The pickguard on an electric guitar is a plastic or metal plate that covers the area between the strings and pickups. It helps to protect the finish of the guitar from damage caused by picking, as well as preventing shorts in the electronics caused by direct contact with metal parts. The pickguard also provides a great place for attaching knobs and switches, allowing you to easily customize your instrument’s sound.
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The Purpose of the Pickguard
The pickguard is an essential part of the electric guitar. It serves a vital role in protecting both the guitar and the player from damage due to regular wear-and-tear, or even more serious incidents such as accidental bumps and drops. The main purpose of the pickguard is to provide a protective barrier between any metal components on the guitar, such as tuning machines, pickups, bridges and pots, and your hands when strumming or playing chords.
The plastic sheet also helps reduce noise created by unwanted contact between any metal parts during play. Moreover, it adds another layer of protection from dust build up that can cause disruptions when trying to make a clean sound. Because they come in so many shapes and sizes they can be used to customize the look of your instrument too. You’ll find them in various colors or prints with unique designs that truly allow you express yourself musically.
Because it’s made out of thin material most pickguards don’t add much additional weight to your instrument; this makes it easy for you to move around freely without feeling like your hands are weighed down during a performance.
The Different Types of Pickguards
Pickguards are essential components of electric guitars, providing protection to the instrument’s body while also giving it a unique and stylish look. Pickguards come in different shapes, materials, and colors – allowing guitarists to add their own personal touch to their instrument.
One type of pickguard that is popular among musicians is the tortoiseshell pickguard, which takes its name from the material it is made out of – real or faux tortoise shell. This type of pickguard looks great with all types of guitars, including vintage-style instruments. It has an appealing warm yellowish-brown color with dark patches throughout that give off a striking visual contrast when compared to other types of pickguards.
Another common type of pickguard is the plastic style guard; these come in both single and double layers for extra durability and are available in a variety of colors such as black, white, cream, red, blue and green. Plastic guards tend to be very affordable yet durable enough for any playing style. Some manufacturers offer custom printed graphics so you can have your own personalized design on your guitar’s guard.
Finally metal pickguards are becoming increasingly popular due to their strong characteristics and versatility; they are usually made out of aluminum or brass but there are also chrome plated steel models available too. Metal guards provide superior protection against scratches while still looking sophisticated – they may not be as flashy as other styles but they certainly stand out on stage.
Materials Used in Making Pickguards
Pickguards are essential components on an electric guitar, but few people understand what they actually are and the various materials that can be used in making them. Depending on what your needs and preferences are as a guitarist, there is a pickguard material out there that will suit you perfectly.
A popular choice among electric guitarists is celluloid plastic, which has been around for decades now. This lightweight material comes in many colors and designs, so you’re sure to find something to fit the aesthetic of your instrument. It also tends to provide excellent protection against scrapes and scratches due to its hard surface.
Alternatively, many luthiers opt for aluminum pickguards which offer increased durability over other materials. Not only does this metal guard protect the body of the guitar more effectively than others do, it can also make any axe look sleek and modern without having to go through too much trouble or expense when it comes to customization. Aluminum reflects light wonderfully when playing live shows – giving your performances some extra visual appeal.
Yet importantly, wood pickguards made from either rosewood or maple are sought after by experienced players who value sonic integrity above all else. These guards provide superior sound quality thanks to their natural resonance properties – adding warmth and depth to any performance with ease. Their classic look means that wooden pickguards have become iconic amongst traditionalists as well – ensuring you stay true to classic tones no matter where you play.
Customization Options for Pickguards
As a guitarist, the pickguard is an important part of your electric guitar – and one that can be customized to reflect your style. Pickguards come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors. As such, they offer plenty of scope for personalizing your instrument. Whether you’re into classic country twang or modern metal mayhem, there’s sure to be a pickguard out there to match your needs.
A variety of materials are used in the manufacture of pickguards. Depending on their intended use, guards may be made from plastics such as acrylic and ABS; hardwoods like walnut and mahogany; or even aluminum for maximum protection against sharp-edged picks. For those looking for something truly unique, custom orders are also available with wood veneers laid over plastic or carbon fiber backings for a distinctive look that stands out from the crowd.
Guitarists looking to go further than just changing material can also opt for graphic designs which can either be applied directly onto the guard itself or printed on adhesive-backed vinyl before being placed onto the guitar body. These graphics range from subtle decorative patterns to more dramatic works featuring licensed art prints like album covers and vintage artwork – perfect if you want to really make a statement when playing live.
Proper Maintenance and Cleaning Techniques for Pickguards
Maintaining a clean and shiny pickguard is essential for any electric guitar. Keeping the pickguard free from dirt and dust not only ensures that it looks great, but also helps prolong its life. To keep your pickguard looking like new, there are some important maintenance and cleaning techniques to follow.
Start by wiping down the pickguard with a soft cloth or microfiber towel. Make sure that all debris has been removed as this can cause damage over time if left on too long. You may need to use a mild soap and water mixture if the dirt is difficult to remove. For stubborn areas, you can use a toothbrush or small brush to help loosen any dirt buildup before wiping it away with the damp cloth.
To ensure your pickguard stays in top condition, try using products specifically designed for plastic instrument surfaces such as Fender cleaner polish or Gibson polishing cream. These specialized products can provide an extra layer of protection against corrosion due to humidity and other environmental factors while adding shine and luster to your guitar’s body parts including the pickguard. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your pickguards as these could damage them beyond repair.
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