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#1
09-04-2020, 02:26 PM
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Removing pick guard from sunburst
Hi,
Yesterday I noticed that the pick guard on my Gibson J15 was beginning to lift at the pointy end but I pushed it back down and it seems to be staying put for the moment but it got me to wondering... Has anyone here removed the pick guard from a sunburst Gibson after it's been in place for several years? How much of a tan line did it leave? I'm not in love with the puffy pick guard Gibson put on my guitar but I am concerned if I remove it that it will have an obvious tan line but I've only seen photos here that show a natural top showing a tan line. Does anyone have a photo they can share after removing a pick guard from a sunburst? Thank you, PJ
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A Gibson A couple Martins 
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#2
09-04-2020, 04:54 PM
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I've only removed pick guards from plain spruce tops, and those that had been on for years left a definite tan line. There were even distinct speckles where the clearer portions of the tortoise pattern passed more light. It was not possible to re-tan the area again, so I covered it back with a new similar pick guard (not my preference). Whether your guitar will have tan lines depends on the darkness and gradient of the burst underneath. You might have some fine scratches outlining the footprint of the pick guard once its gone.
My guess is you'll have to actually remove it to find out for sure..... 
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#3
09-04-2020, 05:05 PM
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I agree that it depends on how new your guitar is. I removed the pickguard on my new Larrivee with a blow dryer and plastic spatula. I used lighter fluid to remove the little bit of glue residue that was left. It turned out great with a slight tan line that quickly blended in within a few weeks. If your guitar is fairly new, I say go for it! You'll definitely be rolling the dice if it's older...
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2018 Larrivee D-40 SOLD 2020 Martin DJR-10 Sapele  Gifted to son2022 Breedlove Signature Concert Copper CE SOLD Guitarless 
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#4
09-04-2020, 05:45 PM
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For a burst finish, absolutely would not remove the pick guard.
If it was under the finish, then YES, but I'm pretty sure any sort of burst finish, the pick guard would be over the finish. MGF
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#5
09-04-2020, 06:27 PM
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I had a shop remove the pickguard on a 6 year old sj200 and there was an indented line. However it can only be noticed at a certain angle and I think it is much better overall. I can always put a better quality one back on if needed.
I also simply ripped the pickguard off a pretty new Taylor last fall with no issues at all or lines. It was perfect. Do your research on the best way and go for it.
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#6
09-04-2020, 07:38 PM
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I have seen sunburst guitars that have had their pickguards removed, and there were visible tan lines left on them.
It's possible, perhaps even likely that the pigmentation of the sunburst might slow that process down a little bit. Which sort of finish has been used is a factor, too: with nitrocellulose lacquer finishes some of the darkening takes place in the clear coat layers of the lacquer itself, not just in the wood of the top. But on a Taylor, with a polyester finish, the clear coat sprayed over the sunburst won't yellow the way nitro will. Even so, unless the pickguard's removed fairly soon after a new guitar's been purchased, its removal will most likely reveal a tanline that will be fairly noticeable. So, personally, if the guitar isn't brand spanking new, I wouldn't even consider removing the pickguard. That's a matter of personal taste, of course, but is still something any guitar owner wanting to remove a pickguard from a sunburst finish guitar should be aware of going in. Hope that makes sense. Wade Hampton Miller
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#7
09-17-2020, 08:14 PM
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Hi Everyone,
I know over two weeks have passed since I first asked this question but I wanted to report that I ended up taking the pick guard off after all. The adhesive was shot to the point that the pointy end would no longer stay down and I keep hitting it as I played. The cool thing is that there is NO TAN LINE! See for yourself! https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...1&d=1600395153 Sorry for the distortion but this was taken with an iPhone ... Best, PJ
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A Gibson A couple Martins
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#8
09-17-2020, 08:32 PM
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You got lucky there, PJ. It’s a handsome guitar, too.
whm
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#10
09-17-2020, 08:38 PM
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Quote:
And I agree, I am very lucky. Best, PJ
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A Gibson A couple Martins
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#11
09-17-2020, 08:40 PM
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Quote:
Actually no, I haven't noticed any difference in the tone. Best, PJ
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A Gibson A couple Martins
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#13
09-18-2020, 06:13 PM
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I knew I was right!
 Congrats again on a great guitar and I m glad the pickguard removal worked out!
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2018 Larrivee D-40 SOLD 2020 Martin DJR-10 Sapele Gifted to son2022 Breedlove Signature Concert Copper CE SOLD Guitarless
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#15
09-18-2020, 07:56 PM
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Nice!
I took the pick guard off of my J-45 when I first got it. There aren't too many pick guards that I like.
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