Keep pickguard or remove?

[Nick84]

Picked up this used Faith Neptune Burst cedar top mahogany back and sides. Just finished setting it up and it plays and sounds wonderful.
The previous owner has added a pickguard which I’m not sure if it goes with the guitar. What do you guys think!
Would you remove it or keep it or swap it out for something more appropriate?
https://flic.kr/p/2dvXaXH

[Cool555]

I’ve voted to remove. But provided you are ok with the tan (outline) that may be left behind.

Post pictures of your Faith guitars in the thread “Faith Owners’ Club” if you are keen...

[mercy]

If you are a strummer you need a pickguard. I dont so I dont want a pickguard.

[SalFromChatham]

I love pickguards.... but that one's coloring is not to my taste.

I might ask Taylor Mullins at Holter what he would recommend. On that guitar I would go black.

I recently swapped out a guard on one of my Gibsons because I wasn't pleased with the aesthetic. Here is the replaced "black" on mine.

[RP]

I see the need for a pick guard, but the looks and placement of the current one are a buzz kill. Remove and replace...

[Wade Hampton]

I think this pickguard is okay, but it got installed at an angle that’s a bit askew. I voted for “remove and replace,” but I interpreted that to mean “take it off and put it on correctly this time!”

A black pickguard would be okay, too.


whm

[Ed66]

Since I'm almost exclusively a fingerpicker I don't have a need for them and will frequently remove them, especially if the top has a striking, or even above average appearance, as I'd rather see the wood than a plastic pick guard. If the pick guard is not on a new guitar I'll usually leave it in place as the tan line will likely be fairly significant.

[RockyRacc00n]

Originally Posted by themissal

I love pickguards.... but that one's coloring is not to my taste.



I might ask Taylor Mullins at Holter what he would recommend. On that guitar I would go black.



I recently swapped out a guard on one of my Gibsons because I wasn't pleased with the aesthetic. Here is the replaced "black" on mine.

Sal, is that the J50? The black looks nice. EDIT:... wait, maybe that's not the J50... the color on the side wood doesn't seem like the color I know to be on the J50. Curious now what that is =).

To the OP, I agree with everyone that commented. First remove and see how the tan line is. And if you don’t like it, replace with... hmmm perhaps solid black?

[Nick84]

Originally Posted by themissal

I love pickguards.... but that one's coloring is not to my taste.

I might ask Taylor Mullins at Holter what he would recommend. On that guitar I would go black.

I recently swapped out a guard on one of my Gibsons because I wasn't pleased with the aesthetic. Here is the replaced "black" on mine.

That J-50 looks beautiful!

[Nick84]

So I’ve worked out the pick guard needed to come off regardless so it has been removed by me this afternoon. A very slight tan line where the pick guard was. Here is a picture without the guard:
https://flic.kr/p/2drXsXj
Just have to decide whether to get a new one or leave it now and if so what colour and style.

[gr81dorn]

I think that guitar might look great with a black or a traditional darker tortoise style. Keep that overall dark thing going.

Originally Posted by Nick84

...it has been removed by me this afternoon... Just have to decide whether to get a new one or leave it now.

Looks awesome --- BIG improvement! Leave it alone for awhile and see how much you miss having a pickguard at all, then take some time to look for a replacement.

Here's what NOT to do:

[RockyRacc00n]

Originally Posted by Nick84

So I’ve worked out the pick guard needed to come off regardless so it has been removed by me this afternoon. A very slight tan line where the pick guard was. Here is a picture without the guard:

https://flic.kr/p/2drXsXj

Just have to decide whether to get a new one or leave it now and if so what colour and style.

Can’t see the tan line in the picture. As you said, it must be very slight. Leave it off and see if the tan line goes away. I think it looks good and probably sounds good too.

[Silly Moustache]

Remove and replace. doesn't really go does it, but it will leave evidence and that top will mark, so whilst I'm not a fan of black "scratch plates" (British terminology) that wold be the best option here.

[vindibona1]

I think that particular PG is FUGLY. I say replace it or ditch it altogether. All depends on the tan lines when you remove it and if you need to protect the finish from the way you strum.