Normally, I'm team pickguard on for a Les Paul...however...

[NickiC]

Even with it off, it will often leave finish damage underneath the screw for the bracket. Buy a Les Paul online, insist the seller removes the pickguard and sticks it in the case before shipping out.

 

[Gridlock]

Both look great, but pick guard on for me. Plus, you don’t want to mess up that beautiful guitar from pick-rash (new term).

 

[charliechitlins]

When the band is cranking and the girls are dancing in front of the stage, somehow I don't notice that screw hole.

 

[GlassSnuff]

Show off that wood!

 

[Aahzz]

Both look great but pick guard on for me. Plus, you don’t want to mess up that beautiful guitar from pick-rash (new term).

The guard went back on this morning, for 2 reasons. First, I do think it looks better with the guard - it adds some visual contrast that I think makes the exposed grain pop more. Second, and more important, I like to anchor my pinky on it, it's a super comfy spot for that.

 

[jb_abides]

Speed knobs still coming?

 

[Aahzz]

Speed knobs still coming?

I just ordered them from Reverb

 

[Elmore]

For me, plain top on, flame top off.

 

[Tollywood]

The guard went back on this morning, for 2 reasons. First, I do think it looks better with the guard - it adds some visual contrast that I think makes the exposed grain pop more. Second, and more important, I like to anchor my pinky on it, it's a super comfy spot for that.

I agree that the raised pickguard is more comfortable for my pinky. Without it I notice that my pinky grabs the pickup ring. That being said, I have two LPs with pickguards and three without. I can’t bring myself to drill into a top that has ever had a pickguard installed.

 

[Aahzz]

I agree that the raised pickguard is more comfortable for my pinky. Without it I notice that my pinky grabs the pickup ring. That being said, I have two LPs with pickguards and three without. I can’t bring myself to drill into a top that has ever had a pickguard installed.

If this one hadn't been pre-drilled I would not have drilled it.

 

[Aahzz]

Speed knobs still coming?

I also ordered a "Standard" truss rod cover, even though I think they charge too much. I just like the look. I thought they'd included one in the case, but nope - a second blank one.

 

[jb_abides]

I also ordered a "Standard" truss rod cover, even though I think they charge too much. I just like the look. I thought they'd included one in the case, but nope - a second blank one.

If it's new from an authorized dealer, ask the dealer -- or call Gibson Customer Service -- get one.

 

[Aahzz]

If it's new from an authorized dealer, ask the dealer -- or call Gibson Customer Service -- get one.

Good point!

 

[Jethro Rocker]

I like a pickguard on fairly neutral looking guitars like GTs. Fancy wood should be without. Almost always need a poker chip. On some styles reflectoes are ok, others not. The Modern Axcess does not need reflector knobs.

Plaintop. Needs a pickguard as doss the GTs and wine red. I think the R0 should keep his too for authenticity. But the Modern? No.

 

[Scozz]

My 06 Studio AAA top came with the pickguard in the case, it has never been installed.

 

[ElChivo]

I used to be an hardcore pickguard on guy, but I’ve mellowed. If the wood is nice I’ll leave it off. Bummed that I can’t leave it off my gold top because the bracket left a mark.

 

[NickiC]

Off. Lots of chatoyance on this plain top.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

For me the only LP's I love without a pickguard are typically silver bursts, but this one wears it well. I'd still keep the guard on myself, but that does look sweet.

 

[renderit]

Mother's Worry. HS56

 

[Aahzz]

Speed knobs still coming?

They arrived this afternoon