Anyone add a clear pick guard to their CF guitar?

rmsstrider · #1 03-19-2017, 08:45 PM

Just wondering if this would be a good idea? I am expecting my first CF guitar soon and was wondering if a pick guard is ever recommend. It's a Composite Acoustic GX with center hole. Do picks scratch carbon fiber? I never see pictures of any CF guitars with pic guards.

AZLiberty · #2 03-19-2017, 08:48 PM

I bought my WS3000 used, and the previous owner installed a CF pattern guard.

Looks ok, but I never learned how to use a flat pick...

Captain Jim · #3 03-19-2017, 09:08 PM

No pickguards on my 3 cf guitars. I am a strummer (not a pounder), and no signs of any marks. Depending on the finish, you could use one of the cling-on pickguards to see if your technique may warrant something more permanent. I use one of those on an 814ce with a tobacco burst I don't want to mar up.

Earl49 · #4 03-19-2017, 09:18 PM

I put a clear pick guard on my Rainsong when it was purchased in 2001. The PG has only a few minor marks on it. I am careful with my strumming and flatpicking technique, and have several guitars with no pick guard at all - and no marks.

I have added a clear pick guard on two others, but I let people try those guitars out. They might not be as careful as I am. The clear coat on most CF guitars is pretty tough. Not indestructible, but not nearly as fragile as nitrocellulose either.

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #5 03-19-2017, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmsstrider

Just wondering if this would be a good idea? I am expecting my first CF guitar soon and was wondering if a pick guard is ever recommend. It's a Composite Acoustic GX with center hole. Do picks scratch carbon fiber? I never see pictures of any CF guitars with pic guards.

The finish on the GX is pretty durable, and if you do end up scratching it, it can be buffed out. Having said that, there is no harm in installing a clear pickguard if it will give you peace of mind.

Xray · #6 03-19-2017, 11:14 PM

How are clear pick guards installed without looking obnoxious ?
Dabs of clear glue ? ...rarely like to glue them though.

Doubleneck · #7 03-20-2017, 04:11 AM

Always use clear vinyl pickguard that just stick on. Carbons are perfect for them, you can take them on and off and it never harms the guitar. I strum and though I don't dig in my fingernails and pick will cause the surface to get cloudy if I don't use pickguard. But as said you could buff it out.

jonfields45 · #8 03-20-2017, 05:57 AM

I use these inexpensive low tack vinyl pickguards off of eBay. They also work well on Taylor and other wood guitars with catalyzed finishes. I can exactly match the soundhole with a razor compass. I get some pick scratches in my guitars regardless of how tough the finish or materials.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UltraThin-Cl...4WhPE7Q1zlt__Q

rmsstrider · #9 03-20-2017, 06:18 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I think the cling on clear will be one to try first.

MikeMcKee · #10 03-20-2017, 07:39 AM

Not a guard, but put a Pearse armrest on mine and it's great...and basically blends in to the black top. Very comfortable.

rmsstrider · #11 03-20-2017, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMcKee

Not a guard, but put a Pearse armrest on mine and it's great...and basically blends in to the black top. Very comfortable.

Interesting, didn't think of one of those. Always wanted to try but avoided for fear of hurting the finish. Might be a good guitar to try on. Thanks

Strumalot · #12 03-20-2017, 08:55 AM

I have a CA GX that has been played hard and often with carbon fiber picks, and yes, it is scratched up where a pick guard would be.

But it still looks fine to me ~ more like a matte finish than scratches ~ and I am sure my GX will never get the wonderful played-a-lot look of Willie Nelson's guitar.

A downside of CF I suppose.

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #13 03-20-2017, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonfields45

I use these inexpensive low tack vinyl pickguards off of eBay. They also work well on Taylor and other wood guitars with catalyzed finishes. I can exactly match the soundhole with a razor compass. I get some pick scratches in my guitars regardless of how tough the finish or materials.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UltraThin-Cl...4WhPE7Q1zlt__Q

That guard looks fantastic, Jon.

rokdog49 · #14 03-20-2017, 12:48 PM

I purchased a set of static cling "pickguards" from Chicago Music for a few bucks last week. They are for my two Sunbursts which I do not wish to put regular pick guards on. They are pretty much invisible from a few feet away and I really don't care what they look like...just trying to protect my guitars from finger and pick scratches.

studioman001 · #15 03-24-2017, 09:31 AM

I had one of those clear stick on/peel off guards on my Rainsong H-WS1000 just for peace of mind. Although cf is tough and scratches can be fbuffed out, it can't hurt to have one in my opinion.