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#1
05-24-2012, 02:32 PM
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Would you replace a pick guard on a vintage guitar?
My jamming buddy has a very nice 1956 J-45. The scratch plate is pealing off slightly and he's considering getting it replaced. He asked my advice on this and I said I'd ask you guys
 Is it a good/bad idea? Is there a risk of damaging the guitar? He's not worried about resale value because it's his keeper (and he's too old now to have kids to pass it on to )Thanks, H. 
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#2
05-24-2012, 03:01 PM
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Most importantly - get it checked out; a lifting pickguard can pull wood off the top, especially if the pg is shrinking, too.
Older pickguards are typically made of plastics that if in the wrong conditions can end up warping and pulling away. Replacing one would affect value based on originality and condition - but that should be a next-order consideration vs. preserving the top and the overall playability of the guitar. Find someone with vintage guitar experience in your area (this is NOT for your average, non-vintage-experienced guitar tech) and have your friend get the guitar checked out. If you aren't sure how to find such a tech, head over to the UMGF Vintage Corner message board and ask there - many of those vintage techs hang out there anyway... Best of luck.
__________________
An old Gibson and a couple of old Martins; a couple of homebrew Tele's
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#4
05-24-2012, 06:12 PM
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I agree with this advice.
Quote:
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1943 Gibson J-45 Martin Custom Shop 000-28 Authentic Aged 1937 Voyage Air VAOM-4 IBG Epiphone J-200 Aged Antique
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#5
05-24-2012, 06:42 PM
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If the original pickguard is warped, what I would do is get a replacement pickguard from Gibson that matches it, then have a pro remove the old one and install the new one. I've done this sort of job many times on my own guitars, but the value of 50's vintage Gibsons has skyrocketed in recent years, and it would be smarter to have a pro do it. It shouldn't cost any more than minimum shop charge, anyway.
Have your buddy hold onto the original pickguard, so that if he ever decides to sell the guitar he can say: "I had the pickguard replaced because the old one was warped, but I've got it here in the case pocket should you want to put it back on the guitar." That way everything's covered. Hope that makes sense. Wade Hampton Miller
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#7
05-24-2012, 07:53 PM
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I would send it to Bozeman to get fixed by the master builders at Gibson. I'm sure there are a few other things they would make perfect at the same time. I'm not suggesting getting it restored or do anything else that is not necessary, but at least then you know for sure that you are sending it to somebody with the knowledge, experience, and skill to do it right. That's a beautiful old guitar, and it deserves the best. Just my humble opinion of course. In another 55 years if my J-45 is in need of any work, that's where I would send it. Here's a link to the repair and restoration section of Gibson's website.
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyl...ndRestoration/
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2010 Gibson J-45 Standard 1996 Art & Lutherie Wild Cherry acoustic 2000 Gibson Flying V '67 RI
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