Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

No Pickguards


MrSpace

Recommended Posts

Even on guitars it's mostly just a reference to older designs, a lot of instruments that aren't leaning on 60s tropes don't have them and are mostly fine.

 

You will see wear depending on playing style though, e.g. aggressive slap and poppers can wear through a thin finish over time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, MrSpace said:

I find myself drawn to basses without pickguards. Not sure why, I just prefer the look. Anyone else feel the same? What's the disadvantage with a lack of pickguard?

16652173131924808559058001745360.thumb.jpg.5e640a9320be5911db07432a01477193.jpg

I prefer no pickguard and no control plate, but am contemplating taking the guard off my Sire V7. The one thing that stops me is the holes left behind, but putting the screws back will look even worse. Decisions decisions...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, asingardenof said:

I prefer no pickguard and no control plate, but am contemplating taking the guard off my Sire V7. The one thing that stops me is the holes left behind, but putting the screws back will look even worse. Decisions decisions...


Filling and matching would be a pain. Perhaps transparency would work?

 

28.thumb.jpg.a906dcd4d400c75e56ce08baebe763ba.jpg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, asingardenof said:

I prefer no pickguard and no control plate, but am contemplating taking the guard off my Sire V7. The one thing that stops me is the holes left behind, but putting the screws back will look even worse. Decisions decisions...

 

 Clear acrylic worked a treat on mine.

 

MMV7resize02.thumb.jpg.26bcd49fdc30ff69a360abb6a15f4cb4.jpg

 

It's one of these:

 

https://www.bax-shop.co.uk/pickguard/boston-m4v-110-tr-1-ply-pickguard-for-sire-marcus-miller-v-transparent

 

But be warned - it's a poor fit & the pickup hole & heel cutout needed lots of careful filing to get it to fit. Looks great now but took hours of fiddling to get it right.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Personally I prefer the aesthetics of a pickguard, and it's a fun easy way to change the looks of an instrument, which is half the fun imo.

 

I do agree with perspectives above though that pickguards from a manufacturers point of view are often about cost saving and easier mass manufacturing - much easier to just rout everything out from the front and cover it with a bit of plastic.

 

On more expensive instruments with nicer looking wood and finishes I'm more inclined to leave it off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 08/10/2022 at 19:23, MrSpace said:

I find myself drawn to basses without pickguards. Not sure why, I just prefer the look. Anyone else feel the same?

Yes, I hate PGs (and control plates) and none of my main players have them.

On 08/10/2022 at 19:23, MrSpace said:

What's the disadvantage with a lack of pickguard?

None. I don't see an advantage to one unless you're super agressive with a pick, which is certainly not me.

Edited by crazycloud
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Eh, it doesn't bother me either way.  Got all the main types

 

No pickguard - Epiphone Les Paul Standard bass

Traditional, screwed down pickguard - G&L Tribute LB-100

Weird-a$$ pickguard attached with a bracket - Epiphone Jack Casady

No pickguard but has control plate - G&L CLF L-1000, Reverend Triad

 

 

They are what they are.

 

The only "disadvantage" I can see of not having a pickguard is for the manufacturer, who has to rout the body front and back now instead of just in the front.

 

Edited by neepheid
Stoopid swear filter
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 08/10/2022 at 11:43, MrSpace said:

I can understand that, interesting perspective. I guess I just prefer the simpler look of it without a pickguard. I'm also wondering if the pickguard has much of a function on a bass? 

Yes it makes easier to make as you just cover up bad routing with a bit of plastic 😀

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...