GS Mini Black Pickguard

[TaylorGirl]

I noticed that a black pickguard for the GS Mini is available through Taylor. Recently on the other guitar forum I saw a picture of a spruce mini where the owner swaped out the tortoise pickguard for a black one. It looked pretty cool. Has anyone here done that, either on a spruce or a mahogany mini? Actually, I'm thinking a black pickguard on a mahogany might look sharp. Thoughts?  If I got a mahogany mini, I'd be inclined to remove the tortoise pickguard for sure. Don't know if I have the guts to do it myself, though.

[Geez]

I haven't seen the black pick guard, but I did want to try out a Pearse Arm Rest and so I put a black one of those on my spruce mini.  It looks really good (IMHO) and works as advertised.  I haven't had the nerve to add one to any of my fullsized Taylors but I'm going to look for that pick guard.  I think it will be a really looking add on the spruce mini.  Thanks for the heads up.

[TaylorGirl]

I haven't seen the black pick guard, but I did want to try out a Pearse Arm Rest and so I put a black one of those on my spruce mini.  It looks really good (IMHO) and works as advertised.  I haven't had the nerve to add one to any of my fullsized Taylors but I'm going to look for that pick guard.  I think it will be a really looking add on the spruce mini.  Thanks for the heads up.

Here's the pic I saw of the guy's spruce mini..

[Geez]

Here's my mini with the arm rest (if I did that right).

[Geez]

I just ordered one! Thanks again for the heads up. I think it looks pretty cool!   

[BathTimeStrummer]

That's exciting. The only thing I would change about my HV would be a black pickguard. I have one on my 316ce and it looks great. Thanks for the heads-up!

[BathTimeStrummer]

Ordered! That must be new, I swear I've looked for that before! I have a date with a hair dryer and some dental floss--thankfully all found in the bathroom where I play!

[CodeBlueEMT]

 I like the look of the black pickguard, but prefer the "no pickguard" option.     

[Geez]

I like the look of the black pickguard, but prefer the "no pickguard" option.     

I agree that my '13 Spring LTD looks GREAT without a pickguard, I'd be willing to bet that it would be a tough chore to remove an existing one without some sort of shadowing on the guitar. I'm looking forward to switching over to the black one when it comes in.

[stepchildusmc]

I like the look of the black pickguard, but prefer the "no pickguard" option.     

I agree that my '13 Spring LTD looks GREAT without a pickguard, I'd be willing to bet that it would be a tough chore to remove an existing one without some sort of shadowing on the guitar. I'm looking forward to switching over to the black one when it comes in.

if it isn't too old, it shouldn't have any shadowing. i took off the pickguards off all my minis( only guitar i have one on still is my 324...black of course !). it only took about 10 seconds of low heating with a hairdryer and it pulled up easily. any residual glue just rolled off once it cooled leaving no marks. the dental floss would be good to use if you lack patience.

[michaelw]

it looks like the mini & baby 'guards are the only ones currently shown
https://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/category/for-your-guitar/parts/pickguards
the ones for the full size models (5" & 5.5" rosette) & big baby have yet to make an appearance

Ordered! That must be new, I swear I've looked for that before! I have a date with a hair dryer and some dental floss--thankfully all found in the bathroom where I play!

the dental floss is a good idea in order to a lift a corner to get the 'guard to begin to release -
here is good example of a nick waiting to happen, especially on a spruce top
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_we0Im5dotI#t=151

here's a rosewood 'guard for the mini (non-authorized)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141255641632

some of the full size 'guards have more of a hohner contour to them
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141255643818
http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/butlermusic/IMG_3896.JPG

[TaylorGirl]

Michael....a nick waiting to happen because of using the card?

[michaelw]

lifting the edge of the pickguard up with a fingernail, letting it
snap back on the top, then using a pick & then a credit card -
dental floss slipped underneath the edge & gently slid back & forth
will get the 'guard to loosen it's grip enough to get it safely started

the varnish finish on a mini is super thin (only 2.0 mil) -
i like the look of this mini, as the guitar is being used for it's intended purpose, but others may not
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326437

[TaylorGirl]

Thanks Michael. I am thinking about getting a Hog Mini and would want the pickguard removed. I don't know if I have the guts to do it, though. I may have my dealer do it for me. But, your explanation, warning, etc. is good to know.

[stepchildusmc]

wow ! all my mini pickguards came off in 30 seconds or less ! could be because they were all new. on the HV, i never even strummed a chord until the pickguard was gone.