Removing really well-glued pick guard

I want to remove the pick guard from my new Taylor 512 but it's glued on there really well. On my Gibson SWD it was easy to remove the pick guard because the edges were already curling up. On the Taylor though I can't find anywhere to even slide the edge of a thin pick under to get it started. I'll use naphtha to clean up afterward but I gotta get started somehow, somewhere. Any ideas?

[_zedagive]

My advice - Take it to a professional. Won't cost too much and much less risk damaging a great guitar.

[Larry Pattis]

Taylor finishes are pretty tough.

I recommend using a blow-dryer to slightly (and I said s-l-i-g-h-t-l-y) heat up the pickguard area...it will easily peel off.

Use a very thin/flexible edge (not a knife, but like a putty-knife) to get an edge lifted to get things started...after heating.

[AZLiberty]

Let a little naptha soak under one edge and then use some fishing line. Heating it up with a hairdrier (carfully) can help as well.

[flaggerphil]

I've used the blowdryer on stubborn ones in the past. Just be very careful and very patient.

Really, really patient.

[DenverSteve]

I've used a little heat to loosen the adhesive and then some dental floss to work it off. I too would take it to a pro if you're unsure about removing it. It is generally very easy to do.

Thanks gents, will try the naphtha soak first, hair dryer second.

[davwir]

I've done the hair dryer and credit card method on a couple of Taylor's in the not so distant past. No issues. Just go slow and be gentle


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[taylor96]

Have done it many times including my Taylor 510
Just used a hair dryer lightly to get it warmed up and get an edge to get under, then used one of those yellow plastic putty type knives (think they are made for plaster) and go easy and you can do it easily... tried the fish lines stuff one time and didn't work well..
clean up with naptha and your good to go..
Guess you could go to a professional (??) if you want to spend some bucks, but why not do it yourself..

[_zedagive]

Originally Posted by Dominus Mortem

I want to remove the pick guard from my new Taylor 512 but it's glued on there really well. On my Gibson SWD it was easy to remove the pick guard because the edges were already curling up. On the Taylor though I can't find anywhere to even slide the edge of a thin pick under to get it started. I'll use naphtha to clean up afterward but I gotta get started somehow, somewhere. Any ideas?

How did the project turn out?

[Boneyard75]

"A man's got to know his limitations...."