To remove, or not to remove, (the pickguard)... that is the question.

[KenKuro]

I am really torn. Literally debating this in my head for a year since getting this guitar. It is an R9 Cherry Sunburst VOS.

I like both the style of a Les Paul with, and without, the pickguard, though I am partial to it being removed. I think some of my idols leave them on, but probably more of them take it off.

• Without taking it off and seeing how it looks, my biggest concern is knowing if there will be little holes that are obviously left open?
• Another question, wiill there be a problem with putting it back on if I change my mind?
• I'm not sure I really care about resale value; I don't imagine ever wanting to sell this unless I literally stopped playing guitar or die or something.
• I do think that if I wanted to do it, doing it "now" is better than later in case there is uneven fading between the covered and uncovered areas as the guitar ages.
• I doubt there is any tonal change (though I've seen people claim that there is, I am very skeptical)

So, any thoughts? opinions? Discussion? Talk me in to one way or the other?

Thanks!

 

[Happy Tree]

You can take it off and put it right back on if you don't like its absence. There are holes. I took the guards off my 3 LPs and 2 ESs. On the black one I drew black sharpie in the holes but otherwise I just left them. Just do what you prefer; there is no right way

 

[delawaregold]

Guard On...Guard Off.

​

 

[S. Weiger]

Guard on... Always!

 

[Any Name You Wish]

What would Jimmy Page do?

 

[bluesky636]

• Without taking it off and seeing how it looks, my biggest concern is knowing if there will be little holes that are obviously left open?

Two tiny holes will be left.

• Another question, wiill there be a problem with putting it back on if I change my mind?

If you know how to use a Phillips head screwdriver properly you will have no problem.

• I'm not sure I really care about resale value; I don't imagine ever wanting to sell this unless I literally stopped playing guitar or die or something.

"I never plan on selling this guitar." - Famous last words.

• I do think that if I wanted to do it, doing it "now" is better than later in case there is uneven fading between the covered and uncovered areas as the guitar ages.

Do you normally leave your guitar exposed to bright sunlight? If the answer is "no", then the finish will take a long time to fade.

• I doubt there is any tonal change (though I've seen people claim that there is, I am very skeptical)

There is no change.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

I don't like the pickguard two special runs from Daves Guitar pickguards are not mounted . Both guitars were not factory drilled for pickguards .

 

[jb_abides]

Guard on for that one, Kuro.

 

[JASIII]

On. Some LPs look decent with it off but generally I prefer on. I don't ever like them off on guitars with P90s, something looks weird to me.

 

[KenKuro]

What would Jimmy Page do?

I think this is all I had to hear

 

[CK6]

What would Jimmy Page do?

He had with (Zep) and without (The Firm)…!

 

[jb_abides]

He had with (Zep) and without (The Firm)…!

A momentary lapse of reason.

 

[LyleGorch]

Some have them on and some have them off. It just depends on the top.

 

[Cliff Gress]

On.

 

[Jethro Rocker]

A 1959 has the guard on, of course as original they did. So if one buys an R9 to get the look and "feel" of a '59, leave it on, I say.
Personal taste of course. Do whatever works for you.
For me it is on.

 

[Jimmer Jammer]

I like my pickguards left on,
L-R 2021 R6, 2018 R8, 2021 R9

 

[Jethro Rocker]

I like my pick guards left on,
L-R 2021 R6, 2018 R8, 2021 R9

Nice !!
I have a Modern Axcess which seems totally good without tne pickguard. Otherwiee on.

Plus the 79 Artist

 

[GreenBurst]

The '79 Artist is sick!

It has barely aged.