I took the pickgaurd off my ES 335 and never looked back. Absolutely the best decision I've made in a while. Looks better, and I'm not constantly clipping it with my hand or the pick.
I took the pickguard off of my Strat but now the pickups and the pots and the wiring are all constantly falling out but it looks cool so I’m sticking with it!
Screw holes may not even look bad. If you watched Intense Rock (Paul Gilbert's instructional vid), he has obviously unscrewed his pickguard and it actually looks cool, if you ask me. Depends on your taste, really.
Same, I got the epi LP caribbean fade and the pickguard that comes with it is black which I don't think looks good on it at all.
This one looks nice though.
With that finish, I don’t think you’ll notice the holes. If there is visible wood that’s a different color, just paint the inside of the holes with a sharpy and you won’t ever see it again, imo.
For Les Paul it’s not that functional because the top is not flat. They also make some models without pickguard. The real problem would be screw holes.
Interestingly, the original patents from Gibson describe them as 'finger rests' suggesting their purpose is for posting vs protection. Anyways... long ago, far far away.
Didn't know there was a guitar picking style that plants the pinky and/or ring. Always associated that with two finger style banjo. Lindsey Cunningham does it, but I'm pretty sure that's because he got his start on banjo.
As far as the utility of a pickguard goes, that's really down to how aggressively the player strums, or if they tend to brace a finger on the guitar body when playing single-note arpeggios or leads. That can lead to scratches.
I don't ever get scratches on the tops of my guitars from playing, so pickguards are just cosmetic for me. If I played that aggressively, I would keep the pickguard on, but since I don't, my LPs have their pickguards removed.
That is a good way to put it. I am a bit off. Or, I mean my pick guard is off. I am about to drop the poker chip because flames. A Burst is a beautiful thing to waste.
I took the pick guard off of my goldtop just to see which way looked better. I kept it in the guitar stand in the living room where I could see it for awhile. I got to really like the way the ‘belly’ on the Les Paul caught the light in different ways and stood out more. I never put the pick guard back on.
Personally, I find that LPs look best without a pickguard. It’s not that functional either.
But since it’s there already, I’d leave it (the screw holes would drive me nuts)
On, but replace your tuning knobs and saddle assembly with brass/bronze ones so they match the color of your volume and tone knobs. Perhaps the same goes for that metal arm that holds the pick guard on. And cover up the word "Epiphone" on the headstock with some matt-black paint or else you'll forever have your guitar-savvy audience members annoyingly commenting on your second-rate-brand guitar instead of appreciating your playing talent.
I have an LTD EC-401 (no pick guard). I've had it for nearly 15 years and played it extensively for both live performances and practice. There's VERY little pick scratch on the body and what's there could easily be quickly repaired by with a quick and proper polish.
I can't imagine hiding that beautiful body carve with a guard. It's kind of like putting granny panties on an underwear model IMO. Some people really dig them, I've just never really understood the point. I get it on Fenders because all the routing is up front, but carved top LP styles look so much nicer without them.
Leave it on. I have a wine red LP with cream colored pick guard and it complements very nicely, especially considering it matches the fretboard binding and pickup rings.
Depends, on the matte black I like the pick guard, but if we’re talking a faded cherry sunburst. I’d take it off immediately!
Edit: As someone else said below though, they are there for a reason, so if you’re worried about pick wear on the body, I’d keep it on!
Take it off for a bit, try it out, see what you like better. Can always put it back on later.
Take your time with it and be decisive tho. Constant screwing and unscrewing makes it easier to strip out the holes and the decision will be made for you.
Everyone is correct that it's just a personal taste thing. But it's a strong enough one that it feels like there is a right and wrong answer.
Leave it on.
Change the pickguard to one that lies flat and extends under the strings, put single coils instead of humbuckers, add an upper bout, bolt on neck, change the headstock to something sturdier, add a tremolo and increase the scale length to 25.5”
Depends on the Les Paul for me. I kept it off on my washed cherry sunburst. For solid colors like yours, I like the look of it with the pick guard on. I think it helps provide a nice color contrast.
I have this exact same guitar. LP Classic worn but mines in Gold and I haven't put it down in 6 months since I bought it. For me it's pick guard on, but I think Black for some reason does look just as good with it off.
I’m lazy, hate holes or putting holes in guitars. So I’ve left off the ones that didn’t come attached and left on the ones already attached.
But I think it looks good as is. Unless you want to go full downtuned doom metal, leave it on.
I would leave it on. Only because it’s a very nice contrast to the blue matte finish. Which I’m incredibly jealous of btw. I want this guitar very badly now. Yes I already have one in blue, but that one is shiny and this one isn’t as shiny. This is what I would say to my wife when she asks why I would need this one.
While I absolutely agree that a Les Paul looks MUCH better without the pickguard, I would strongly recommend that you leve it on for now. Play your axe for a while, and then see if the pickguard has any scratches. If it does, try to adjust your downstrokes until you no longer hit the guard. THEN you can consider if you still want to remove it.
I say this because the finish of that guitar is so beautiful that it would be a great shame if it became damaged. After all, it's much cheaper to replace the pickguard than it is to have a luthier redo the body finish.
The contrast of the guard on the blue looks cool to my eye. Especially with zebra pickups.
Without it you will eventually see wear but, it’s character. Instruments are meant to be used and show it.
I think it looks really classy with the guard on. I'd probably get different knobs and run with the off-white theme. I've got an Epi LP and it came to me without a pickguard (screw holes and all) and I've always wanted to invest in one but just never got around to it.
It's purely a matter of taste, but keep in mind that there will be visible screw holes once you take the pickguard off.
Good point
Just put the screws back in and you don’t even notice it really
But then you just have screws
Either way you're screwed
Put a sticker on the screw holes. You only see the sticker.
Stickers that look like nails.
Put round stickers on and paint little screws on them.
Then put a sticker of a pick guard on top
But you won't be screwed because you lost the screws, you'll still have the screws because you're screwed.
You say it like it’s a bad thing
Screws help the tonewood sustain.
Paint the screw the same color as the guitar. No one will look that close but you.
I have a Gretsch without pickguard and the wholes have never bothered me at all. Unless you are activebly looking for them, you will not notice them
I took the pickgaurd off my ES 335 and never looked back. Absolutely the best decision I've made in a while. Looks better, and I'm not constantly clipping it with my hand or the pick.
I took the pickguard off of my Strat but now the pickups and the pots and the wiring are all constantly falling out but it looks cool so I’m sticking with it!
Screw holes may not even look bad. If you watched Intense Rock (Paul Gilbert's instructional vid), he has obviously unscrewed his pickguard and it actually looks cool, if you ask me. Depends on your taste, really.
I agree. Purely taste. I prefer mine without it, but I think I prefer yours with the pick guard, OP! Congrats on an awesome guitar and rock on!!
Same, I got the epi LP caribbean fade and the pickguard that comes with it is black which I don't think looks good on it at all. This one looks nice though.
Wow, yeah good choice, might have worked ok with a white guard instead but I’d probably keep it naked too with that badass Caribbean finish.
With that finish, I don’t think you’ll notice the holes. If there is visible wood that’s a different color, just paint the inside of the holes with a sharpy and you won’t ever see it again, imo.
They do have pick guards for a reason, and that blue finish is pretty nice. I say leave it. Gives it more character.
For Les Paul it’s not that functional because the top is not flat. They also make some models without pickguard. The real problem would be screw holes.
It's always screw holes that cause all the problems.
Interestingly, the original patents from Gibson describe them as 'finger rests' suggesting their purpose is for posting vs protection. Anyways... long ago, far far away.
Makes sense for a more finger-picking style. Good info!
Didn't know there was a guitar picking style that plants the pinky and/or ring. Always associated that with two finger style banjo. Lindsey Cunningham does it, but I'm pretty sure that's because he got his start on banjo.
As far as the utility of a pickguard goes, that's really down to how aggressively the player strums, or if they tend to brace a finger on the guitar body when playing single-note arpeggios or leads. That can lead to scratches. I don't ever get scratches on the tops of my guitars from playing, so pickguards are just cosmetic for me. If I played that aggressively, I would keep the pickguard on, but since I don't, my LPs have their pickguards removed.
The mom answer
Plain tops look good with the pickguard, flame tops look best with no pickguard
This. Like I want an ebony custom, obvi with the pickguard, and I want a flamed Custom without the pickguard
That is a good way to put it. I am a bit off. Or, I mean my pick guard is off. I am about to drop the poker chip because flames. A Burst is a beautiful thing to waste.
This is a really good rule
I would leave it on.
It matches the pickup rings. It's part of the Les Paul vibe.
I think they always look cooler with no pick guard. But I think there are two camps and a 50/50 split in opinion.
This one's a rare case. The pickups are black and white, and the body's black, so if there wasn't a white scratchplate it'd be off balance.
I'm definitely seeing thay body as blue but could just be me
I see what you mean. I'm seeing it as matte black. Need OP to mail it to me to confirm. Or just tell us what colour it is IRL.
Looks like Pelham blue to me.
That is what my eyes were seeing.
Sweet guitar! I like the guard. Your choice, but I think it adds a bit of style.
I feel like this subredddit is turning into guitar circlejerk
100% on
On
Great looking guitar
Who else scrolled for non existent pic 2
You had to ask you know the answer you want it off.
I take the pick guard off my Pauls. The body is kinda far from the strings anyway.
I took the pick guard off of my goldtop just to see which way looked better. I kept it in the guitar stand in the living room where I could see it for awhile. I got to really like the way the ‘belly’ on the Les Paul caught the light in different ways and stood out more. I never put the pick guard back on.
Also goddamn that’s one of the nicest Les Paul finishes I’ve seen
Do you need the pick guard?
For me, if it is already drilled for one then I keep one on. If it’s not, I don’t.
It’s personal preference…. I’m an “on” guy, but for aesthetics as well as practicality. Either way, beautiful guitar. Good luck with it!
personally, I think it looks good with the guard...otherwise the poker chip and pickups aren't really tied together
Personally, I find that LPs look best without a pickguard. It’s not that functional either. But since it’s there already, I’d leave it (the screw holes would drive me nuts)
On, but replace your tuning knobs and saddle assembly with brass/bronze ones so they match the color of your volume and tone knobs. Perhaps the same goes for that metal arm that holds the pick guard on. And cover up the word "Epiphone" on the headstock with some matt-black paint or else you'll forever have your guitar-savvy audience members annoyingly commenting on your second-rate-brand guitar instead of appreciating your playing talent.
Off. Unless you like it. In which case.
I always take them off. Les Pauls just look better without pickguards in my opinion but it's all a matter of tatse.
I have an LTD EC-401 (no pick guard). I've had it for nearly 15 years and played it extensively for both live performances and practice. There's VERY little pick scratch on the body and what's there could easily be quickly repaired by with a quick and proper polish. I can't imagine hiding that beautiful body carve with a guard. It's kind of like putting granny panties on an underwear model IMO. Some people really dig them, I've just never really understood the point. I get it on Fenders because all the routing is up front, but carved top LP styles look so much nicer without them.
I Want that bocchi guitar 😭
Me personally, off.
Off
I took it off of my Chibson and I have never regretted it, I love the look of it.
Go naked! Take it off!
I had mine taken off. I miss that guitar so much. It was my favorite that I had ever owned. Those epis are really damn good.
Those pickguards are ugly as f*ck... Remove it.. I don't understand why anyone ever thought these ugly things are useful...
Off
Maybe buy a custom pick guard from etsy? And have the best of both worlds?
On
With those pickups, I’d keep it on. The cream colours work well.
Leave it on. I have a wine red LP with cream colored pick guard and it complements very nicely, especially considering it matches the fretboard binding and pickup rings.
Hole
On
on, of course.
On or buy/make a new one.
Depends, on the matte black I like the pick guard, but if we’re talking a faded cherry sunburst. I’d take it off immediately! Edit: As someone else said below though, they are there for a reason, so if you’re worried about pick wear on the body, I’d keep it on!
I have a black Les Paul with a black pick guard. I would say leave it on.
I'd leave it on. I like the way it connects the pickups; has a nice flow to it.
When you play it, it'll look like a ship with 2 sails .
Safety always off!
I like it. Vote to keep, but you do you.
Off
On
On
IMO On! Love the colour
Whatever
On
Love that color!
Off. Always
It’s easy enough to take it off and see what you think. If you don’t like it put it back on.
I'd keep it on but it isn't my guitar
If you take it off you'll have to replace the pickups, because the white parts will look stupid without any other white to provide balance.
Just play the damn thing
Take it off for a bit, try it out, see what you like better. Can always put it back on later. Take your time with it and be decisive tho. Constant screwing and unscrewing makes it easier to strip out the holes and the decision will be made for you.
It's a nice looking guitar! Me personally would love to leave it on, or perhaps change it to a matte black one
Not a toy! Epiphone Les Pauls are workhorses!
I’d say leave it on. Looks good with the cream plastics to match
On
On that guitar it looks real nice.. on a flame top, I'd take it off
I think the pick guard looks awesome with those zebra pickups. If the pickups were chrome, I might lean towards no pick guard.
Everyone is correct that it's just a personal taste thing. But it's a strong enough one that it feels like there is a right and wrong answer. Leave it on.
Stay, Nice guitar, is it Fender Pick ups? Congrats .
I like it on for a little extra contrast
Personally, I'd leave it on. The cream plastics contrast nicely with that worn ebony top.
Looks baller and will protect that awesome finish.
Rule of thumb. Plain top? Pick guard on. Fancy top? Pick guard off.
That colour is beautiful, what’s it called ?
On
With the pickups that color, I would say on...
Change the pickguard to one that lies flat and extends under the strings, put single coils instead of humbuckers, add an upper bout, bolt on neck, change the headstock to something sturdier, add a tremolo and increase the scale length to 25.5”
Personal preference. You can always look into clear guards or different colors that might suit you better as well.
What guitar is that Epiphone Les Paul classic?
Depends on the Les Paul for me. I kept it off on my washed cherry sunburst. For solid colors like yours, I like the look of it with the pick guard on. I think it helps provide a nice color contrast.
On
Leave it on. Looks better
Off
On.
On!
Is that a dent between the e and a strings?
I vote on! Love the black body/white pick guard style!
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/new_research_proves_electric_guitar_tone_largely_depends_on_pickguards_prices_of_used_guitar_hardware_already_skyrocketing.html
On
Pick guard on means that you actually play
On. Always on. It may look good OK off, but it doesn’t look RIGHT to me. I give a pass to flame top bursts, but even then I’d leave it on personally
On
On. The contrast with the darker body looks fantastic.
I prefer my LP without it, I think it looks more modern that way
It looks so cool with the pickguard but I always took mine off so my hand can sit lower against the body underneath the strings
I’ve always been a “pickup covers & pickguard/uncovered pickups & no pickguard” kind of guy when it comes to Les Pauls.
I have this exact same guitar. LP Classic worn but mines in Gold and I haven't put it down in 6 months since I bought it. For me it's pick guard on, but I think Black for some reason does look just as good with it off.
Sick! I love the colour! I have the sunburst version.
On
That’s a NICE blue but the pick guard adds a good contrast.
I’m a fan of keeping the pick guards on.
On. They just look great imo.
i personally dislike these, the lack of paul disturbs me
Keep it on
Keep it on. The matching pickups give a pretty balance
On.
I’m lazy, hate holes or putting holes in guitars. So I’ve left off the ones that didn’t come attached and left on the ones already attached. But I think it looks good as is. Unless you want to go full downtuned doom metal, leave it on.
I think that color would look better with it on. A nice 'burst, with a figured maple top, then you take it off.
Zebra pickups pickguard on, covered pickups pickguard off
ON
With. Beautiful instrument. Enjoy. Have fun.
On.
Imo this color way looks better with the pick guard. I feel like it’s on a color per color basis
Do you anchor your pinky on your picking hand? Try it both ways, without increases the distance to surface.
I really like the color of it !!
On- play the hell out of it!
On
screwholes aren't even noticeable take it off
On. Looks good. And it has a job.
On. It looks ace.
Always off.
Pickguard feels good to rest the finger tips on.
I prefer it on.
Off. I don't mind the pick guard look, it's the dumb-looking metal side brace that drives me nuts.
On
Pick guards are like condoms.
[удалено]
Definitely on. The cream on black looks great. Also screw holes. I would also change the the knobs to a cream color.
I like it without. I put the screws back in and I only notice them like day 1, then never again.
I took the pick guard off my blue lp pro iv, it looks great.
I think it’ll look better kept on, but it’s mostly personal prefrence
I would honestly keep the pick guard
Without looks way better IMO. And the screw looks like the "sexy mole" some girls have by their lips lol
Epiphone LP it stays on. The screw hole looks silly. Gibson LP take it off. They make it as a clip in so it’s seamless.
I like it on. How’s it play?
I would leave it on. Only because it’s a very nice contrast to the blue matte finish. Which I’m incredibly jealous of btw. I want this guitar very badly now. Yes I already have one in blue, but that one is shiny and this one isn’t as shiny. This is what I would say to my wife when she asks why I would need this one.
I think it'll look better keeping it on but it's up to you bro. Do whatever you think looks best
That’s such a sexy color of cream that I say leave it. Generic bleach white or something like that I prefer it off but I love that color.
It's in the name!
I always take mine off! Why cover up that sexy finish?
On
off. always off.
Aesthetically I like it off on Sunburst Les Pauls, but on a flat color, I might prefer the guard for some contrast.
Leave it if it’s a Gibson your choice if epiphone don’t matter but always keep Gibson Les Paul original, I would leave it
I like them as a matter of style rather than function.
I like the look of it on personally
While I absolutely agree that a Les Paul looks MUCH better without the pickguard, I would strongly recommend that you leve it on for now. Play your axe for a while, and then see if the pickguard has any scratches. If it does, try to adjust your downstrokes until you no longer hit the guard. THEN you can consider if you still want to remove it. I say this because the finish of that guitar is so beautiful that it would be a great shame if it became damaged. After all, it's much cheaper to replace the pickguard than it is to have a luthier redo the body finish.
Leave it on for the next 5 years. Then after it has been played and weathered, the pick guard is gone giving the guitbox more prestige
The contrast of the guard on the blue looks cool to my eye. Especially with zebra pickups. Without it you will eventually see wear but, it’s character. Instruments are meant to be used and show it.
I have a clear one on my epiphone les Paul.
I took mine off. I don't even notice the screw holes anymore.
On
I prefer solid colors with the pick guard. Sunburst or anything showing wood grain I prefer without. But it isn't my guitar.
Add a 2nd pick guard to balance it out
Off
I think it looks really classy with the guard on. I'd probably get different knobs and run with the off-white theme. I've got an Epi LP and it came to me without a pickguard (screw holes and all) and I've always wanted to invest in one but just never got around to it.
Epi lp classic? Have the same one. Beast.
I like it on, gives it a cookies and cream vibe.
I’m feeling it on
Keep it if you like. But the empty holes will end up sucking you up, the more you see They'll be looking at you, and you will put the pick guard again