Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

[lex666]

Hey guys,

I'm going to be getting a new acoustic in a couple of weeks. I'm debating wether or not I want to remove the thin plastic pickguard. Please help me decide. Post your pro's, con's & opinions please.

Thanks,

 

[lex666]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

Here's a pic of the one I'm getting:

 

[jcthejester13]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

Off!!!

 

[amosrides]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

I would say on. That light wood needs some contrast, plus acoustics with cutouts usually look better with a pickguard unless there is sunburst or something. You could always change it out though.

*This doesn't mean I'm suggeting Taylors are superior. Just the first light colored, cut-out, acoustic that popped up on google.

 

[mrpinter]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

Here is my Don Musser acoustic. The pickguard is still in the case; I never got around to putting it on. I like the cleaner look of it off. But I think a cutaway acoustic might look better with it on.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

I agree that cutaway's look better with pickguards.....and acoustics in general do, IMO. I like the contrast it provides on guitars with lighter tops. I'm not crazy about the standard tortise guards that most come with, but I haven't really looked into aftermarket replacements.

IMO, most guitars look classier with them and cheaper without. This isn't true for every guitar, just the majority that I've had the opportunity to see.

 

[lex666]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

I never really noticed, but the pickguard on the Taylor follows the body contour shape of the guitar. Its looks sharper, and a better match.... Martin's tear drop shape looks generic and akward IMO. If Martin's pickguard followed the body's shape, it would look 10x better.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

Here's a pic of the one I'm getting:

Is that a D35C?

I like it with the Guard!

 

[lex666]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

Is that a D35C?

Nah, its the DC16RGTE with Fishman Aura...

 

[JaySwear]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

i don't like the look of my seagull with the pickguard. they sent me one with the guitar, but i've never put it on.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

I don't really like pickguards on much of anything, but that's just me.

 

[Jessie's ghost]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

Cosmetically, I could go either way.
Functionally, I don't really care about scratches. How much do you guys think a pickguard impacts the tone of the average solid-top acoustic?

 

[JaySwear]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

thats a good point. you can do pretty much whatever you want to an electric... tone snobs will claim that every little bit of paint affects tone, but nobody would be able to tell in a blind test. but an acoustic's soundboard is insanely important. i guess honestly i wouldn't want a piece of floppy plastic stuck on it, but i bet i wouldn't be able to hear a difference either.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

I don't know how well they're stuck on, but it seems like the pickguard would vibrate along with the top, so I don't think you'll hear much difference. FWIW, I think it looks better on.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

I like guitars with both styles. Gibson Jumbos with pickguards look nice to me, and Taylors without them do too. I dont think it affects tone.

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Acoustic pickguards: On or Off?

On.