https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/changing-a-pickguard-on-an-acoustic-guitar/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:51:23 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/changing-a-pickguard-on-an-acoustic-guitar/#post-338759 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:05:48 +0000
Ummmm.... if you're not sure about doing something, get a pro, whom you hope will know (what they're doing?). :shock:

I have changed pickguards frequently on acoustics, but you should have a good reason first, and again, keep looking for a luthier, I don't know which one?

Cool it with the hairdryer. It is acceptable, but you do not want to melt glue at the braces under the soundboard by overheating, or cause cracks, or even temporary over-expansion of the solid wood, you know, by enlarging the molecules of the fibre in the wood, or compressing things, and that's putting it simply.

So, in fact, I will use a hairdryer if I have to, and have noted that solid tops such as yours are way more touchy, or dangerous to work with in terms of damaging the guitar, than laminates.

Trying to make this brief: stay away from lighter fluid, even though so many people will say it's okay. We don't really know what it will do on different guitars, the fact is that it is not intended for guitars, case in point, Jimi Hendrix! :lol:

Seriously, please don't use something like that for double duty, if it isn't proven in every instance, and that goes for naptha, WD-40, and acetone too. All the people that want may use them, but I am not going to, and I wouldn't say "do it" if I don't? :roll:

Now, you'll be safe with either Orange Glo or Goo Gone. And here is Elmer's Sticky Out Adhesive remover which I also have. http://www.highsmith.com/Elmers174-Sticky-Out-Adhesive-Remover-c_21707046/ This stuff works and has never hurt a guitar that I know of. Don't spill it inside the hole, obviously it will stain the inside of the box. So, be very sparing with the quantity, and mop it up.

I see what you're saying bout the dental floss - but why wouldn't it break? What about fishing line, too much stretch? Man, I just pull the pickguards off without tools, but you could use a plastic bondo application tool, or spatula? But splinters of solid wood will sometimes remain on a sticky old pickguard anyhow, it happens, but is less likely IMO with the laminated tops of "plywood", and they're cheaper!

Usually, if you're careful you will get a pickguard off cleanly, and afterward, you may finish or detail the job so well, that you can hardly tell. Except for possible fading, or yellowing of the rest of the top, and a pale look where the guard used to be.

When considering a new guard, pay attention to the overall radius of the hole, meaning its size, because you want the same roundness or contours in the new guard, so that it looks like it came from the factory. They do not cut well. I never cut or grind an acoustic pickguard. So, try to get the right fit in the first place, clean the surface with rubbing or wood alcohol and dry immediately or at the same time, and just stick it on. :wink:]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance Blue Jay https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/changing-a-pickguard-on-an-acoustic-guitar/#post-338759 https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/changing-a-pickguard-on-an-acoustic-guitar/#post-37104 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:10:50 +0000
I've been looking around for a professional to do it but I haven't found one yet and I've been thinking about doing it myself. I've asked some of my friends and they all do it by themselves but I've heard that if you do, you could end up ruining the finish to your guitar. They say they use a hair dryer, some dental floss and a bit of lighter fluid and then just stick on the new one.

Anyways I guess my question is, should I do it myself or still look for a professional? And does anyone know of any professionals that might provide the service? I've been to Guitar Center and they said they didn't do it. My guitar is a Seagull Entourage Rustic]]> Guitar Repair and Maintenance DinosaurFriend https://guitarnoise.forum/guitar-repair-and-maintenance/changing-a-pickguard-on-an-acoustic-guitar/#post-37104