I specifically requested a tortoise guard on my Eastman E8D. For flat picking, it serves it's purpose. I couldn't say what the guitar might sound like without it, but I have no complaints. The guitar sounds better all the time. I also have some smaller body guitars with no guards I use for finger picking . For that kind of playing (at least as I do it), there's little need for a guard so I don't bother. I think it would take an especially discerning ear to hear the difference in tone a pick guard would make. Much less, I'd say, than draping one's arm over the lower bout.
|