Official Luthiers Forum!

I really dont like pick guards on my guitars, but sometimes it is necessary because of a players playing style. Right now I am needing to put one on a guitar and I have some questions about the types available and how they affect the sound of the guitar.

There are clear ones and black ones (self sticking) and then there are wood ones.

Do you have a preference on which type you use? Why?

Also, does the pick guard cause any detrimental effect on the sound of the guitar and if so, do you have any tips on reducing this effect?

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Reguards,

Ken H

I've added clear ones to several "store bought"  guitars and put a clear one on my first homemade guitar. 

I think a coloured (black, tortoise shell, etc) takes a little bit away from the look, so I like the clear, self sticking kind.  I can't tell any difference in sound and I find them thinner (0.005") than a lot of store guitar pickguards.  I'm not a rough player, but I have never had one lift on my either. 

Sorry, but I have no experience with wood ones. 

Laurie

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Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

I like the thin tortise celluloid, the ones with SONY paper backing. I think they come from LMI. But who wouldn't like the look of the Greven pickguards. They are thick and heavy looking, but oh so cool. I can imagine anything that adds excess weight in this area will affect sound.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

You guys are talking about the "TOR-TIS" pick guards, right? I use them too, but I cut my own shapes from sheets. I can't really say that I have noticed a change in tone when I have put one on a guitar, but like Terry I like them small.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

I had an acquaintance bring over his OM style Collings. It had no pickguard installed. However, Collings had included one of the thick small OM style guards in the case. My guess is the original owner had spec'ed it out that way.

The guy wanted to see what other pickguards might look like if installed. He left with no guard still. A fingerstylist probably doesn't need one. A strummer who goes wild has to have one. Plus any weight added near the bridge will dampen vibration of the top by adding mass.

Then there is the case of the D28 Pre-War Brazilian that was sent back to Martin for a new Porter Wagner pickguard. Oh how I wish I'd taken a picture. That is the ugliest pickguard, protecting most of the upper bout and all around the soundhole. It was huge. And due to age, it was beginning to peel up at the corners, pulling spruce with it, yikes. It had multiple curves and points. The word grotesque comes to mind.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com