Page 4 of 5 FirstFirst 12345 LastLast
Results 76 to 100 of 102

Thread: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

  1. #76

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    It doesn't seem to bother Marla Fibish too much not having a pickguard on her Gibson.

    Dave H
    Eastman 615 mandola
    2011 Weber Bitteroot A5
    2012 Weber Bitteroot F5
    Eastman MD 915V
    Gibson F9
    2016 Capek ' Bob ' standard scale tenor banjo
    Ibanez Artist 5 string
    2001 Paul Shippey oval hole

  2. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Dave Hanson For This Useful Post:


  3. #77
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    Admittedly, I didn't read every single post in this thread, but did read all responses in a more recent thread. In any event, I didn't see 2 issues I'm wondering about.

    An abbreviated pickguard appears to be preferred. Why is that?

    Will the attachment of a pickguard potentially damage the instrument?

    My teacher says I need a pickguard on my new (to me) Weber Gallatin oval A.
    Abbreviated pickguards are simply a matter of preference. I don't know why some people prefer them. My personal preference is for the larger early Gibson style guard with the curlicue that surrounds the treble foot of the bridge. Why? I just like the look.

    As long as a guard is correctly mounted and does not cover much of the sound hole, there should be no significant difference in tone or projection.

    A correctly mounted guard will not damage the instrument. Bear in mind that installing one is best done by a pro who has the correct tools.

  4. #78
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Co. Mayo, Ireland
    Posts
    3,569

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I've played mandolins both with and without pickguards - my A-jr had a larger pick guard and my Girouard has an abbreviated one. Some folks find that the pick guard gets in the way and remove them - bottom line being that if you find that a pick guard impedes your playing comfort then it's not beneficial. I quite like the abbreviated one on my Girouard. I find it's acts as a nice guide, keeping me from digging in too deeply with the pick when I play.
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
    2015 JP "Whitechapel" tenor banjo
    2018 Frank Tate tenor guitar
    1969 Martin 00-18




    my Youtube channel

  5. #79
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts
    2,045

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Like them on elevated fingerboard instruments. Like others, my fingers rest on them as a depth gauge. It works for me. No problems on my A Jr. that doesn't have one.

    On the Weber, will often try to play with a closed right hand to make up for the lack of a guard. And have more than once thought of buying an abbreviated guard for it.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
    https://www.facebook.com/LauluAika/
    https://www.lauluaika.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/Longtine-Am...14404553312723

  6. #80
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Westchester, NY
    Posts
    30,753

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Hanson View Post
    It doesn't seem to bother Marla Fibish too much not having a pickguard on her Gibson.
    It might bother her mandolin, though...

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	marlamando.jpg 
Views:	96 
Size:	145.1 KB 
ID:	192794

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    My teacher says I need a pickguard on my new (to me) Weber Gallatin oval A.
    Why? Is there something about the method you are being taught that requires a pickguard? I really think it is a personal choice. The prime practical reason would be to protect the top. Some folks do scrape the top with their picks or fingernails. And some post a finger on the top. I personally prefer having a pickguard but I do have a few without and I can adapt.
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
    Facebook
    19th Century Tunes
    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

  7. #81
    Registered User Sherry Cadenhead's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Irving, TX
    Posts
    925

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    It might bother her mandolin, though...

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	marlamando.jpg 
Views:	96 
Size:	145.1 KB 
ID:	192794



    Why? Is there something about the method you are being taught that requires a pickguard? I really think it is a personal choice. The prime practical reason would be to protect the top. Some folks do scrape the top with their picks or fingernails. And some post a finger on the top. I personally prefer having a pickguard but I do have a few without and I can adapt.
    She says I'm resting my wrist on the bridge.

  8. #82
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Co. Mayo, Ireland
    Posts
    3,569

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    She says I'm resting my wrist on the bridge.
    Do you use an armrest at all? If not then you may be better served getting an armrest, as that gives your forearm somewhere to rest and is elevated so your wrist won't contact the bridge. I've always found that they put my picking hand in a good position and my wrist always seems more relaxed when I use one.
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
    2015 JP "Whitechapel" tenor banjo
    2018 Frank Tate tenor guitar
    1969 Martin 00-18




    my Youtube channel

  9. #83
    Registered User Sue Rieter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    1,987

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    She says I'm resting my wrist on the bridge.
    Sherry, I am working on ArtistWorks video lessons. Mike Marshall tells you to lightly rest your wrist just behind the bridge. It's an odd position for me, but I am trying it. I've been considering an armrest.

    As for pickguards, one with, three without.

  10. #84
    Registered User Sherry Cadenhead's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Irving, TX
    Posts
    925

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jill McAuley View Post
    Do you use an armrest at all? If not then you may be better served getting an armrest, as that gives your forearm somewhere to rest and is elevated so your wrist won't contact the bridge. I've always found that they put my picking hand in a good position and my wrist always seems more relaxed when I use one.
    I've never tried an armrest. I use my PC mouse with my left hand and have a mouse pad with a wrist support that I love. Same concept, I suppose?

  11. #85
    Registered User Sherry Cadenhead's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Irving, TX
    Posts
    925

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sue Rieter View Post
    Sherry, I am working on ArtistWorks video lessons. Mike Marshall tells you to lightly rest your wrist just behind the bridge. It's an odd position for me, but I am trying it. I've been considering an armrest.

    As for pickguards, one with, three without.
    Thanks, Sue. I'll try that. I have a lesson with my occasional mandolinist teacher on Thursday. I'll see what he thinks.

  12. #86
    Registered User Doug Edwards's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Kerrville, Texas
    Posts
    1,959

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Pickguard! Armrest too

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	04847D5D-DA89-4CEB-A3D8-79111593BFDC.jpg 
Views:	59 
Size:	273.6 KB 
ID:	192822Click image for larger version. 

Name:	9B90F002-4019-47A2-AD92-91745B2069A2.jpg 
Views:	64 
Size:	1.07 MB 
ID:	192823Click image for larger version. 

Name:	987D1C0C-2A40-47C8-AF47-EA4377B0E8C7.jpeg 
Views:	74 
Size:	31.0 KB 
ID:	192824

  13. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Doug Edwards For This Useful Post:


  14. #87
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Co. Mayo, Ireland
    Posts
    3,569

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sherry Cadenhead View Post
    I've never tried an armrest. I use my PC mouse with my left hand and have a mouse pad with a wrist support that I love. Same concept, I suppose?
    Yes, same concept, facilitates good ergonomics! Also +1 for the McClung armrests that Doug makes (he's in Texas too!), they're beautifully made and work great!
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
    2015 JP "Whitechapel" tenor banjo
    2018 Frank Tate tenor guitar
    1969 Martin 00-18




    my Youtube channel

  15. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Jill McAuley For This Useful Post:


  16. #88
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Minneapolis, MN
    Posts
    49

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jill McAuley View Post
    Yes, same concept, facilitates good ergonomics! Also +1 for the McClung armrests that Doug makes (he's in Texas too!), they're beautifully made and work great!
    Another fan of Doug’s work. I have his arm rests on all of my mandos and just ordered a pick guard for my Collings (other mandos already had them). I find the McClung armrest puts your hand in a good position, and a pick guard serves as a guide when using a loose fist pick grip.
    Pomeroy F5 2003
    Weber Madison F5 2013
    Weber Sweet Pea travel mando 2006
    Eric Ouren open back banjo
    Bart Reiter open back banjo

  17. The following members say thank you to scotta for this post:


  18. #89
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    1,322

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I never had an armrest until my Collings came with one (bought used.) I tried it, and loved it. Now I have armrests on all my mandos, it keeps the edge from cutting into my arm (comfort.) Side benefit of keeping my arm off the top.

  19. The following members say thank you to LadysSolo for this post:


  20. #90

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I think that, without exception, they detract from the appearance. Never seen a mandolin that wouldn't look better with thepick guard off. However, for all the people who wear the treble side of their instrument, then best keep it on. No doubt some will like that distressed look of play and I can appreciate that.

    I remove every one and I've had hundreds of mandolin in the last 50 years. Trying to getthem off old Gibson Oval holes has been tricky but I've always managed. However I did find my pinkie touching the top, as an anchor point. Same when playing guitar.

    I put a tip on cafe a good few weeks a about using a Computer game finger glove for that. Works great but eventually they will wear through.

    Pick guard ? No.

  21. The following members say thank you to jimmy powells for this post:


  22. #91
    Resident Hack
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    295

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I like detail and extra feels like more to me. That being said, I am with Jimmy P, above, when thinking about the custom I have being built. I don't want anything to distract away from the artist's work and so no pickguard. I feel like an armrest might benefit me but don't want to damage the thing and don't feel I can guarantee I won't want to remove it. I'll be going as naked as possible, on the new instrument.

    My current mando has a pickguard and I don't see or hear anything that indicates it's protecting me from anything.
    What I play
    2021 Skip Kelley Two-Point
    Eastwood 'Ricky'
    Morgan Monroe RT-1E
    Epiphone Genesis guitars
    Various Basses

  23. The following members say thank you to Mitch Stein for this post:


  24. #92
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    No pick guard on my Banjo Mandolin . though they have been offered with them ..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  25. The following members say thank you to mandroid for this post:


  26. #93

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I've already posted this in a previous thread. I was a pretty serious pinky planter until I noticed I was starting to wear the finish on a mandolin I worked very hard to build and finish. Researching led me to making a narrow one out of ebony. I use them the same way Paul Kotapish (who is an awesome musician, BTW) does, just registering depth. My fingers only lightly brush the fingerrest. Mine are set below the fretboard level and angled down at about 15º to keep them out of the way. All three of my mandos have them now.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	MandoFamFront.jpg 
Views:	80 
Size:	381.1 KB 
ID:	192963Click image for larger version. 

Name:	P1020667.jpg 
Views:	71 
Size:	294.5 KB 
ID:	192964

  27. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Rob Roy For This Useful Post:


  28. #94
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Ms
    Posts
    398

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I have no reason to beat on my instrument so hard as to hit the body with my pick but then I don't attend volume competitions either.

  29. The following members say thank you to CBFrench for this post:


  30. #95
    Registered User Doug Edwards's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Kerrville, Texas
    Posts
    1,959

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Just got a photo of Mark's pg installed. Inlay by David McClung.. View big
    What can I say...work of art! The inlay's not bad either.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	dawgpg.jpg 
Views:	85 
Size:	113.4 KB 
ID:	193003

  31. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Doug Edwards For This Useful Post:


  32. #96
    Registered User Jill McAuley's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Co. Mayo, Ireland
    Posts
    3,569

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Doug Edwards View Post
    Just got a photo of Mark's pg installed. Inlay by David McClung.. View big
    What can I say...work of art! The inlay's not bad either.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	dawgpg.jpg 
Views:	85 
Size:	113.4 KB 
ID:	193003
    That looks fantastic!!
    2018 Girouard Concert oval A
    2015 JP "Whitechapel" tenor banjo
    2018 Frank Tate tenor guitar
    1969 Martin 00-18




    my Youtube channel

  33. #97
    Registered User Charlie Bernstein's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Augusta, Maine, USA
    Posts
    1,814

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Had one on my first mando. Ugly as hell, and I couldn't see how covering half of an f-hole helped anything.

    The rest have had no guard. Much prettier and more sensible, in my humble.

    I got my first bicycle when I was maybe six. Ran in the house, came out with a pliers and a screwdriver, and took off everything I could: kickstand, chain guard, reflectors. (I was too little to figure out how to get the fenders off, so they were spared.)

    All my friends were putting horns and streamers and baseball cards and bells on their bikes. I flirted with bike bling once in a while, but never really appreciated it. Generally went in the other direction. A D-45 would be wasted on me.

  34. #98

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    I don't really think that I need a pickguard for playing but something I do with my pinkie really tears up the tops of my mandolins. I don't plant it but sort of lightly touch the top and I guess sometimes my fingers flex, causing the pinkie nail to scratch the top. I finally just had the damage repaired and put pickguards on everything.

  35. #99

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    Quote Originally Posted by Demetrius View Post
    Id love to hear from those of you that have switched from having a pickguard to not having a pickguard on your mandolins. I notice a significant tonal change when on and off and im really torn. On my particular mandolin I think it may sound better off but looks better on, and also may feel better on. Maybe I'm just not used to it off.
    So my guestion again is, Who has has either added or taken the pickguard of thier mandolins, and why?
    If to protect it then that's great, but what are some other reasons why you've chosen one way or the other?

    D
    I hate the sound of the pick clacking on the pick guard, I also find the strings are far enough from the body that don’t think I’m touching the finish at all with my pick, and I definitely don’t rest my fingers on the body.

  36. #100
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Pickguard or no pickgaurd?

    My pick never hits the pick guard. I would have to try really hard to hit the pick guard with a pick. Now the frets on the Florida are another thing, I could hit them if it wasn't scooped.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •