Removing pick gaurd?

[coyotezed]

I was wondering if anybody has removed their pick gaurd, and if so what was done for the holes left by the screws for the pick gaurd. I've been thinking about removing my pick gaurd but the main thing that makes me nervous would be those screw holes and what to do with them.

 

[Wayne Gretschzky]

I do. I just let the holes be holes.

 

[coyotezed]

I do. I just let the holes be holes.

do you notice any changes in sound or have any condensation or wood maintenance issues around the holes?

 

[Jim85IROC]

do you notice any changes in sound or have any condensation or wood maintenance issues around the holes?

There is absolutely no way that removing the pickguard is going to change the sound. I'm not sure how removing the pickguard could possibly result in condensation. If you're that worried about the wood, you can dab it with a little bit of color matched nail polish, but there are original 59 bursts still out there with their pickguards removed and they've never had issues, so I think you're safe.

I'm pretty sure the pickguard has been off of Malcom's Gretsch for 40+ years now too.

BTW, here's my G5222 with the pickguard removed:

 

[TMcGee]

I was wondering if anybody has removed their pick gaurd, and if so what was done for the holes left by the screws for the pick gaurd. I've been thinking about removing my pick gaurd but the main thing that makes me nervous would be those screw holes and what to do with them.

I have taken it off my solid body 5435t because I didn't like the feel or look, the screw holes stood out because it is a black guitar with white wood, not too noticable but I took a black marker and stuck it in the holes, now the white is not there.

Only way the sound could change is if the screws were loose and it rattled...

 

[coyotezed]

Thanks for all the info!!

 

[wabash slim]

No one in the first row will see the holes.
If they bother you that much just put the screws back into them.
No way removing the pick guard will change the sound.
It's visual esthetics only.

 

[gtttrrr]

Removed my electro jet pickguard, had a weird static discharge that sounded like crinkling cellophane…..screws and pickguard in a baggie in the case, weird sound taken care of,,never looked back. Like it better without it, screw holes don’t bother me a bit. Removed it from Firefly LP copy as well.

 

[juks]

Yes and the holes are there.

 

[SAguitar]

"I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
And stops my mind from wandering
Where it will go."

 

[Randy99CL]

I've only done this on my dark Epi LP and didn't like the screw holes showing light wood. I jammed toothpicks in them, cut them off flush and colored them with a black marker.
If I decide to I can always pull the toothpicks out, I didn't glue them.

 

[Robbie]

I prefer the aesthetic without guards but for me I don’t like the extra distance between the top of the guitar and the strings when I play with the guard removed. It feels uncomfortable. Just my opinion.

 

[S.R.Cash]

Because I'm one to always lose things, after I took the guard off my 2420 I just put the little screws back in the holes.

 

[Marv666]

I took it off from every Gretsch and just left the holes how they are.
If it´s good enough for setzer then it is for me too

 

[Back in Black]

I was wondering if anybody has removed their pick gaurd, and if so what was done for the holes left by the screws for the pick gaurd. I've been thinking about removing my pick gaurd but the main thing that makes me nervous would be those screw holes and what to do with them.

No Worries!

Love them holes!!

Best,

BIB

 

[Henry]

What, no tone pickguards!?

 

[Trash Kidd]

I can never make my mind up if I prefer the look of pickguard on or off!
I think I prefer the gold pickguard on for my White Falcon & right now I’m liking the look of no pickguard on my Silver Falcon…

 

[coyotezed]

I can never make my mind up if I prefer the look of pickguard on or off!
I think I prefer the gold pickguard on for my White Falcon & right now I’m liking the look of no pickguard on my Silver Falcon… View attachment 181286 View attachment 181287

What kind of bridge is that on the black guitar? I like the look! Does it sound good?

 

[Trash Kidd]

What kind of bridge is that on the black guitar? I like the look! Does it sound good?

It’s a Gretsch Space Control bridge… Comes stock on most Falcons…

 

[Desirsar]

What, no tone pickguards!?

It's like color and racing stripes on a car, it's the look, not the material, that makes it go faster... or have better tone, whichever.