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#1
10-07-2017, 06:25 AM
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removing pickguards from a vintage Gibson
given that this is a natural top, how much trouble would it be to remove these huge pickguards? They are not the super thick ones Gibson used in the 60s.
The one on the left was added later, poorly done. Not an even cut of the template. Mind you I don't care if there is a little superficial damage to the top if this is done or if there are tan lines. 
Last edited by elasticman; 10-07-2017 at 06:36 AM. 
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#2
10-07-2017, 06:55 AM
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Beware, tan / uv lines will likely be visible.
Steve
__________________
Cole Clark Fat Lady Gretsch Electromatic Martin CEO7 Maton Messiah Taylor 814CE Last edited by Kerbie; 10-25-2017 at 06:25 PM. Reason: Edited content
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#3
10-07-2017, 07:46 AM
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Obviously an owner can do anything they like. Given that this would involve around half of the top, I wouldn't on this guitar. How much trouble would vary between guitars. If you carefully heat and carefully (meaning take your time as it's usually not a quick procedure) remove them, there should be no damage. You could have more of a chore cleaning off the adhesive after the pick-guard removal. I use floss after carefully heating the guards.
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#5
10-08-2017, 08:14 PM
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Quote:
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#6
10-09-2017, 07:56 PM
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reversible inspection
Seems to me as if OP or his luthier could remove the pick guards and see what's there. That sounds harmless enough to me. Worst to happen is to put them back on, or new ones cut to that miserable pattern. Best to happen is the guitar rejoins the world of nice vintage instruments with a bit of a suntan and some history. And a huge increase in value, should that have any importance.
But these are my opinions and the owner is entitled to do as he wishes with his own property. Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, and mine is that these two pick guards are so plug-ugly that it's worth the trouble of removing them to see what can be done to return the guitar to a more 'normal' state.
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#7
10-10-2017, 05:12 AM
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Quote:
If the top tears out, then you may be up for a new top, have seen guitars come into my workshop that are typically western red cedar and the tops have been shredded from the removal of a pickguard Steve
__________________
Cole Clark Fat Lady Gretsch Electromatic Martin CEO7 Maton Messiah Taylor 814CE
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#9
10-10-2017, 06:40 AM
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Quote:
The seller tells me there are no cracks beneath, just one small one near the pickguard. Reputable seller. I am on the fence about getting this one or a much cleaner (but more expensive) '56.
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