Pickguard for 1914 Gibson A-

[Eric F.]

I'm going to refinish the back of a 1914 (I think) Gibson A-. Before you shout "blasphemy," let me tell you that it has already been refinished - poorly. I aim to undo what's there and will probably just go for a natural look. This will be a player for me, not something I plan to sell for its collectability. The bridge is funky and I need to at least put in a new saddle, and the tuners are OK at best. Seven of them work. They might be salvageable, but I might replace them, too.

Anyhow, the mando has a very nice pickguard with all the mounting hardware, in excellent condition. It has a few scratches, but that's it. I can't see any signs of deterioration. I'm thinking of selling the pickguard to help pay for this. I ran a search of completed auctions on eBay and saw an F-2 pickguard, kinda crumbly by comparison, that went for $179.

Anyone have any idea of what a decent price for the pickguard might be? I think it looks cool on the mando, but I don't need one, and would just as soon sell it to someone who wants one to complete a better-looking mando and put the cash back into this mando.

[mandolooter]

I don't know but I need one I have a 1914 A1 pumpkin top that had a few pieces of what was left in the case when I got it. No bracket...at first glance i thought it was a broken pick but soone discoveed I was mistaken.

[Eric F.]

I had thought about just putting it on eBay, but if we can figure out the worth, I'd happily sell it to you instead.

[Tom C]

Please don't break it apart. Suck it up for now. Months down the road you won't miss the money.

[Eric F.]

Well, I get your point, Tom. But ... it's getting a new bridge, new finish on the back, maybe new tuners. Still, it does look sweet, that dark pickguard against the pumpkin top. Now you've got me confused!

[OlderThanWillie]

Before you sell it look at this ebay item.