Pick Guard

[David L]

Having just read the Somogy thing that Ken posted in the other thread about bracing, bridges, bridge plates, etc... and how they interact with each other and the soundboard to vibrate along the different axis to produce sound and so on and so on, it got me to thinking (something that I will go ahead and apologize for now), how about a pick guard? This is something that I haven't heard much about in this forum, if anything. Seems to me that after reading the Somogy thing (not understanding it in it's entirety) and realizing at least a little bit about what is going on (to produce sound) that a pick guard would dampen the sound at least a little bit and possible a substantial amount. This may be a small thing in the whole scheme of things and may be negligible and inconsequential but somehow I think that there's more to it than that. What are some of ya'lls views on the effects of a pick guard to sound?

David L

[tippie53]

I like lighter weight pickguards. The old stuff were a bit thinner than most of the modern ones. I like to use a thin a guard as possible. The heavier and harder the more they can take away from the guitar.

[kencierp]

It is my belief that a pick guard has a negative impact on sound quality. They are only provide with the KMG kits upon special request.

[Darryl Young]

I too think the pick guard may have a small impact on tone. So as John said, thinner and lighter is better. At least it's above the bridge and not in the lower bout where it would likely have more impact. Also, in my mind smaller is better so I wouldn't use one of those giant pickguards I've seen on a few customs for stars.