Official Luthiers Forum!

Do ya'll make your own pick guards from wood or use the stick on plastic ones?

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

HI Ron

My approach varies, I do some in wood some in plastic, Even the plastic ones I cut from sheet material, for economy and because I like to vary the shape sometimes, for both I use Transfer tape to attach, this is like a very thin double sided tape from 3M.

I hope this help

Hi Ron-
And by the way, I love your avatar, especially in conjunction with your handle.
I do exactly like Russell. For a real specialty, hardwood veneer that matches the body is used for a pickguard. It's just a bit difficult to use. I've had good success attaching those directly to the top wood using contact cement. That way I don't worry so much about the wood splitting down the line. And then finish over the pickguard and top wood at same time.
But lately I've been using--and enjoying--clear pickguards that are self adhesive.
I get the stock from Stew-Mac, but would welcome another supplier. I think someone has mentioned that before?

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Thanks guys, and thanks, Steve, for noticing my picture, it's the most recent one I have. I thought I would try a wooden one on my first guitar, but haven't decided for sure.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

G'day Ron,
            Man! , you really are old!(but good lookin, right?)
       We go to great lengths to lighten the soundboard with strategic bracing, thinning the top.......the edges,,etc.etc.. Do you really want to shove on a great lump of dampening "PLASTIC"
       If you don't really need it, forget it !

      KiwiCraig

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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Hello again, Kiwi
So, do you use wood or not use a pick guard at all?

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

G'day good lookin Ron (A face only a mother could love)

I guess I have a thing about plectrums. I just hate them! Ban the plectrum!!! There ,I've said it now and I bet I'm in lots of trouble from all those flat pickers out there. If your one Ron ,I suppose you'd better consider it.
      You will probably notice a lot more guitars are being built without them of late and of course they sound better. Why wouldn't they?
   They can be suspended off the s/board but tend to look a bit crap. A wooden one still adds to the mass and dampens
      No pickguard.
Now go and have a good meal Ron for god sake!!
   Regards Kiwi

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CRAIG LAWRENCE of AUSTRALIA
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I have been meaning to ask the same question that KiwiCraig is addressing: how much do pickguards dampen the sound? I know this has to be somewhat dependant on the size, the material (plastic, wood veneer, Komodo Dragon skin, etc.), and the type of glue used to stick it down. I have yet to hear anyone claim that a pickguard enhances the sound of an instrument.

For a personal guitar, even one with a Cedar or Redwood top, I guess I could live with the reality that I would eventually wear a hole through the top with my pinkie finger, but probably the average buyer feels differently. (I don't use a pick, so I guess what I really need is to either get my pinkie off of the soundboard, or attach a small "pinkie guard.")

In an attempt to come full circle and un-hijack "Old Man" Ron's thread, can I ask if anyone has noticed whether plastic or veneer dampens less?

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

Hello, Dennis
That's pretty much the question I meant to ask. I must have a pick guard. I do a little fingerstyle, but mostly flat pick/strum bluegrass music.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

This clear Mylar that SM sells, is really quite thin, and light. I haven't weighed it to say for sure how much is being added to the top, but I suspect not too much. The thick Tortis p/guards would add a good bit more, but still: the trade-off in slight loss of tone (if even audible) versus the longevity of the top is worth it.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com