Is a guitar pickguard necessary?

Pickguards are used to protect the finish of your guitar. If you play with a pick and want to preserve the finish of the guitar then a pickguard is necessary. If you don’t use a pick and/or don’t mind minor scratches or signs of wear from strumming a pickguard isn’t strictly necessary.

Does a pickguard affect tone?

The answer is yes, but it turns out to be more complex than the reason for an acoustic. The more resonant or “alive” a guitar is, the more a pickguard can affect its natural tone, and thus, the amplified sound.

Can you put a pickguard on a guitar that doesn’t have one?

It can be. Of course, you’d need to cut out the holes for the pickups, and sand those off with 220 to prevent from scratching the guitar, then you’d need to drill pilot holes for the screws to go in, so it doesn’t splinter the wood.

Why is the pickguard on a Les Paul raised?

Floating. The floating pickguard is raised slightly on one side by metal support brackets and allows for the height to be adjusted to suit your playing position. It’s typically found on carved top solid body guitars, most famously seen on the Gibson Les Paul (they invented it back in 1909) and many LP Copies.

What is the point of a pickguard?

A pickguard (also known as scratchplate) is a piece of plastic or other (often laminated) material that is placed on the body of a guitar, mandolin or similar plucked string instrument. The main purpose of the pickguard is to protect the guitar’s finish from being scratched by the guitar pick.

Should you put a pickguard on an acoustic guitar?

So are pickguards really necessary? The truth is, no, not at all. They simply add to the aesthetics, and protect the finish of the guitar. But if you’re careful, and don’t strum the face of your guitar with your pick, then your won’t need to protect it with a pickguard.

Can you remove pickguard?

Thin Martin pickguards like this one usually come off cleanly when you get under them with bridge removal knives. Sometimes a little heat helps things along — that’s what I’m using the desk lamp for here. Don’t leave it heating long; you just want to warm it, then gently lift the plastic as it releases.

Can I take the pickguard off my guitar?

Yes…just take the strings off and unscrew it. There should be several screws holding it to the body. you don’t need to take the strings off to remove the pickguard from a les paul.