To pick guard or Not to pick guard...that is the question

[Strumming Fool]

I generally like the look of a pickguard.  The only guitar I have that doesn't have one is my PG-LTD, though I have a clear one on my 600-SPEC.

Not to hi-jack the thread, but I didn't realize there was another PG-LTD owner out there in the forum. Would love to see pics of yours- especially the back and sides!

[basalt beach]

On mine I had a clear pg installed.  You cannot not tell one is on it unless you look at an angle in the light.  This way I don't have to worry about it if I use a pick.

Ditto!  I just put a clear pg on my GC 8 (ordered from Taylor) and can confirm, if put on correctly, you can not easily see it on the guitar.  So, now it still has the same beautiful top and I have piece of mind for when I do take a pick to the GC 8.

[sachi]

I am another person who loves the look without a guard. I still use a clear pickguard because I'd hate to mark the top.

[flyingace71]

Thanks all for your input! Based on many people's comments about it being only about whether I liked that look for not, which I do. So I put it on and couldn't be happier. I think it really makes the guitar's appearance for me now, very "taylor" looking!

[edman]

I put a Taylor tortoise pickguard on my GA4 yesterday. I think it looks great.

[GS8SunBurst]

My guitar is GS8 with sunburst finish, so she has no pickguard.
But if she didn't have sunburst finish, I would probably put taylors pickguard on it !

[Scriptor]

Pickguards range from necessary to simply a matter of choice for looks ... I seldom use a pick and prefer guitars w/o them.  However, it doesn't bother me if there is one unless I have a choice.  I've removed 2 from Taylors, one with no tan line and one with very minimal tan line that I'm hoping will fade completely in time.

OT:  mgap, your sig line:  My words are but a whisper, your deafness a shout

A Tull fan?  Me too

[mgap]

Yes Scriptor- I am a fan especially of Ian's acoustic work

[TaylorGirl]

I think it goes back to the old saying:
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Personally, I love the look of Taylors with pickguards, because it "screams" Taylor.  However, I can totally understand those of you who prefer not to have them.  In my opinion, all Taylor guitars are works of art.  So, some may look "good" with them, and some may look "good" without them.  But, "good" is 100% subjective.  Do what you need to do to find that "beauty" (from my quote above).