What is a Pickguard- By Zager Guitars

A pickguard, also known as a scratchplate, just like its name indicates, is an essential barrier to safeguard your guitar’s finish. It can save your guitar’s finish from being damaged by your guitar pick.

 When we strum an acoustic guitar using a pick, the downstroke of the picking hand usually finishes on the soundboard (the top of the guitar) below the soundhole.

This indicates that if you’re playing with a pick, the pick is coming into direct contact with the soundboard on each downstroke, thus ruining the finish on the guitar. This sort of damage is always irreparable and can cost you a visit to the luthier.

Over time, when we take into account all the thousand individual downstrokes done or the material the pick is made from (which is usually plastic), which is harder than the wood used in the construction of the soundboard of the acoustic guitar. 

This results in unfixable scratches and wear and tear appearing on your guitar. Which you can find too daunting if you’re a guitar fanatic. This is why choosing a pickguard that aligns with your guitar is important.

What Are The Different Types Of Guitar PickGuards?

There are several guitar pickguards, each with its unique style and function. Let’s talk about a few different types of pickguards which can ultimately help us decide on the right products for our guitars; 

Acoustic Guitar Pickguard

Acoustic guitar pickguards are essential accessories that protect the guitar’s finish from scratches and damage caused by guitar picks. Typically made of plastic, pickguards come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, from simple to ornate designs. Personalising the instrument with a matching pickguard is a popular option among guitar enthusiasts. 

When choosing a pickguard for an acoustic guitar, consider important factors such as material, thickness, and placement for optimal protection and aesthetic appeal. With a quality pickguard, our acoustic guitar can stay pristine for years.

Solid Body Electric Pickguard

A solid-body electric guitar pickguard is an essential accessory that protects the guitar’s finish from scratches and damage caused by playing with a pick or fingers. Made of plastic, metal, or wood, pickguards come in various styles and colors and can also enhance the guitar’s appearance. 

When searching for a pickguard for your solid-body electric, it is important to consider the model and make of the guitar, as well as the size and shape of the pickups and control knobs. This ensures a profit selection and optimal playability and sound.

Floating Guitar Pickguard

A floating guitar pickguard is a popular type of pickguard found on archtop guitars. Unlike traditional pickguards, a floating pickguard is not attached directly to the guitar body but is instead held in place by the tension of the strings. 

This design provides a number of benefits, including protection for the guitar’s finish, easier access to the top of the guitar for repairs, and improved tone. It’s typically found on carved top solid body guitars, most famously seen on the Gibson Les Paul, invented in 1909.

When choosing a floating pickguard for your guitar, it’s important to ensure that it’s compatible with your guitar’s make and model and that it fits the size and shape of your guitar’s top. Some manufacturers offer modified pickguards that can be tailored to your specific needs.

It can be a great option for archtop guitar players, providing protection and an improved tone. With the right options for the floating pickguard, you can enjoy a better playing experience and preserve the life of your guitar.

Custom Pickguards

A custom pickguard is a specially designed and made pickguard that fits a particular guitar model and can be customized in terms of shape, color, and material. Custom pickguards offer a great way to personalize your guitar and add a unique touch to your playing.

When designing a custom pickguard, it’s important to understand and consider the fit, material, style, and color in order to make the right choice. Pickguards should fit properly and not interfere with the guitar’s playability or sound. Popular materials include plastic, metal, wood, and composites, and the pickguard’s style and color can be chosen to match your preferences and playing style.

Custom pickguards can be ordered from manufacturers that offer tailored options or may require you to provide measurements and specifications. With careful consideration of design and materials, you can create a unique and functional pickguard that enhances the appearance and playability of your guitars.

Overall, a custom pickguard can add a personal touch to your guitar and make it your own. Choosing a custom pickguard that fits your guitar’s style and specifications can enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Since we have discussed the four most important types of pickguards required in guitars, let’s see the materials used in their production to ensure your guitar’s longevity.

Common Materials Used to Make Pickguards

When we search for the perfect pickguard for our guitars, it is important to select materials that do not affect the sound quality. Pickguards can be made from various materials, each with unique characteristics and benefits. 

Here are some of the most commonly used materials for pickguards:

• Plastic
• Metal
• Wood
• Tortoise Shell
• Composite

Are Pickguards Required in All Acoustic Guitar Models?

Acoustic guitars in almost all cases, don’t utilize pickguards. This is because classical guitars are always played with fingers, although some notable exceptions exist. Since the emergence of picks, many guitarists, to find their tune on the guitar often take the help of picks which ruins the original finishing of the wood on the guitar.

About Zager

Dennis Zager, found of Zager Guitars, has poured countless nights’ worth of effort into perfecting and making the ideal guitars for his customers which he offers at a considerably lower price than his competitors to ensure that the love for music doesn’t die. 

They offer their guitars without the pickguard installed, as many players feel putting anything on the soundboard impairs sound quality.  They use a special finish that resists scratches, so most of their clients don’t use them.  As the finish on a guitar is laid down, installing a guard this soon can damage that, so they leave them off, but will always include a pickguard with your package. This is your sign to buy a guitar from them and experience easier playability on another level.

If you buy any guitar from Zager, it comes with a free accessory pack that includes all the essential accessories one needs when buying a guitar.

The Zagers accessory pack includes the following:

• Free Zager pro-ABS digital humidified case $199
• Free lifetime membership to Mr. Zager’s Guitar Lesson Library for $295
• Free year’s worth of Zager custom EZ-Play pillow touch strings for $89
• Free year’s worth of Zager carbon guitar picks for $39
• Free Zager leather padded strap $48
• Free Zager pro stainless capo $39
• Free expedited shipping for $79

FAQs

Q1. What Is The Purpose Of A Pickguard?

The primary job that a pickguard serves is to save the guitar’s finish from scratches or damage caused by using picks or excessive strumming with fingernails. The added benefit is the aesthetic appeal it adds.

Q2. Is Pickguard Necessary?

A pickguard is not a necessary piece needed on a guitar. Zager Guitar, although it provides pickguards with their guitars, they don’t essentially see the need to use it as it affects the sound quality by 3-4%. They continue to provide state of the art finished products that rarely require the use of pickguards.

Q3. Does a Pickguard Affect the Sound?

By 3-4%. If you’re a beginner, the option of a pickguard installed is better as you’re more prone to scratches on the finish of the soundboard.

Q4. What Are The Different Types of Pickguards?

• Pre-made Pickguard
• Hand-made Pickguard
• Clear Pickguard
• Floating Pickguard
• Thick Pickguard
• Inlaid Pickguard