Harmonics101 Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 I got my J100 naked, meaning no pickguard on the guitar but served on the side. I've got the thing stored away in case i want to glue the sucker on. What are your thoughts ? Add the pickguard ? Leave it off ? I'm a finger plucker so a pick guard would be strictly aesthetic. I probably need to take it to a guitar tech to get the job done right ? If you have any pics of your J100 with the guard on or off, why don't ya post to show how that J100 shines :) i got the bubinga variety, Pick on ladies and gents, Harmonics101
jedzep Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Hey, that's a blessing to have the option. I'd like to have the guards off all my guitars, if I could snap my fingers and leave 'em with no shadow or markings, but all my guitars are oldies and it won't happen. Tops resonate better with no glue and plastic...common sense. You can always decide later.
ParlourMan Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Installing a guard can't cost too much at a luthier/techs place, so the cost of finding out what you truly prefer can only be the cost of installation plus removal should you decide you preferred it with no guard.... It doesn't sound like too heavy an investment to satisfy the curiosity. I'd say do it... afterwards you'll know and won't be spending time wondering instead of playing... ;)
57classic Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 There is no lack of examples of Gibson jumbos with pick guards. No need to experiment, just look at a picture and decide. I think they look better with the guard.
pfox14 Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Why dont you post 2 pix - 1 without the pickguard and 1 with the pickguard laying on top where it should be, so we can better judge how it will look.
Scotto Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 My Montana Gold J-200 came with the pickguard on the side. I didn't think the guitar looked "right" without it. So I put it on myself. Was quite simple, and I think makes the guitar look much better. Just my opinion. Gibson J-180 EC Gibson Starburst Flame Gibson Montana Gold J-200
Harmonics101 Posted January 13, 2012 Author Posted January 13, 2012 I can't believe I asked this question !! What was i thinking ? Of course its personal choice. I must have been in one of my insecure moments. Thanks for your input and I think everyone's answer is correct. I sort of like the J100 without the guard cuz it makes it look unique from my other Gibson J models. On the other hand, without the pickguard, the J100 just doesn't look like your typical Gibson J model. What a dilemma, huh ? I'll probably just leave the guard off, cuz the guard that came with it is pretty plain Jane. No gloss on it and such. The J100 without the guard looks like a plain Jane guitar but it does sound pretty delish. And since I don't play with a pick, I'll probably leave it off. I admit though, it does look weird (UnGibsonesque) without the guard. Maybe that's why I compulsively posted to the forum cuz I'm STILL on the fence. Better just stop over complicating things and just play the darn thing B) Harmonics101
j45nick Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 Better just stop over complicating things and just play the darn thing B) Harmonics101 That's always a good solution.
Guest J-Doug Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 My J-100Xtra has lived it's life so far without one and I like it. Bit of scratching/wear where I plant my ring and pinky fingers while fingerpicking but nothing that can't be buffed out (not that I care to). Play on!
sboiir Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 My j-100 cutaway came with no pickguard on it. I like it. Seems to make sense the top will vibrate more without the glues and thick hunk of plastic. Personal opinion....some look better with guard, some without.
geelinus Posted January 14, 2012 Posted January 14, 2012 I vote for the pickguard Adding one is super-easy: Trust me: If I can install one, anyone can. . . .
shadowster Posted January 15, 2012 Posted January 15, 2012 I vote for the pickguard Adding one is super-easy: Trust me: If I can install one, anyone can. . . . heres mine supposed to be an extra bubinga one but its got more m.o.p. is yours as blonde as mine, or just the photo it makes it lookm dark
Harmonics101 Posted January 16, 2012 Author Posted January 16, 2012 Thank you for posting that pic GeeLinus. That J100 looks pretty good with that plain pickguard, I must say. I'm swingin' from the vine like Tarzan :) I like the plain understated elegance of the J100 and that pickguard makes that simplicity complete. Decisions Decisions, Harmonics101
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