Les Paul With or Without Pickguard?... Guitar Nerds Only This is the Debate! 🎸

[@Zoso981]

I took the Pickguard off my Custom a few days ago and it changed my life. The sky looked brighter, food tasted better, my wife looked 23 again. Best decision I've ever made! 😊 Greetings from the U.S. Colin...🎸✌️

[@chrisprescottguitar]

A 37 minute video about whether a pickguard should be off or on? … I love this channel 🙌🏻

[@theguitaristas]

@liveatminkys no pressure! 😥😥🤣

[@brownandwolfe]

​@@theguitaristasI'm perfectly fine with this subject.👍

[@chrisprescottguitar]

@@theguitaristas I haven’t watched yet. I’m sure it’s great!

[@cmet8280]

I've always loved this channel because of the reviews of mid priced guitars. Seems like he's getting away from this content more and more, personally find it disappointing.

[@ZorkusYT]

this why i love this channel so much , i am here enjoying a cup of coffee with a grilled cheese watching the waffle waffleling

[@warfruit3103]

I've spent a long time pondering this one, and I think they look better without a pickguard if they have uncovered pickups, or better with a pickguard if the pickups are covered. That's the rule I'm sticking to so I can stop the endless dialogue in my head which just stops me actually playing them 😂

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@GaryKatz]

Definitively 😂😮😊

[@GypsyLane]

I agree…the pickup covers are the definitive difference!

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Send me the bill doc! I'm cured.

[@1973retrorabbit]

I just don't like the afterthought way Les Paul pick guards are fitted. That stupid bracket just looks like a "F it, that'll do" move to me. The shaped top does make fitting anything flat (well... Curved) to the best, slightly tricky tho... So... I still prefer them without.

[@joshuaaarrrr]

You know you’re amongst proper guitar nerds when you get a 37 minute video on pickgaurds and love every minute of it 😂 love it col 👌🏻

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers mate... truly a fantastic community here and loads of engagement with this subject! 😂👍

[@geofferstrat7383]

If you’re a long strummer then leave it on to protect the finish. Personally I take mine off, as I dont have an aggressive strumming pattern, they look so much better and you can see the paintwork in all it’s mighty fine glory 🎸🎸

[@jeffberg8015]

Les Paul's can look great without the pick guard on, but as I said last week, for me the essence of the Les Paul look needs the plate. If you prefer it without the plate, go for it. Only one opinion should really matter.

[@NintenDub]

Totally agree. There is only one opinion that matters.... So you really ought to listen to me, as should everyone, cuz I'm right! 😊

[@corkyburnett6967]

I prefer to remove and carefully store the pickguard. I wish they would leave the decision to install them up to the buyer! Thanks Colin!

[@alexscott7226]

Probably the only channel on KZbin where you can spend 40 minutes on whether to have a pickguard on or off a Les Paul, and it's interesting...!

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍... just let me know if I cross the line at any point.

[@iannicholls7476]

Great episode Colin. These things are important! At the risk of seeming a bit contrary I would say OFF for sunbursts and ON for goldtops and customs. Hope this settles the debate.

[@nellayema2455]

Agree!

[@garym8726]

I can see the logic there. The part of the guitar which is obscured by the pick guard is the same as the rest on a Gold Top or Custom but not on the Sunburst.

[@SludgedB]

I feel like it’s all about adding some contrast. Bursts have that already so don’t need the pick guard.

[@jcrgtattoo333]

Mine is a 60’s standard, 2020, in iced tea, average flame top, perfect for me!, I had the pick guard off for less than a week, and put it back on, she just looks so classy with the pick guard on.

[@jeremywooldridge5537]

I've always left them on. Just like the way it looks. Purely an aesthetics thing for me.

[@johndaugherty4127]

I got the Slash Epiphone '59 goldtop sans pickguard and it is gorgeous. A goldtop especially looks great without.

[@Robowx]

What sets the Gibson Les Paul apart from copies is the pickguard and the “poker chip.” Take those off and it looks like all the other copies. Like the EC1000, Eastman, etc. That’s why I leave them on.

[@thelemonademan6235]

That's exactly what I just wrote lol. I agree with you completely. I've had 2 Gibson Les Pauls in my life, I always kept them on and never once disliked them ever and never dreamed of taking them off. Why intentionally remove an item that actually protects your guitars finish ?? Makes no sense to me.

[@jeremyharris4039]

I think the good news is, you’ve got a great guitar that looks good either way.

[@WyldMusik]

Generally I prefer a pickguard on a Les Paul, for purely aesthetic reasons. Then I got one with a really nice flame maple top... it felt like such a shame to hide it under that cream plastic. In the end I split the difference, I took the original guard to a luthier and had him cut me a 3mm thick, transparent pickguard (the sort you'd see on a Cochran/RHH signature Gretsch, even got him to round off the edges like they do on Gretsch guards). Best of both worlds, love that guitar to bits now.

[@timmccormick240]

Collin Another great video. Pointing out the facts that great guitar players usually take the pic guard off, And also that it's personal preference in whoever is playing And their comfortability. And what works for them. Great job!

[@illgottengains1314]

That guitar is a real beauty. Leave the guard off imo. I don’t even have a cover on my truss rod. Regarding your recent 339 comparison vid, I recently discovered the Gibson 336 which costs twice as much as my 339. A comparison would be awesome 😎 👍

[@jfiery]

Love you're trying to tip the balance! While being a pickguard on guy I did take mine off on my Gibson 60s once because the top is so beautiful. I could only bear it about a week though despite how pretty it was and back on it went. I had Gretsch Electromatic single cut that had a wider, droopy or lazy (however one describes that shape) horn like your Eastman and with that shape the Gretsch pickguard shape looks much better than the Gibson. And to cover all the bases I'd lose the Heritage pickguard if I had one but, I won't ever have one because I'm still confused how they could be ok with a headstock like that.

[@FRCMoto]

I love it without the guard. That guitar really is beautiful.

[@davidhamilton7780]

Just added a vote for with. Cheers mate. And... if you really want to leave the scratchplate off, you can always justify it by saying that your poll was related to LPs and not necessarily to LP-shaped guitars :)

[@henninghesse9910]

This is more difficult than I thought in the beginning, but I would say "on" because it looks better on a sunburst. But I am absolutly in love with the Tokai brand. Thanks Colin, for showing this great guitar to all of us.

[@TheSuperspyk]

There’s elements about the way you carry yourself that reminds me of my late father. Between that and the personality you show on camera - you seem like the kind of person I’d love to have a pint with

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that's appreciated! 😁🙏

[@hod8931]

Love the debate. Since my first 68 black lp custom in 1974 its pick guard on and top wraped for me....never saw the poll But it's your choice, with no holes, i may be tempted to leave off.

[@MichaelMoore-od4jz]

I don't know about the pick guard thing but as always really dig your playing sounds awesome

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that's appreciated! 😊🙏

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Never pick guard! especially on a nice quilt or flame top why? Unless u don't want pick scratches then what would be the fun of that Colin 😂 cool video mate..

[@allanshort8264]

Test Match Special need you for those rainy days - someone who can talk utter bollox for 4min and keep the viewer fascinated. Keep up the good work, we love it

[@theguitaristas]

I can do it for 40 mins no problem so I'm in! 😂👍

[@edwardsmith9801]

I think they look great with , or without a pick guard. When it's all said & done , it's preference. In my mind if you own it , it's your decision. Great video per usual, thanks for the great content.

[@markpell8979]

I've never scratched any guitar with a pick or fingernails in decades of playing, so it comes down to visual aesthetics of the pickguard in the eye of the beholder. I have LPs with and without, whichever makes that guitar look right to me. I have a couple that I change from time to time according to what looks good to me then. If you remove it, just run the screws back in instead of trying to patch or camouflage the holes. It looks perfectly normal and the screws won't get lost for when you change your mind about it later. On a side note, the pickguard on a Les Paul is a good place to put stickers without hurting the guitar's finish, for folks that like to do that. Cheers!

[@allendean9807]

Got my first guitar at 10- a Sears and Roebuck acoustic. At 12, i begged for an electric, and got a tobacco sunburst Hondo LP copy. By 15, i wanted a real guitar! Begged my parents for an actual Les Paul, and never got it. 40 years later, and i traded for a Les Paul tribute in honey burst- it came with the pick guard off, different knobs, no poker chip, and mismatched hardware. Because i waited my whole life for a Les Paul, here’s what i did; Pick guard on. Poker chip on. Nickel bridge and tailpiece. Gold speed knobs. Nickel plated Duncan Phat Cat P-90’s. LOVE the look! It’s exactly what i always imagined as a teenager, my dream guitar would look like.

[@nunomellomusic]

I've always been a strat addicted, but after knowing this channel I want a Les Paul. Hahahahahaha

[@pinkiewerewolf]

My vote is still for off, for that Les Paul. I did like the pick guard on the white & black custom. Excellent video Colin!

[@donthewatcher]

Both, what i put on my Les Pauls ? : Lazarus(on)- Greeny (off) 2024 LP Custom alpine(on) 2018 LP Custom ebony(off) 2011 goldtop darkback (clear pickguard) 2013 LPJ (OFF) so if i have chicken and waffles for breakfast ON if i have pourage (oatmeal) for breakfast off

[@GaryKatz]

Only my long lost 1972 Les Paul "Reording" guitar 🎸 would be exempt from alteration. Very heavy, but.… had every Les Paul innovation available. Mr Paul said it was his ultimate creation. AMAZING AXE 1972 "RECORDING". Unsurpassed in studio. Whoa.

[@Olibertau]

Oh, if you want to protect the varnish and still have the fine looking of the curves, maybe install a transparent pickguard. 🙂

[@Idontlikethisever]

Colin make the Friday even sweeter. Lots of love brother you rock

[@tier5958]

Thank you for this. My Epiphone LP came with a guard on. And my Gibson LP deluxe came with one off. So I have the best of both worlds. Thank you.

[@anthonymichael3029]

I think it’s been said elsewhere in the comments, but for me, when the pickups are covered, pickguard on - classic vintage inspired looks. Uncovered pickups, pickguard off - if you’re going for that Slash look. That’s how I do it.

[@arkguitar3517]

I love this channel. I could pull up an old couch at your shop, with a drink (coffee/tea/🍻) and just listen to you talk about guitars. Reminds me of hanging out with my uncles way back in the day (70s/80s) in the garage while they tinkered on their motorcycles - the smells and sounds. Your channel reminds me of that but for guitars and the smell of guitars/guitar cases. Thank you for sharing! All the best!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man thanks for hanging out and supporting it’s appreciated! 😁🙏

[@jamiebritton6781]

Pick guard off or on doesn't matter it's what ever makes you want to Pick it up and play it. I personally don't like Pick guards and I also like relics. Great video! 👍 👍

[@kiptonsheekjr.5371]

I have a Epiphone Les Paul Standard andlove it. I like it with the pick guard. I think if it came with a pick guard leave it because it looks worse with the holes. Personally i like them with the pick guard. Love the video. 😊

[@lawrencecox1900]

Always on for me

[@pauldavis3904]

Can't believe how much wear is already on that Eastman! AWESOME

[@theguitaristas]

Yes I love it to! 😁👍

[@ldtriplesix]

I have always preferred my Les Pauls with the pick guard off. I just put the screws back in the holes. Great video as always!

[@GreenyBlues]

It depends on the guitar’s finish IMO. My P90 gold top looks better without the pick guard, but I’ve left the cream one on my stripped mahogany Les Paul standard. So not easy to answer definitively!

[@kennethh2430]

I think you know my stance Colin, absolutely NO pickguard, take it off :D All my LP's have the pickguards off and are stored away nicely in the case. I use painters tape to keep the screws from getting lost affixed to the back of the pickguard. IMO LP's look so much better w/o the pickguard.

[@martinwillis8015]

For me pick guard off, i much prefer it aesthetically, One main reason why i brought my Tokai LS-135Q is because it did not have the pick guard. In general when i make guitar i do not install pick guards or pickup rings. Having said that i just got my PIA onyx that has a pick guard, but is not really visible 😀

[@confusedfishvideo]

My LP has a lovely flame and came with the pickguard, never fitted, in the case and that’s where I’ve left it. Crayola do a pack of twenty different wax crayons which are a great way to colour match and fill things like screw holes, minor dinks, works on your car too. Fun video btw.

[@grumpyrocker]

Pickguard off for me on my Les Paul Traditional in Honeyburst finish. I like to see the top. I also hate vintage tuners too, so changed those to more modern locking ones on my LP. The holes are an issue, but I found a brown crayon worked well when I first removed the pickguard. But years later I don't bother, I don't mind the holes.

[@danielpayne3336]

I had an early 70's black Les Paul custom that I took the pickguard off and through trades and deals ended up with a 1965 Guild Starfire IV with no pickguard. I tried the the Gibson one because I could not find a Guild replacement. It fit perfectly and 34 years later still have a Starfire with a Les Paul scratch plate.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I got a ebony with gold trim and cream plastic. 496/500 uncovered black pups with the cream plastic and worn down gold just looks so classic to me. So my pickguard is on.

[@adolfusknall3341]

Whats the point in protecting the surface by covering it with plastic, so that you cannot see it at all? I think plastic is a material to be avoided whenever possible. For me its 'pickguard off' without a doubt. I put the screws back in the hole to the original depth. Its so small, it does not matter if does not sit flush.

[@chrisforever1255]

ON - Point! Greetings from Germany! UWE 😎🎸

[@calsurflance5598]

Totally personal preference. If it didn’t come with a pick guard, I probably wouldn’t drill the holes. On the few times I have removed the pick guard on my Les Paul, I put the screws back in. Then after looking at it for 5 minutes, I put the pick guard back on. Lol By the way, I love the tone you get, and I’m just listening to this on my phone!👍🎸

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that's a great compliment! 😁🙏

[@barthrvatin8297]

Give the people what they want! 😂 I have a feeling this will be one of your most popular videos. 🙌🏻 Great work Colin!

[@iaincobain3594]

Hi Colin, while you're in the Les Paul rabbit hole have you considered a Bernie Marsden PRS. The neck profile is based on the "Beast" and Bernie gigs and records with the SE version. I bought a used one 2 years ago for about £400 and I sometimes see them again on ebay for this. Mine is in Splated maple and looks different to my other guitars.

[@theguitaristas]

That's worth looking out for... 👍

[@iaincobain3594]

@@theguitaristas There is a few KZbin videos with Bernie talking about them and a few interviews with Lee Anderton. Your new Tokai is a stunner. After your video I started looking at them on ebay but had to stop myself as I've only just bought a 2010 Gretsch 6196 in Cadillac green.

[@jaypeterson7637]

I think it looks beautiful w/o the plastic guard. Do what you like Colin! Damn the torpedos...full speed ahead!!!

[@BrokeDownDan]

If it's a burst, then I think it should come off to show the beauty, solid color stays on. Greetings from Texas.

[@frederickhockey2760]

I own a number of Les Pauls. I have taken the scratch plates off my gold top and all of my burst guitars. I own a midnight blue with black pick guard that I kept it on as well as a white custom that I kept it as well… it’s all personal choice. I just don’t want anything to suppress the beauty of the beautiful wood on those burst finishes. JMO😂 Thanks for the video. Stellar content!

[@carlosdeno]

I’m really late to the party today. It’s a big thing for sure, the Tokai looks great without the pick guard. Personally for me it’s all personal preference and taste. If it was good enough for Koss, it’s good enough for me. Great video today Colin, as always mate and have a great weekend! ✌️

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man and you!

[@jaimeharding75]

Awesome Colin man! ❤️😎✌️🎶🎶 Definitely off off off. I think that Joe Strummer 1959 Esquire is my favourite guitar ever 🙌🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍 🎶

[@Chris66JTM45]

Good vid Colin. I think it's a playability factor. I've always felt more comfortable playing an LP with guard off. In fact, my Tobacco Bursts guard has been sat in the case since I bought the guitar in 1979.

[@joshkrone5837]

Took the guard from my Epiphone LP tonight because I’m with you! They do look great either way, but I much prefer to play one without. Just because.

[@joycegrove5602]

Fun video! I prefer LPs without the guard, both for looks and comfort in playing :)

[@garyshepherd9226]

I like the pickguard on - I switched mine for a pearloid ivory one.

[@JensHeidenstecker]

I voted on, sorry mate. In fact i‘m not famous so i guess i have to leave mine on too. I suggest to use a tranparent pickguard with comfortable fingerholes. But seriously, i have a naked strat and applied a thin transparent adhesive foil where the pickguard should be. I change it from time to time if it gets dull. It’s easy to apply and to remove without residue and it’s cheap. My Strat is a poly finish so i don‘t know if the foil or its glue may damage other finishes. Greetings Jens.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

In my case,I prefer the pickguard on. Currently, I only have a Epi '59 Limited Edition in the VOS Cherry Fade finish. It's a bit bright, so the pickguard helps soften the brightness. 😉

[@nieko3038]

These are the discussions that matter in life. The real questions. I need a pickguard for my ‘01 cherryburst Epiphone. Been going back and forth over it over the years. Voted off btw. I have 2 Les Pauls. My tribute had no pickguard from factory. Agree with the playing comfort without.

[@jakeerbst4073]

Alright! Guard is coming off of my honeybustt Les Paul as soon as I get home from work… you’ve swayed me.

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@BigJasquach]

Colin talking about LP scratchplates for close to 40mins? Aye. Count me in! 🎸 coffee brewed n ready

[@billfarries3238]

vote done - cheers Col - "touchy" subject pick guards (get it!!)

[@victorbeebe8372]

Already voted. Mahalo and Aloha Colin!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers mate!! 😁👍

[@jltrem]

One year later: For the first time since I've owned it in 20 years, I took the pickguard off my 2004 Epi Les Paul Standard Plus Top. As soon as it was off, I knew that the gold reflector knobs I put on it no longer worked. With the pickguard on, they worked fine. Off, I knew I had to put the gold bell knobs back on. It's crazy, I know, but I'll bet Colin understands.

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Thanks for the fun video. I personally like to leave it on. It’s like one of those old Cadillacs with fish fins. It just seems to go with it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@andysfishingandflytyingcha2310]

I would normally and did vote to have the pick guard stay on.....but......your particular Tokai sunburst looks incredibly beautiful without it. Very Scott Gorman.

[@charlesirving9522]

For me it depends on the guitar- My LP still has a pickguard...My Epi Casino doesn't. I still have it in case I sell the thing (I dunno- I'm super-sweet on that bad boy so as of this writing I don't see myself selling it...). It all comes down to our personal aesthetic I guess...Thanks Colin- great job as always.

[@denbodg9311]

I’m in the On vote camp, but, I have mixed opinion. Sunbursts, Gold Tops, & Black - On. Lemon Drops, faded Greeny/Moore types, Custom Colours, Super Flamed tops - Off to show the grain.

[@madnobby8301]

Hi Colin, for me it's off except for the Custom! Cheers Nobby

[@Darth.Shredder]

I like both but it usually depends on the finish and whether it has a really nice figured top or not. IMO, something classic like a goldtop demands a pickguard. I also favor them on Iced Tea and tobacco bursts. Another mind twister for me is pickup covers. I love all combinations but some finishes IMO need covers with a pickguard, as do double cream bobbins ala Ace Frehley..

[@nedludd3641]

I bought a Tokai today @Rose M. It didn't have the pickguard on it. It looks gorgeous without it. I'm glad I saw this vid. I don't think I will install it - I'll just let it scuff up and weather. Gosh it plays just-like-a-ringing-a-bell. The Irish guy was telling me that there was a run on RoseMorris/Tokai orders to Americans after the videos that cleared out the stock

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!... I'm very pleased to help spread the good word on these great guitars! 😁👍

[@craigusselman546]

My Gibson Les Paul gt was made with no pickguard. My Epi standard came with one. I love both ways but I prefer off but I like them either way.

[@derekclacton]

Wha - it was an even split when I voted (off) … I suggest you keep changing the voting process until you get the right result, Colin! 😂

[@nicolasmaurin182]

Great playing again. 🎉. Great video. IMO it is with Pick Guard

[@zyzzyx3160]

A good idea for a pickguard is a static cling clear window film. Just out it on when you olay and take it off when done. Or you can just keep it on. And it keeps the full top on display for everyone to see.

[@peteolinski7471]

Alright sir. My 2 cents is that if you are truly in love with the guitar and know it’s going to be with you “forever” take the pick guard off. However, seeing that you make videos and most likely flip the guitars (can’t keep ‘em all!) I would keep the pick guards on for resale value. That Eastman may have some trouble turning over bc of the scratches/wear. Anyways, another amazing show! look forward to it every Friday morning here in the US!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Pete!... the ones I know I'll flip I even leave the plastic on the pickguard! 😆👍

[@Sinnsonido]

I never thought too hard about this, but my tobacco burst looks awesome with a pickguard while my Caribbean Night Studio Deluxe looks awesome without. So the answer is both in my case.

[@KozmykJ]

I've tried them OFF but I then went back ON again. While OFF I put the screws back in.

[@rocktorrocks]

I do both haha. Depends the Les Paul. 😎 My silverburst and flame top Les Pauls have pickguard off and shows off the finish and top. The Les Paul Custom and Studio which are solid colors have the pickguard.

[@Matt_Barkley]

Depends on the color. I like the black pickguards on the white, black and red les pauls. I would take it off in most other cases.

[@victorbeebe8372]

Epiphone 59 LE and Joe Bonamasa 58 Black Beauty - pickguard on. 1994 Gibson LP 1960 Classic - pickguard off.

[@dw7704]

If you can see the woodgrain, then No pickguard- to show off the grain ( a pro for no pickguard) If you can’t see it, then pickguard on Juniors and Specials are possible exceptions

[@victorbeebe8372]

I was watching a video. The host was talking about reliced guitars. I realized I'm not old. I'm reliced😂

[@davidsummers5310]

Interesting, just wandered off for a looky and the top edge of the pickguard on my les Paul is right down on top of the body all the way along - no problem to hook on the pickup ring (I seem to use the corner of the pickup itself - who knew). If you just bend the bracket into a slightly sharper angle yours would probably sit down like that too? Had the pickguard off mine for a while but I dropped a set of wire cutters on it and gouged a big chip out of the dark finish 😂 mind you the whole guitar is one big dent now after 25 years. My son apologised when he bumped the headtock of his guitar against it I reassured him that guitars with dents look better ….

[@benspeeds]

ON!

[@martinclayton7260]

I'm a pickguard on type of person, but as I said last week, I have Les Paul's, one with a pickguard, and one without. But it's your guitar, so sod the pole! The hole that's left by taking the scratch plate of, is a tone enhancing hole now. It allows the wood to breath, and the tone to shine through, and some other bollocks that people might believe? Billy Gibbons pearly gates has its scratch plate on!

[@patrickbear6727]

I would vote on the Poll but you don't have a Both option :). Personally I have a bunch of guitars--some with, some without, some carve tops with angled necks (with and without pick guards) and some Strat, "superstrat" and tele styles with very little neck angle and I can adapt to each pretty quickly--I don't think about it. I don't anchor on the pickup ring as Colin does--I use my right ring finger to basically drag around a lot on the body or guard when I play but then I also don't feel bad about floating my picking hand when I want--make sure that your technique doesn't limit you too much just to feel safe. The fact that with/without doesn't impact playability for me makes it purely an aesthetic choice. That being the case, I like them ON on my two Epiphone Les Pauls, I wouldn't put one on my Dean Cadillac. I have an Epiphone Les Paul Baritone in White with Black hardware and "binding" which I just consider Ugly so I don't care either way on that. I tend not to like black ones but I have black ones on both of my Schecter Tempests. I think that, if you want to go guard-less on a Les Paul, you should have a decent Tech fill the threaded holes or at lease look in to sealing them with wax or something to keep the finish from suffering in that area if the wood absorbs more moisture.

[@redlespaul8139]

I always take them off, and the pickguards ;). Getting a new Gibson will be good for you Colin. I’d like to see a video of you trying out different Les Pauls in store to pick one you really gel with and maybe - dare I say it - keep.

[@barrycole]

I came through the Aaron Shearer discipline and we were taught to not anchor our hand on anything but to learn where we were through a perfect posture. There is more than enough clearance to not need a pick-guard and who has that poor of pick control anyhow? Tee shirt or suit and tie, that is what the guard is really about. What ever is appropriate for what style of music is presented. Windmill arm swings lead to bleeding fingers and scratched tops. Suit and Tie, not required. Have a great weekend living the dream.

[@theguitaristas]

I'm definitley more Pete Townshend than Larry Carlton! 😆👍

[@Yeahmate01]

I've developed my style of hugging my little finger under the humbucker base and feels really solid, so I took mine off. Here's the kicker when I bought my standard fireball it came with the guard in the case, no holes in the guitar, and being my first Gibson, it felt off thought I was missing out, so I asked shop to put it on and I regret it so much now!

[@mortonwilson795]

Great fun! The Tokai looks great without the pick-guard. Eastman comes without and love it. Leaving mine on my Black 68 Custom (shame to take it off - it's been there for half a century!) but gonna remove from my Epi Cantrell 'Wino' - love the burgundy colour so why not? Dunno about the Epi 1959 - nice cherry burst but seems fine. I think comes down to the finish 😀

[@booshting3520]

I've experimented taking the pick guards off my Les Paul's over the years, but they always go back on. I like the look of both, but yeah, they always end up going back on after a few weeks.