Pickguard or No Pickguard on Taylor

[Laynej37]

Hi guys!
I usually dont like the look of pickguards but Ive always thought the rosewood pickguards on higher end Taylors looked pretty nice. I recently got an academy and had this taylor style wood pickguard and though it could look nice, but I cant decide. The academy is overall pretty plain looking so a pickguard could help spice it up a little, but I still cant decide. Here are some photos with and without the pickguard:

[Earl49]

That rosewood PG is pretty organic and nice looking, but I've never been a fan of the Taylor shape. Now if you were asking about a small teardrop with the same wood.... Personally I don't need pick guards, even for strumming, so I always prefer the nude look. My two cents and you did ask.

[Peter Z]

I say put it on just because this is an extremely nice looking pickguard.

[Ed66]

I usually leave mine naked (or use a clear pick guard), but I voted for the pick guard in this case; it's one of the nicest I've seen.

[MakingMusic]

I usually prefer not to cover up the natural wood. But then again, I play mostly fingerstyle and even when I do use a pick, I'm not overly aggressive. No pick scratches yet. But just looking at this from a visual standpoint, that's a nice looking pick guard and I see your point about adding some cufflinks. If it was a cut-out, I would definitely vote "no" but with your guitar, I might add it.

[jklotz]

It's a nice looking guitar and a nice looking pickguard. Honestly, I could go either way on this one. If you are in doubt, leave it off for a while. Keep laying it on top and looking at it. After a while, the answer will come to you.

[Lillis]

Voted yes. I remember when you bought this for your mini I think it fits the Academy much better.

[MartinGibsonFan]

I like that pickguard.

What I don't like is the Taylor signature bridge shape, but that's another story.

You can't do much about the bridge, but personally, I'd add the pickguard.

J

[KalamazooGuy]

I also removed the pick guard from my Taylor. Good move!

[Laynej37]

Originally Posted by Earl49

That rosewood PG is pretty organic and nice looking, but I've never been a fan of the Taylor shape. Now if you were asking about a small teardrop with the same wood.... Personally I don't need pick guards, even for strumming, so I always prefer the nude look. My two cents and you did ask.

Thanks for the reply! I actually really like the Taylor shape and do not like many other shapes. If I got a martin with a teardrop pickguard, it would be coming off for sure, But thats all personal preference. I dont need a pickguard either, I never use a pick, so the decision is based on aesthetics only.

[Laynej37]

Originally Posted by MartinGibsonFan

I like that pickguard.

What I don't like is the Taylor signature bridge shape, but that's another story.

You can't do much about the bridge, but personally, I'd add the pickguard.

J

Thanks for your input!. I have to disagree with you about the bridge shape. Its actually one of my favorite bridge designs. I also like the traditional bridge shape on Martins and Gibsons but only because they remind me of vintage style instruments, which are my favorite.

[Laynej37]

Originally Posted by Lillis

Voted yes. I remember when you bought this for your mini I think it fits the Academy much better.

Yes! I agree it wasn't a good fit for the mini. I thought for sure it would be going on the academy but now that I have it, I think it looks really nice both ways.

[rllink]

I think that I said this in the mini thread, my first thought is to just leave things alone. But considering that you have this stray pick guard that you bought laying around the house and a guitar without one that you can put it on, do it.

[mercy]

I like the wood to speak for itself. Any pickguard detracts from the beauty of the wood, even a wood one. Some players need one though cause the way they play so a compromises is needed. The Taylor finish is very resistant to scratches if you are a normal player.

[bluesyjacuzzi]

I like it and would install it if it were me.....