsWant something truly personal? Most inlay artist can give your instrument a truly personal touch by inlaying a pattern of your choice into a pickguard.