Anyone know how to remove a pick guard?

[cc132]

Originally Posted by VickRamono

You also used the lighter fluid to remove excess glue? Or did youuse something else?

Thanks!

When I took the pickguard off of my Silver Creek, I used lighter fluid. I didn't think I would need it at first, but after forty-five minutes of scrubbing with Windex without making much progress, I decided to give it a try. The lighter fluid melted the residue off with almost no effort.

[1folksinger]

Interesting idea, but flawed. Let me explain. Way back around 1973 (for real)
I came upon a '72 Martin D-41. I got a good trade deal for a D-28 that did nothing for me. It was an "ok" D-41, pretty ordinary really with E.IR. and Sitka (of course)...and a really UGLY black pick guard. One night I couldn't stand it anymore, and I ripped that ugly black piece of plastic right off, leaving a now white area of raw spruce that was white compared to the finish of the top. I was lucky though that the wood grain beneath the guard was intact and clean, with no glue left at all. Before I got around to replacing it, I traded it for a 1968 Brazilian/German D-45, and some cash (duh).... but had I left the pickguard on, I could have gotten a better deal on the '45. Anyway, for those who are ready for a replacement, I've heard that a product called "Bestine" (sp?) will help a pickguard come up without any damage to the top. Personally, I'd leave it to a professional and I am in the process of replacing a "pepperoni pizza" guard on a 2001 Martin OM-45 Golden Era. The only thing Martin got wrong on that model IS the pickguard, which has to go. Anyway... I'm taking it to Chris Camp in Escondito Ca, and I trust him with all my instruments. Good luck to those who dare and venture into the area of P.G. removal.... and please be careful. Cheers! In Harmony, & remember, play in tune!

[whamonkey]

Did it to 2 Taylors (Hairdyer and lighter fluid). Just use enough heat to get the glue soft. Easy.

A luthier will do it for you for less than $50 I'll bet.

[VickRamono]

I only asked about the lighter fluid because that seems like the most dangerous part. If it melts glue won't it do the same to the finish if left too long?

[Aaron Smith]

The lighter fluid (naphtha) is fine, but I would worry about the heat. I took the guard off of my J-45 with no problem just using Naphtha and a little patience. Work the naphtha in around the edges while lifting it to soften the glue; no heat required.

[TBman]

I've taken off two pickguards, my Larrivee OM-05 and my Yahama LJ6. The LJ6 was new so I didn't get a tan line, but the OM-05 I bought used and there is a tan line. I used a hairdryer and a bunch of used gift cards to shim under the guard as I heated it. Then I used lighter fluid to clean off any residual glue. Would I do it again? On the older guitar, no. When I get a chance I will find a light brown/transluscent pickguard to replace the one I took off the OM-05. When I get a chance I will take pictures of both and post them.

For the past couple of days I've been reading this thread, because I wanted to take the pick guard off my Ibanez. So last night, just before the music started, sitting in the stool, mikes on: out of curiosity I slipped a fingernail under the corner of the pickguard, and the corner came up easy. Then I just gave it a little tug and snap - it just popped off. There's a couple of places where there's glue residue, but I didn't need to heat it up. Cool!

[VickRamono]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

For the past couple of days I've been reading this thread, because I wanted to take the pick guard off my Ibanez. So last night, just before the music started, sitting in the stool, mikes on: out of curiosity I slipped a fingernail under the corner of the pickguard, and the corner came up easy. Then I just gave it a little tug and snap - it just popped off. There's a couple of places where there's glue residue, but I didn't need to heat it up. Cool!

HA holy crap!

[VickRamono]

I just got my guitar less than a year ago, and I belive its an '08. It has a satin finish. Anyone think it will have a tan line?

[phammo]

I just removed a pickguard from a brand new guitar (2009 serial number, don't know how long it had been on display in the store though) and it does have a faint tan line.

[VickRamono]

Originally Posted by phammo

I just removed a pickguard from a brand new guitar (2009 serial number, don't know how long it had been on display in the store though) and it does have a faint tan line.

Crap.. is there any way to peel off just a little part and look or does bend and not stick back?

[phammo]

I think it would be difficult to stick it back down evenly, as the pickguard material tends to become curled and/or creased in the removal process. Best bet would be either to wait for the "tan" to even out (that's what I'm hoping for, it is very faint), or fit a new pickguard.

[Aaron Smith]

Originally Posted by VickRamono

I just got my guitar less than a year ago, and I belive its an '08. It has a satin finish. Anyone think it will have a tan line?

It may, but it will probably disappear in the next few years as the entire top darkens together.

[VickRamono]

Originally Posted by Aaron Smith

It may, but it will probably disappear in the next few years as the entire top darkens together.

Hmm, it's such a hard decision... ****,

[StringFive]

If you can find a new pick guard that is an exact match in size, this won't be a problem.