All about pickguard

If you have your own guitar, then you should get a special pickguard that will protect the body of the instrument from damage and scratches. You can buy this product at almost any music store. Today we will talk about what such additional accessories to the guitar are in general and what types they can be.

Pickguard has the form of a specially protective setting, which is fixed on the main part of the musical instrument, thus preventing the appearance of various damages on the surface. These products can be made from a variety of materials, but most often high-quality plastic is used for this. These accessories can fit almost any type of guitar, including classical, acoustic and electro-acoustic models. Many picks have a durable multi-layer structure to provide maximum protection for your guitar.

In music stores, visitors can see a wide variety of pickguards. So, they differ among themselves depending on what kind of guitar they can be used for. Let's take a look at the individual types.

• For acoustic guitar. These types of linings are usually made from thin plastic sheets. They are attached directly under the sound hole using a special adhesive. The material should not be too thick and heavy, otherwise the tone and overall sound of the instrument may change.

• For electric guitar. For these guitars, the pickups need to be stiffer. They are more often produced with special metal brackets. These protective accessories can be produced with an adhesive backing that allows you to quickly and easily fix the product in the desired position.

• For a stratocaster. These plastic pads have a special shape that follows the shape of the stratocaster. They are manufactured with several holes for the installation of self-tapping screws. These models can be either single-layer or multi-layer. These pads will provide maximum protection during transport.

• For a telecaster. These plastic guitar protectors also have a special shape that will closely mimic the shape of a Telecaster. Like the previous version, they are attached using several metal screws. Many of these models are made with an additional protective film on the top surface. All these products fit as tightly as possible to the body of the stringed instrument. Often these very models are made in original and striking designs.

• For bass guitar. These pickguards are very similar to the previous two varieties. They are also attached with metal fasteners. Most often they have 10 holes for their installation. Protective products for bass guitars are mainly made from a plastic base, but there are also metal options (aluminum with chrome plating).

Pickguards for guitars may differ from each other and depending on the materials from which they are made. They are made from various types of plastics. Let's consider the most common varieties.

• Celluloid. This material is considered the most popular option. It can be made in different colors and designs. Models made of celluloid are considered quite durable and reliable, but they also have some drawbacks. They are highly flammable, and the plastic is also solvent-based and will gradually shrink over time, causing the patch to curl around the edges.
• Vinyl (PVC). This type of plastic is not prone to shrinkage, nor will it ignite. There are two main types of this material: rigid and flexible. PVC is quite resistant to the effects of various, including chemical, compounds.
• Acrylic glass. This pickguard material is a light and fire resistant version of plain glass. It has a high level of strength and durability. The acrylic base also boasts excellent thermal and chemical resistance. But it should be remembered that small scratches and other similar defects often appear on its surface.

Pickguards from various manufacturers are presented on the modern market. Next, we will take a look at the most famous brands that produce these products for guitars.

• Gibson. This brand produces a large number of similar linings, made in different versions and made from different materials. They all come with the correct mounting screws. The models of this manufacturing company are most often created in black, white and beige colors. These guitar pads are predominantly made in a three-layer design. Their outer part is often additionally coated with a pearlescent coating.

• Alice. This brand produces a variety of guitar protectors with a comfortable self-adhesive backing. They can be decorated in classic black colors, but some samples do with an interesting variegated finish. The products of this brand belong to the budget segment.

• Schaller. This brand specializes in making pickguards for electro-acoustic musical instruments.These models are made of chrome-plated treated brass. Such samples are particularly strong and durable. The outer part is often made with a variety of decorative finishes, including a matte pearl finish.

• Hosco. These Japanese-made onlays are produced with a self-adhesive base, which makes it easy to fix the product on the tool. The main body is usually made of vinyl material. In the assortment of products, you can see models made in various colors, including black and cream tones, but there are also completely transparent options that will be practically invisible on the guitar itself.

• Fender. The manufacturer specializes in the production of pickguards designed for stratocaster and telecasters. Products have a fairly high stiffness and strength. They will be able to last a fairly long period without curling around the edges and other defects. The main part is carried out strictly according to a special pattern. Most often, all models are made in a three-layer design. They can be created in white, black, variegated colors, there are also completely transparent varieties. One set with such products also includes the necessary fasteners for fixing on the guitar. Most often they are installed with a few metal screws. Some models are made with a beautiful mother-of-pearl finish on the outside.