EvanPC Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 A little background: I've got an Epi LP that, from time to time, I'll remove the pick guard simply because I like to change up its appearance from time to time. You know, sort of like rearranging your living room. The guitar came with the guard installed, so making the change is easy. Now, I've also got an Gibson LP studio which came with a pick guard but it was not installed. In my eyes, the natural/high gloss finish on the body is almost too beautiful to drill into. On the other hand, I wish I had the ability to put it on or take it off whenever I please. So, do you prefer a pick guard on or off? And, would you want to install (drill into the body) simply to have the option? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanMan Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 It's been a well debated and established fact that all the tone comes from the pick guard. Or was it that the pick guard saps the tone right out of it....? It's a personal choice thing. No PG on my LP because the wood is just too danged beautiful and I don't need it to protect my axe from my picking or my pick hand. Ymmv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Natural Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 On. If you have to drill to get it on, drill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Depends on the guitar for me. You can use a screwless pickguard and you don't have to drill. Just google screwless pickguard for les pauls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silenced Fred Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I think it looks better without one, but I only get Fredtone, no slashtone, so its up to you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Natural Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I think it looks better without one, but I only get Fredtone, no slashtone, so its up to you I'm working on that elusive Jonas Bro-tone. Maybe I should go for the Leave it to Bieber-tone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silenced Fred Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I'm working on that elusive Jonas Bro-tone. Maybe I should go for the Leave it to Bieber-tone? Jonas Bros you need to just hold the guitar and use a recording. For Bieber, your pickguard needs a haircut just like his Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvanPC Posted December 20, 2010 Author Share Posted December 20, 2010 Of these two options, which will give me Kevin Bacon tone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I find that if I remove the screws and the pickguard I loose too much sustain so I reinstall the screws so I cas still have good sustain. If I had a vintage Les Paul with a perfectly bookmatched flamed maple top I may remove the pickguard or install a clear acrylic one so that the woodgrain could all be seen but otherwise I leave the pickguard on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andre S Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I say too much cream with the pickguard. IMHO it will look better without the pickguard. Might look very nice with black hardware Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silenced Fred Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 On those two options, I actually like the pickguard on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjay777 Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Either way looks cool to me. I just leave mine on since it's the only thing holding my guitar together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shnate McDuanus Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Well, if I took the pickguard off my SG... Nah! But on a Les Paul? Well, I happen to think they usually look better with the pickguard, but I appear to be a minority on this. As far as I know, pickguard has very little effect on a Les Paul's tone. If you were choosing between a maple and a mahogany pickguard, and if they were glued flush to a guitar with a flat top, then... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 all of my p/g's are scarred.........i'm no more gentle on the B & high E than on the low E & A........plus I use alternating upstrokes and a heavy pick , hence, scarring. I've removed the guards for a photo now and then, but they go right back on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjlandry Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I don't have them on my guitars, with the exception of the Epiphone LP Jr. My Les Paul and Dot came with them, but I removed them and put the screws back in the holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SG FAN Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I'm a fan of "Batwing" guard SGs, so needless to say, it's pickguard on for me. However, on my Epi Casino, it's guard off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Buy a screwless pick guard... Here is the answer to all your questions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golem Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 ` Whether you use or don't use the PG, or switch from time to time, drill the holes. Drilling holes in expensive instruments is extreeemely theraputic and good for the soul. It's an ancient holistic practice. ` Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swleary Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Pickguard on lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffster Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 I took the pickguard off one of my Les Pauls and didn't look back but then I had to look back because somebody was calling my name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcmurray Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 No pickguard. Two reasons; 1 - it looks better. 2 - There is absolutely no need. If you're picking technique makes you contact the guitar body with the pick on an LP, you're doing it wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djroge1 Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 It's been a well debated and established fact that all the tone comes from the pick guard. Or was it that the pick guard saps the tone right out of it....? It's a personal choice thing. No PG on my LP because the wood is just too danged beautiful and I don't need it to protect my axe from my picking or my pick hand. Ymmv. Me thinks that with the pick guard on you get excellent tone! however, with the pick guard off you get righteous sustain - sustain for days..... listen can you can hear it sustaining right now and it's not been played in a week. I personally like the looks with the pick guard on. I really don't like the look with out it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djroge1 Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 Sustain for Dayzzzz Excellent Tone!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigKahune Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 N A K E D . . . B) I prefer the look of no PG. And for that matter, no pup rings or switch washer/label either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S t e v e Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 A little background: I've got an Epi LP that, from time to time, I'll remove the pick guard simply because I like to change up its appearance from time to time. You know, sort of like rearranging your living room. The guitar came with the guard installed, so making the change is easy. Now, I've also got an Gibson LP studio which came with a pick guard but it was not installed. In my eyes, the natural/high gloss finish on the body is almost too beautiful to drill into. On the other hand, I wish I had the ability to put it on or take it off whenever I please. So, do you prefer a pick guard on or off? And, would you want to install (drill into the body) simply to have the option? pick guard OFF at all times imo, although you can buy "stick on" ones save drilling the holes B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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