Swoop Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 With the myriad of fake related threads lately, I thought I'd create something a little different. So who else here is a fan of the no pickguard look, in particular on Les Pauls? I never used to be a fan, and it still only works for me on certain finishes. But I'm loving the way my Les Paul looks without its pickguard. In fact, I'm becoming a fan of a lot of things I previously wasn't especially fond of. Kluson tuners, no pickguard, open coils, just to name a few. Post pics of your non pickguarded Les Paul! Or other! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sjael Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I think it certainly depends on the finish of the guitar. On yours, there's no way you'd want to cover up that gorgeous flame! Similarly, I don't think you could get a pickguard to look good on my Prophecy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 On the subject of the Prophecy, have you got a new one, or is that pic of your old one before the neck break? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sjael Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 It's the same one, neck is still broken, I'm working on repairing it. When that happens I'm gonna track down a black Bigsby and slap it on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I have one of each: The cherry-burst Ultra has a pickguard ... and I really couldn't picture it any other way. On the other hand, I also own a Prophecy LP GX and, like Sjael, I think the non-pickgrard look is the right one for that guitar. So ... I have an open mind on the subject! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I have one of each: The cherry-burst Ultra has a pickguard ... and I really couldn't picture it any other way. On the other hand' date=' I also own a Prophecy LP GX and, like Sjael, I think the non-pickgrard look is the right one for that guitar. So ... I have an open mind on the subject! Jim [/quote'] My ultra just lost her pickguard! as all my LP's I just like em simple and un frilled. I even remove the pickup selector washer (rythem/treble) Naked, but damn sharp. and sexy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justadennis Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I just like em simple and unfrilled. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spyke1 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Me too: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcwillow777 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 No pickguards. I have 6 LPs/LP style guitars. The only one that has a PG on it now is my CSB '80 Gibson Custom Les Paul. The GT in my avatar is PGless, I just haven't taken any new pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strumbone Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 When I got my Sherri, the pickguard was included but not installed. I installed it, played for 10 minutes and took it off. For some licks, I anchor my pinky finger at the base of the pickup, and the guard got in the way. So my is removed for mechanical reasons, but I also like the cosmetic results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 +1 oh yes That is gorgeous. I like the "no pickup switch washer" look in addition to the "no pickguard look" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsson Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 yeh when i get my les paul i will defently remove the pickguard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dueling shadow Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 When I got my Sherri' date=' the pickguard was included but not installed. I installed it, played for 10 minutes and took it off. For some licks, I anchor my pinky finger at the base of the pickup, and the guard got in the way. So my is removed for mechanical reasons, but I also like the cosmetic results.[/quote'] x2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
custer Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I like the no pick guard look on Les Pauls but I like the pickguard on my Dot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I like the no pick guard look on Les Pauls but I like the pickguard on my Dot. same here. I installed one that TWANG made for my DOT studio. Its gota thin satin natural brown finish that i didnt want to ding up-- the poly LP finishes are alot tougher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 I personally think Goldtops look weird without the pickguard. And I like the pickguard on on my Casino. Althought, I haven't taken it off for a while, so I might like it now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IbbysB4Epis Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I like the no pickguard look. Of all my guitars, only my '76 Gibson LP Standard has one and that is because I restored it to original appearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Zeplin Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 For me it was more for comfort than looks, since playability is the most important thing, just like my adding speed knobs (although I have to admit I prefer the look without the PG). I find the PG gets in my way and I like the ease of access with the speed knobs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad1 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I seem to be in the minority here. For me it comes down to a playability issue as well. I use the PG as a pinky finger rest. I need this for all my archtops. Overall I guess my LP might look better without it. But I definitely play better with it on. And yes I know my LP in my avatar does not have one. But since the pic I have found a cream PG on ebay with the plastic still on it (not cheap either) and have put it on. I even think it makes the guitar look better. It seems to bring out the cream color in the binding, pup rings, etc. and contibutes to the overall aesthetics. Perhaps I will get out my camera soon and take a pic or two with it's new PG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony_JB Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 It's the same one' date=' neck is still broken, I'm working on repairing it. When that happens I'm gonna track down a black Bigsby and slap it on...[/quote'] Hey, Sjael. I think they make a black B-700 if I'm not mistaken. Back on topic: Unfortunately, I'm not a part of the Les Paul club and my Casino has it's pickguard on. I think Cherry ES335 body shaped guitars look better with the pickguard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denthevetteman78 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I think it's a matter of choice and color combo. Without pic gard it has a more heavy metal look . My black standard kinda look good and has a classy look with it. As i play a lot of blues i did keep it for the look. Also from the scratchs a got on my other guitar (my white one) it would look terrible on a black guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I'm like some of the other guys. I like the PG on, because it's where I rest the pinky finger. Some of the guitars pictured here look great without, and others look great with. I would be always worried about scratching the finish if I took it off. I like my guitars to look new. Even my 85 Strat looks new. They're always in the case if I'm not playing them. The only time they spend in a stand is on stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest icantbuyafender Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I personally think Goldtops look weird without the pickguard. And I like the pickguard on on my Casino. Althought' date=' I haven't taken it off for a while, so I might like it now. [/quote'] Ah you're killin' me Swoop! Goldie... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanH Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 With the myriad of fake related threads lately' date=' I thought I'd create [i']something [/i]a little different. So who else here is a fan of the no pickguard look, in particular on Les Pauls? I never used to be a fan, and it still only works for me on certain finishes. But I'm loving the way my Les Paul looks without its pickguard. In fact, I'm becoming a fan of a lot of things I previously wasn't especially fond of. Kluson tuners, no pickguard, open coils, just to name a few. Post pics of your non pickguarded Les Paul! Or other! That really is a beauty you have there Swoop! No regrets on the departure of the Firebird I take it? A LP with a nice burst top just screams out "Pick me up and don't put me down!" doesn't it? Back to topic.... I really really like the look without the scratchplate but I've kept mine on because of the screw holes and because I don't want to scratch the finish. It's the nails of the trailing middle, ring and pinkie fingers that would cause the scratches and not the pick, right? Hence, I'll call it a scratchplate and not a pick guard. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 Cheers fella. No regrets at all. I'm getting much more enjoyment out of the Les Paul than I ever did from the Firebird I think. And I really am amazed at how this thing plays and how well made it is. The fingerboard grain is nice and smooth and tight, and the neck is straight as an arrow, with just the minimum amount of relief to prevent frezz buzz, of which there is none. And the action is perfect, a nice 3/32" bass side at the 17th fret, and 5/64" treble side at the 17th fret, just the way I like it. She's just beautiful, and you're absolutely right, I cannot put her down, and have not played anything else since I got her. My mate came 'round and played her yesterday, and could not stop saying how cool it was, and how crappy his guitar felt in comparison. And this is largely the factory setup too, the previous owner wasn't too knowledgeable about setting a guitar up. I tightened the truss rod about 1/6 of a turn, and set the action, and that's it, perfect. Anyhow, I'm normally really pedantic about things like screw holes as well. I hate having unnecessary holes. But for some reason I can make an exception with this, probably because of that lovely flame. I personally am a nail biter, so any scratches would be cause by a pick in my case. I don't think an archtop is as prone to scratches though, because the body falls away right where it would normally get scratched if it were a flat top. I dunno. I like my guitars to look new and prisitne too like Gord said, but lately I've sort of been less concerned about them, and more into playing them than polishing them all the time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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