NGD - Gibson J165 (should I add Blues King pickguard?)

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by Willie Voltaire

The wonderful folks at Bozeman's Music Villa shop got me a J-45 pickguard a few years ago without any problem.

That said, I think the Blues King one looks great, and would be my first choice.

Good suggestion - look up Music Villa’s phone number, ask to speak to the owner, and see if he will order a firestripe J-45 pickguard for you. It won’t be cheap, but he’s got a good relationship with the folks at the GibsonMontana plant, which is just a few minutes away by car.

The existing pickguard you’ve already got is also entirely appropriate for the guitar, as Willie says. I’m just a Gibson teardrop pickguard fan myself.


whm

[Goodallboy]

I wouldn’t add a pickguard unless I was convinced I’d scratch the guitar without one. I think they can impede tone, my main interest.

[GoneTroppo]

Originally Posted by llew

Great name too! Who's the black dog with the white "sox"? Another good looking K-9!

That's Stuka [emoji16]

[Brucebubs]

That's a really great looking guitar.
I like the unmistakable Gibson headstock and 'upside down' bridge.
Lovely shape too.

[songman2]

Short answer: no, you shouldn't.

[Arch Stanton]

Nice! Love the clean no pickguard look. And nice well behaved pooches too!

[jpd]

If you only use a pick occasionally, leave the guard off.

[meredith]

I love the look without, but if your playing style will add lots of scratches then go with the pickguard, which will look better in the long run. But that is a heart-melting beauty!

[bufflehead]

Congratulations on the new guitar.

Please consider this another vote adding a teardrop pickguard.

[kcnbys]

I think that pickguard looks great!

[GoneTroppo]

Up to now I've just been playing fingerstyle on the little Gibson so for now I've held back on adding a pickguard, and one can always flatpick on a Martin right [emoji28]

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by GoneTroppo

I have just got a 2006 Gibson J-165 in a trade.....

I've lusted after a CJ165 for years. Love the older ones, like yours, with the ebony fretboard. And of course the abalone rosette. Major congrats on a super little "compact jumbo."

[GoneTroppo]

Originally Posted by DCCougar

I've lusted after a CJ165 for years. Love the older ones, like yours, with the ebony fretboard. And of course the abalone rosette. Major congrats on a super little "compact jumbo."

Many thanks, I must say I'm loving this guitar more every day. Beautiful balance of tone, nice compact ergonomics. Perfect counterpoint to my dreads..

[Arch Stanton]

Originally Posted by GoneTroppo

Up to now I've just been playing fingerstyle on the little Gibson so for now I've held back on adding a pickguard, and one can always flatpick on a Martin right [emoji28]

That is correct! And i love those little tear drop guards, like on the OM28.

[Thumbwrapper]

First, another round of applause for the pups....love em'!

On to the guitar, congrats on an awesome find. That J165 is a wonderful guitar, sort of a cult classic now too. Personally, I prefer the clean, no pick guard look but as others have mentioned they sure do serve a purpose.

Some years back I purchased static cling clear pick guards from someone on AGF. Wish I could remember who that was but they were great! They were in the Taylor shape but I bet there are other styles/shapes available.

Perhaps someone remembers who it was here selling those?