Adding a pickguard

[PonyB]

Has anyone here added a pickguard to a guitar?
What were the results?
I have a Waterloo WL-K and it has become a workhorse for me, already getting tiny dings.
I am considering adding a pickguard to prolong its life, well aware that its resale value would be affected.
The removable guards suggest removing when not in use so I don't consider that practical.
If anyone can suggest a maker of fine firestripe guards I would appreciate that as well.
Thank you for your thoughts.

[Mr. Jelly]

I added pickgaurds to my Waterloos. The main thing is to get it placed correctly the first time as you only get one shot at it. So pay attention when you place it. I had one custom made by a gentlemen from AGF. The other I purchased from Collings.

[PonyB]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

I added pickgaurds to my Waterloos. The main thing is to get it placed correctly the first time as you only get one shot at it. So pay attention when you place it. I had one custom made by a gentlemen from AGF. The other I purchased from Collings.

Thanks for responding, Mr. Jelly.
Any regrets about adding the pickguards?
Any noticeable change in tone?

[jricc]

I changed the pickguard on my Gibson G-00. After getting the residue off from the original black guard, I placed the new tortoise guard where I wanted it. Then used painters tape to secure one end of it. If you lift the pickguard up and let it fall, it will go back to where you wanted it. I slowly peeled of the backing and let it go and it returned to where I wanted it. I pressed the guard down and then removed the painters tape.

Here's the method i used https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYGDeZFlaA0

Hope this helps.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by PonyB

Has anyone here added a pickguard to a guitar?
What were the results?

Hi PonyB…

All my guitars have pick guards. I love to allow others to play my instruments without hovering over them protectively while they play them.

I'm a full-time fingerstyler, but most of my friends use picks. Having pick guards allows me to allow them to play without worrying.

I've never heard any difference in the tone of the guitars with pick guards versus without one.

[FreDrummer]

I am definitely a “pickguard guy.” I’ve replaced them on four guitars and added them to two that came without one, a Martin 00-17S, and a Breedlove Sun Light E (currently listed in the classifieds).

On three of the guitars I changed out, I went with custom jobs from Holter Pickguards. Three others I made myself.

For mounting, there’s tutorials out there. I used the tape “hinge” method with good results.

[RussellHawaii]

For guitars without pickguards, I have found a very useful, removable clear pickguard. It’s a Taylor product but I’ve only found it on GC websites. $7 I think. It is thin and stays on simply by static cling. I remove them for polishing or for special occasions! I have 7 deployed and a couple extras on hand, and I find it the perfect solution.
I’ve had a couple clear pickguards installed but this is a better solution for me. A future owner can cherish the no-pickguard look if desired.

[Goat Mick]

I like pickguards and have added them to several guitars. I can't hear any change in tone at all. If you want one, you can add it with no worries.

[koko61]

I have placed pickguards on two of my guitars. One was a very expensive Tor-tis. The best of all and hard to find. But buy on Ebay from a Chinese seller another one of exceptional quality, just like the Tor-tis, but it no longer exists. If you can't find the Tor-tis you can try it on Aliexpress.

[Brucebubs]

I had some fun with the guys over on the Huss & Dalton forum a few years ago when I posted this picture of my maple MJ Custom.



You could almost hear the gasps - it's not actually stuck down but it was interesting how well it fitted the sound-hole and followed the contours of the guitar.

[Silly Moustache]

Yup done it four times, incl. my two latest Eastmans.

[bufflehead]

I added a pickguard on my concert-size Breedlove cedar-top and could not discern any loss of tone.

I would do it again without hesitation.

[KenL]

Here's the Eastman E20P that I used to have with a Holter p/g that I put on it.

I'm trying to get a hold of Taylor right now to have him make the same p/g for my 00-18VS. I anchor my pinky when I fingerpick, and like the feel of plastic under it. Just what I'm used to, I guess.


20210213_053252.jpg

[MartinD18]

I’m debating the same thing with my Waterloo WL-S… almost daily.

I doubt you’ll find any change in tone and someone also posted a solid installation technique. If you go for it, and this is just my gut thought, go for a high quality guard for that WL-K and go with one dark in colour, just not totally black. I say that because Collings does that with their bright/yellow burst guitars and it looks solid.

For me I might be stuck as my WL-S has the vintage iced tea burst so there is black, red and yellow. Too much colour variation me thinks.

[ifret]

I replaced the tortoise PG on my Taylor with a Thalia Walnut Burl PG. Take your time, use tape to help position correctly, do a dry run, and get something you really like.