Pickguard vs No Pickguard

[rogmichael]

I have a Taylor GA4 on layaway, as you all know it comes without a pickguard.

I do more fingerstyle and some light strumming. Should I go with a pickguard or leave it off?

If I did install one I would prefer a solid black pickuard if I could find one. I think it would be kind of unique.

Thanks for your opinions!

[jrporter]

I purchased a GA4 today and promptly ordered a tortoise pickguard from Taylor. I also play fingerstyle with some light strumming thrown in, but it's amazing how those unplanned aberrant strums will eat up the area around the soundhole....

[sachi]

Consider a clear guard. I think Taylors look best without a guard, but the clear ones offer the protection without hurting the looks.

[sthompson]

Or even the clear, vinyl removable pickguard.
st

[Strumming Fool]

I have 5 Taylor GAs (soon to be 6!). I'm a full-time strummer/picker. The only one of my guitars that shows pick wear is the one that has a (clear) pickguard. The others, which have no pickguard, show no pick marks at all, which indicates that the finish is more resilient than a plastic pickguard!

[oatordeal]

i'm with sachi on this one. love taylors without the pickguards as well. i don't mind nicks and dings on guitars. it really depends on your visual preference and play style. if you're a percussive and/or aggressive strummer then you might want to consider one.

[Edward]

Depends.  A spruce or cedar top with a Taylor pg looks very traditional ...part of its aesthetic signature , if you will.  Then again, with a special finish, particularly nicely-figured top, or attractive binding I'd go sans pg. 

For all but the most ardent strummers (and I mean heavy handed!), I think this is more of an aesthetic decision than a functional one.  The modern Taylor finish (at least since, say, 2006 robosprayer era or so ...but likely even earlier) is very durable and easily stands up to lots of use.  I'm a predominant strummer and hybrid picker and can attest to the finish holding up well over the years of consistent play.  Go with your aesthetic taste buds

Edward

[ataylor]

Taylor recently started offering black pickguards in addition to tortoise or clear. I bet if you gave them a call they'd find a way to get you one for your new guitar with the right shape and soundhole radius. I'm with you in thinking that it could be something a little different for your guitar while retaining that signature Taylor look.

As others have said, the Taylor finish is pretty durable and you may not need it. But for some (like myself) it's more of an aesthetic choice than anything anyway. I think the GA style body looks good both with and without. Any bigger (dreadnought) and I think it needs a pickguard; any smaller (GC) and it often looks best without. So the good news is that you're in a win-win situation with that GA4!

Pickguard or not, enjoy the guitar when you get it...

[dangrunloh]

For me it isn't an esthetic decision.  I flat pick and strum but after 10 month of playing I have a light haze of very fine scratches just beyond the edge of the pick guard of my 414.  It's not from the pick. Apparently it's from the nails on the fingers of my right hand. I do not curl my fingers under the palm.  Glad I have a pickguard and I like the classic looks of the Taylor TS pickguard.

[michaelw]

here's a black aftermarket 'guard that's kind of close (currently out-of-stock, though)
the contour is closer to an older hohner shape

ds custom  makes a 'contour' static removable black 'guard -
it reminds me of the gibson songmaker shape,  which were
made in the factory that garrison used to occupy, i think

either could be trimmed, i imagine -
i think that a removable guard would offer more protection
than the permanent clear ones (which are extremely thin)

for me, if the 'guard can come off without leaving a 'tan-line' or
if it slight enough to where it'll eventually blend in, it's outta there

when i strum, it's a rather aggressive attack (controlled 'thrash') & the marks that i've made were on a redwood top -
the only thing that might have 'saved it' could  have been a rosette guard , but they weren't available 6 years ago

no strum marks anywhere else & the marks weren't scratches, but more like tiny little 'pits'

imho, a pickguard can only do so much & if it's the difference between having a pristine top
as opposed to really feeling/expressing what's being played, i say bring on the mojo

in some cases, i could see a pickguard being warranted, but
it'd probably have to be an oversize one - glen hansard

[oatordeal]

...and often times when i get carried away playing, you really pay no mind with things such as playing/ strumming hard, on occasion tapping on the sound board for intro's/breaks for timing etc. a pick guard can only do so much but at the end of the day it's the playing that matters as you bring your soul/emotions to the table.

are you going to play that particular guitar on gigs? maybe put a pick guard on for extra protection. whatever you choose, choose what feels right for your taste and let the music flow.  

[Black Beauty]

If you ever get the chance check out Breedlove's higher end model pickguards, based on the Martin 50s style. The most beautiful I've ever seen.

[jrporter]

I purchased a GA4 today and promptly ordered a tortoise pickguard from Taylor. I also play fingerstyle with some light strumming thrown in, but it's amazing how those unplanned aberrant strums will eat up the area around the soundhole....

Here she is with her new pickguard and Fishman Matrix Infinity...

[CodeBlueEMT]

 I'm not a fan of scratchplates, especially on a cutaway. I spent plenty of cabbage on my 314ce and love the beautiful naked spruce top.

 

 

[Martin]

I have one of those removable, clear stick-on deals from Taylor. 

Love it.