Another GAD JF 30 guitar question

[RBSinTo]

Briefly, bought a GAD JF 30 guitar a few weeks ago, which is currently in for some repairs.
I noticed that it has a clear, transparent plastic pickguard, which I don't particularly like, but I fear that having it removed might cause blemishes to the top's finish, which might be visable, even if I replace the pickguard with a coloured one.
Instead, I'm thinking of simply covering the existing guard with a skin of adhesive vinyl, and wonder if anyone knows of a source of vinyl in puckguard finishes such as tortise-shell.
Please and thanks.
RBSinTo

 

[adorshki]

Briefly, bought a GAD JF 30 guitar a few weeks ago, which is currently in for some repairs.
I noticed that it has a clear, transparent plastic pickguard, which I don't particularly like, but I fear that having it removed might cause blemishes to the top's finish, which might be visable, even if I replace the pickguard with a coloured one.
Instead, I'm thinking of simply covering the existing guard with a skin of adhesive vinyl, and wonder if anyone knows of a source of vinyl in puckguard finishes such as tortise-shell.
Please and thanks.
RBSinTo

RB, it's a poly finish, very damage resistant and I suspect the guard will come off with gentle heat, in fact member @killdeer43 successfully r&r'd his guard for a different one by that method several years ago.

Can't remember exactly how he applied the heat, though. Blow dryer with care taken not to overheat?

Worrying more about bracing glue softening/wood flex than finish damage, with regards to excess heat.

Otherwise, like the overlay idea, preserves the original 'guard, too.

I'd just ascertain that whatever adhesive is on the overlay won't react with pg which I assume is NC plastic on those, can react with stuff over time.

Oh, just saw you said "clear plastic". No clue what it is, but suspect it'll be as durable as the finish. But couldn't hurt to make sure.

 

[jedzep]

As it's in the hands of your 'mechanic' already, I think I'd ask him/her to take it off and clean off the top with naptha. You might like it naked.

I remove guards by dipping dental floss in naptha, then sawing at the point to get started. Then I switch to a thin plastic store courtesy card, also dipping, and nudge it underneath while gently pulling on the guard as I go, but only at the rate the naptha dipped card edge dissolves the glue.

I'm confident that trying to lay material over the present guard would be a risky, frustrating endeavor.

 

[RBSinTo]

As it's in the hands of your 'mechanic' already, I think I'd ask him/her to take it off and clean off the top with naptha. You might like it naked.

I remove guards by dipping dental floss in naptha, then sawing at the point to get started. Then I switch to a thin plastic store courtesy card, also dipping, and nudge it underneath while gently pulling on the guard as I go, but only at the rate the naptha dipped card edge dissolves the glue.

I'm confident that trying to lay material over the present guard would be a risky, frustrating endeavor.

jedzep,
You and I discussed changing the machines on my j45 over at the Gibson Brands website.
As for the Jf30, if I make a change to the pickguard, I really prefer to start off with something that is both easily applied, and removed in case I decide to either just leave the original, or remove and replace it.
In another life, I worked for sign companies, and am familiar with adhesive sign vinyl, and its application and removal.
However, except for special orders, the colour selection is rather pedestrian, so if I buy a small piece from a sign company, it would probably be black or brown.
I was hoping that someone knows of a source of coloured vinyls that match pickguard colours and patterns, so I could apply a piece. If this solution is not satisfactory, I would then consider removing, or removing and replacing the original pickguard.

I just found a source of Dark Brown Tortoise vinyl pickguard sheet from Bow River Wood to Works, a Canadian company in Chilliwack British Columbia. It isn't cheap, $25.00 Canadian plus tax and shipping, for a 8" x 11" sheet, but it is exactly what I was looking for.
When I get the guitar back from the Luthiers, I'll make a decision.

RBSinTo

 

[jedzep]

Got it. It'll be interesting to see how you pull it off.

Dave

 

[adorshki]

In another life, I worked for sign companies, and am familiar with adhesive sign vinyl, and its application and removal.

In a previous life as a paper salesman I sold that stuff to printers and sign shops..

However, except for special orders, the colour selection is rather pedestrian, so if I buy a small piece from a sign company, it would probably be black or brown.

I just found a source of Dark Brown Tortoise vinyl pickguard sheet from Bow River Wood to Works, a Canadian company in Chilliwack British Columbia. It isn't cheap, $25.00 Canadian plus tax and shipping, for a 8" x 11" sheet, but it is exactly what I was looking for.
RBSinTo

Since you worked at a sign shop I assume you're familiar with the issue of what kind of adhesive is used on the vinyl, as well as what you mentioned about limited options through the "usual" sources. Suspect Bow River actually buys the stuff in bulk and sheets it themselves, or else orders enough to have it cut to size by the maker.

$25.00 (Can)/sheet? I'm sure you realize they gotta make it worth their while to even offer the stuff, suspect it's a pretty slow mover in general.
I saw that kind of thing all the time with "specialty" items although graduating volume discounts were generally offered.

Hope it works out if you go that way.

 

[wileypickett]

If you're not too choosy you can easily find pickguard blanks in all sorts of colors via eBay from a number of sellers. For instance:

Pickguard Blank Sheet 315mm x 240mm Material for Electric Guitar or Bass | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pickguard Blank Sheet 315mm x 240mm Material for Electric Guitar or Bass at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I don't care for the patterned ones, as they're printed. Most obvious on the tortosieshell -- you can see it's just a copy-and-pasted repeated pattern.

Solid colors are fine.

However, if you're planning to install a second pickguard on top of the original pickguard, I'd look for the thinnest material you can find. You want to keep the top as free to vibrate as possible. The more layers you add, the greater the potential impact on the sound of the guitar.

 

[RBSinTo]

Wileypickett,
Funny thing is, I can get a replacement pickguard for roughly $10.00 Canadian, while the adhesive vinyl overlay is $25.00 plus, plus.
If I do make a change, it will either be adhesive vinyl overlaid on the existing pickguard, or removal and replacement of the existing pickguard. Attaching a second one on top of the existing one was never a consideration.
RBSinTo

 

[chazmo]

RBSinTo, I like the idea of a vinyl overlay on top of the existing PG. That is, if you have a vinyl print that you want to use. Certainly no harm doing that.

I also agree that you should have little problem removing the existing PG on your GAD if you choose to. I suspect that was a replacement for the factory's PG which had a shape that some folks didn't like (it wasn't very Guildy).

Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

[RBSinTo]

By coincidence, I received a call from Darryl, the Luthier at Cosmo Music a few hours ago that the guitar was ready.
I brought it home and it sounds and looks great. The cracks are visable (and because they are, all the work which included gluing and cleating the two cracks, touching up the top, fixing a broken inner brace, installing two strap buttons, adjusting the action and installing new strings was done for just under $100.00 Canadian) but being a function over form guy, it's the sound that matters most to me. And it is loud and bright.
Right now, I'm stil ambivalent about the pickguard business, but it isn't a pressing issue. At least now I know what my options are, and where to find the resources I'd need.
RBSinTo

 

[HeyMikey]

Nice! Pretty good deal to have it back in top playing condition. Enjoy!

 

[RBSinTo]

Thanks Mikey.