Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Vintage Gibson Pickguard Observations

  1. #1
    Mandolingerer Bazz Jass's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    347

    Default Vintage Gibson Pickguard Observations

    I've been looking at the different vintage Gibson pickguard configurations from the teens to the 20s. The earlier ones are pinned twice to the side of the fingerboard, attached to the side clamp with two screws, with a pin going into a hole in the non-adjustable bridge.

    The later ones have just one pin into the side of the fingerboard, a single bolt attaching to the pickguard clamp (leaving two redundant holes), and not pinned at all to the bridge (which has now become adjustable).

    This would seem a lot less stable. I wonder what the reasoning was for the changes?

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	Pickguard.jpg 
Views:	136 
Size:	172.4 KB 
ID:	194025

  2. #2
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Vintage Gibson Pickguard Observations

    Lower manufacturing costs.

  3. The following members say thank you to rcc56 for this post:


  4. #3
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Saint Augustine Beach FL
    Posts
    6,633

    Default Re: Vintage Gibson Pickguard Observations

    In the teens version, where the pin went into the non adjustable bridge, there would have been a felt washer keeping it centered. These mostly got lost so the pin became moot. The older style brackets (highly sought after today) use a clamping action, no screws. I think became out of fashion when the newer (screw in) bracket was introduced. As for the older style with two nails going into the side of the fingerboard...they can be a challenge to remove if needed. One nail would make it easier.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  5. #4
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Outer Spiral Arm, of Galaxy, NW Oregon.
    Posts
    17,103

    Default Re: Vintage Gibson Pickguard Observations

    +1 the pin floated in a , how about replace with rubber, ring .. grommet?
    The edge clip of the 20s* gave way to a screwed into the edge clip . with 1 pin into the fingerboard edge..

    Smaller floating ones use 2 pins into the fingerboard edge ..

    * Steve Gilchrist had reproductions of those clips made, to use on his mandolins..
    writing about music
    is like dancing,
    about architecture

  6. #5
    Teacher, repair person
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Southeast Tennessee
    Posts
    4,078

    Default Re: Vintage Gibson Pickguard Observations

    Anything round and stiff will work for the washer in the bridge. I usually just shove a thick piece of weather-stripping felt in there, poke a hole in it, and give it a "haircut."

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
  •