Pickguards - When/Why Removed?

[DetroitBlues]

I have a custom ordered H535, turning 9 years old this year.  When I initially bought it, I didn't want the single-ply plastic pickguard that was offered.  Years before it would have been a matching flame bound maple pickguard, but cost-cutting measures reduced it to a cheap piece of plastic.  A few years ago, I had a newer designed, multiply pickguard installed.  Looks better to me.

Fast-forward to 2023, I purchased a new H150 factory direct with a standard pickguard.  For some reason, I like that guitar without a pickguard.  Again looks better.

I have a HOC LE H137 with soapbar P90's.  To my eyes, it looks "right" with a NOS Gibson pickguard on it vs without it.

Can't explain it, but some guitars seem right with a pickguard and others don't.

Anyone else do this?

[Kuz]

Just my opinion, but I prefer the looks of guitars (especially Gibson & Heritage guitars) WITH the pickguard on the guitar.  I always thought the guitars that had the pickguards removed looked hacked, naked, and modified.  Plus, the pickguard is really a "finger rest" so it serves as functional part of the guitar as well.

[Heritage1970]

23 hours ago, DetroitBlues said:

I have a custom ordered H535, turning 9 years old this year.  When I initially bought it, I didn't want the single-ply plastic pickguard that was offered.  Years before it would have been a matching flame bound maple pickguard, but cost-cutting measures reduced it to a cheap piece of plastic.  A few years ago, I had a newer designed, multiply pickguard installed.  Looks better to me.

Fast-forward to 2023, I purchased a new H150 factory direct with a standard pickguard.  For some reason, I like that guitar without a pickguard.  Again looks better.

I have a HOC LE H137 with soapbar P90's.  To my eyes, it looks "right" with a NOS Gibson pickguard on it vs without it.

Can't explain it, but some guitars seem right with a pickguard and others don't.

Anyone else do this?

Totally know what you mean. Some guitars just seem to have a need to have a pickguard on them and some just look better without. For the most part I like pickguards on. There is the occasional guitar where it just seems like they look nicer when you can see the entire top without a pickguard covering anything.

[bolero]

I dunno, I have both

 

Pickguards are nice once you get your picking hand familiar with it & it works as a guide, to orient your playing without needing to look at your hand.

Likewise without: I get used to using the pickup rings instead, as a guide to rest a finger on. 

Actual funcionality as a pickguard: It would make more sense to me to be ABOVE the strings, as I tend to hit the body more above the low E string, while using a pick.

Not having a pickguard & all that free air kind of feels like "going commando" and not wearing any underwear. Sort of liberating in a way

I don't know if I have a preference. I do really like the old wooden pickguards Heritage used to use.

Edited April 16 by bolero
more thoughts

[ElChoad]

Personally, I don't like pickguards or poker chips, especially on guitars that have beautiful flames. First thing I do is remove them. I see them as cheap pieces of plastic. Even on my 2011 H-150 Goldtop, I would never consider adding either. 

[bolero]

Those all look nice!

[Gitfiddler]

Then there are some guys like Tower Of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, who are SO badass, that they even wear out the pickguard!  🙂

[rockabilly69]

Pickguard ON! Always! It protects the wood from crazy picking, and helps me anchor my hand for fingerpicking!

[29er]

I'm in the camp of removing them. I prefer the naked look on most guitars, especially if the top boasts gorgeous wood. 

[LK155]

You mean gorgeous wood like this?  I specified no pickguard on this build, but every time I put my right ring finger on that lovely top to anchor my hand, I feel guilty.  That's a habit I need to break.  (The finger placement, not the guilt.)

 

Edited April 17 by LK155

[bolero]

yes, careful not to burn your fingers on that molten top!

[zguitar71]

The first thing I do is remove the pick guard on a new guitar. I cannot stand them, they are in my way. One thing I like about a carved top guitar is the room it gives my fingers and pick guards take that away. 

[skydog52]

Not a big fan of pick guards. Back in the day of the Custom Shop I would have them leave it off and put it in case. Options