Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Gibson pickguard woes


mooboo

Recommended Posts

Posted

So the pickguard on my CL-30 is beginning to curl on the edges. I attempted to contact Gibson and they said they wouldn't replace it unless I was the original owner of the guitar. What does it matter!? Shouldn't they just be able to give me a cheap guard replacement for a guitar that someone paid them for new? [lol]

Posted

Rather than contacting Gibson direct, you should try a dealer (if you have one in the area locally). They will look at it and be able to determine your best course of action. Especially the more reputable dealers (not Guitar Center)... I ordered a pick guard maybe 10 years ago direct from Gibson. I did have to pay for it, but my dealer was able to get me one. I just had to bring the guitar in for them to make sure it was a Gibson.

Posted

I often hear of Gibsons (and other guitars) where the pickguard is curling at the edges, sometimes on fairly recent guitars. I've also seen it on old guitars here and there.. It has never to one of my guitars (yet) but I'm wondering if it tends to occur more readily in certain climates? Hope you get your pickguard replaced ok.

Posted

Nope. Sorry, mooboo. [biggrin] But, you'll get your alternatives here. Be patient, or you'll be a patient.

 

 

Edit: 12:00 hrs 5/5

 

mooboo,

 

I am sorry you haven't received any assistance. I was sure folks here would have some ideas for you. Must be me.

Maybe try, The Lounge or a second post and I will stay out of it. Good luck.

Posted
why dont you just glue it down?

The very edges have curled, not one big piece of it. It catches on straps and cloth when cleaning. I'm really surprised that Gibson refuses to send me a replacement when I've purchased this guitar, a new Gibson Hummingbird, and a new Gibson Les Paul.. I've spent thousands and can't get a $20 guard.. Customer service, huh..

Posted

Whatever you do, don't just glue it down.

 

The glue will fill the pores of the top of the wood and hurt its tone.

 

Gibson pickguards have been known to curl due to the material they were made of...although, I have to admit that usually its on the very old old ones, but there have been reported cases of Gibson pickguards just basically vaporizing during the 40's to 70s due a chemical reaction that occurs. George Gruhn has written on it. I haven't heard of this happening on instruments made during the past 20-35 years or so, though. I have a friend whose 1969 Gibson pickguard on a SJ curled up. Its still the same as it originalled curled...he treats it as a badge of honor on the guitar.

 

But...any good repairperson can cut a new pickguard and double side tape (not glue) it on or just press it on using the sticky material under its peel off (same as double side tape material that won't permanently fill the wood's pores.) If you contact an authorized Gibson repairperson in your area (call Gibson for one...or check the the Gibson website...they're listed on here/there somewhere). He can cut you a new one in the same shape, remove the old, and let you know if he can/will bill Gibson for it or have to charge you directly.

 

QM aka Jazzman Jeff

Posted

Isn't this caused by the pickguard being glued down to raw rather than lacquered wood? If so you need to be careful because as the pickguard starts to curl or lift it can cause cracks or take wood with it. I have had to have two top cracks that started under the pickguard repaired on my J-200.

Posted

Gibson has decided to provide a pickguard replacement. Maybe I was wrong about customer support. I started thinking, maybe they have those measures in place so people don't just get one to sell and make a few extra bucks..

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...