Does anyone else dislike the GAD pickguards?

[Terry Allan Hall]

I replaced the one on my GAD JF-48 w/ a "real" Guild p/g (like the one in the picture), right after I got it, and now it looks "correct".

The standard GAD p/g looks to me like another cost-cutting move from FMIC! :lol:

 

[Walter Broes]

Yes, dislike them, but don't you think they're one of the little things FMIC does on purpose to show the guitar's pedigree?

 

[sitka_spruce]

Me too. The shame is these are fitted to Contemporaries as well.

 

[chazmo]

Terry, were you able to A/B your GAD with that Westerly-built one in the picture? Just curious...

I agree about the GAD pickguard shape. Don't like it much.

 

[bluegrass jubilee]

it was originated for the contemporary series, and then carried into the GAD line as a distinguishing characteristic

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Terry, were you able to A/B your GAD with that Westerly-built one in the picture? Just curious...

I agree about the GAD pickguard shape. Don't like it much.

No, but I also have 2 early '90s JF-4s and two mid-70s F-212XLs (love me some Guilds )...the GAD sounds like a brand new Guild, so presumably will sound like one of my early '90s JF-4s eventually.

Before changing p/g:

After changing p/g:

P/g was $18 from Elderly instruments, and I just think it looks much more aesthetically pleasing. 8)

 

[Graham]

I'm not a fan of them at all.

 

[Dr Izza Plumber]

Terry, were you able to A/B your GAD with that Westerly-built one in the picture? Just curious...

I agree about the GAD pickguard shape. Don't like it much.

No, but I also have 2 early '90s JF-4s and two mid-70s F-212XLs (love me some Guilds )...the GAD sounds like a brand new Guild, so presumably will sound like one of my early '90s JF-4s eventually.

Before changing p/g:

After changing p/g:

P/g was $18 from Elderly instruments, and I just think it looks much more aesthetically pleasing. 8)

Guildy as charged!

 

[William63]

Another one who doesn't like the GAD series pickguard. Yuck!
I am actually to the point I don't even like black pickguards anymore with the exception of a sunburst top.

If I ever get a GAD series I would replace it with a regular Guild pickguard.

 

[Tony Burns]

Terry - they are ugly -i like the look of the older style as well -

 

[Metalman]

One of the defining trademarks of Guild over the years has been their distinctive pickguard, along with their headstock shape.

To change that, well, do it on their "contemporary" models, but on the standards, yeah, the old style is better.

 

[danerectal]

Between that pickguard and the poly finish, I don't think I could ever buy a GAD.

 

[Phlytyer]

They look like a corporate decision was made to reduce costs by 40%. This was just the obvious one to us viewers.

 

[killdeer43]

I'm real picky about my pickguards and those on the GADs don't say "Guild" to me.
The classic lines of the distinctive pickguards on our acoustics always stop me in my tracks for a closer look...as proven when I rode my bike past a local pawnshop and did a quick U-turn to fondle a gorgeous D4-12, which is now mine.
I believe the original idea behind the design was to simulate the shape of the guitar, and that it does, in the older models anyway.
I've even seen a few DV-4s that miss the mark on the traditional design--straight line cut on the inside, too high on the neck, etc. Check one out sometime.
The four hanging in front of me as I type have classic pickguards and it's part of the appeal for me. And then there's the sound.....!!

Cheerfully,
Joe

 

[geezah]

Having just checked out the Elderly instruments site, I am pleased to report that the GADs have a different pickguard this year, a more traditional shape, clearly setting them apart from the American Guilds.
That being said, I want to go on the record saying the old GAD style PG looks rather odd on a large bodied guitar, but alright on the smaller styles ( e.g. the 30s and 40s). And I don't blame TAH for changing his out.

 

[Punkybub]

They always looked silly to me - especially on the larger GADs but even on the smaller ones. The problem - aside from the look - is that the area they don't cover (just below the bottom of the pickguard to the bridge) is a pretty high-traffic area, pick/finger wise. I'd have a Willie Nelson-sized hole there in a few years!

Aren't pickguards supposed to guard the top from picks....? :roll:

 

[nutmegger1957]

I much prefer the GAD pick guards over the Blueridge Tortoise shell ones......

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

They always looked silly to me - especially on the larger GADs but even on the smaller ones. The problem - aside from the look - is that the area they don't cover (just below the bottom of the pickguard to the bridge) is a pretty high-traffic area, pick/finger wise. I'd have a Willie Nelson-sized hole there in a few years!

Aren't pickguards supposed to guard the top from picks....? :roll:

Absolute agreement!

Had the GAD pickguard offered protection in the "high-traffic area", I probably would've just gotten used to it's butt-ugly looks.

 

[drive-south]

I agree that the shape of the small PGs on GADs is ugly. I have a GAD JF30 that has the small PG, but mine is clear so it really doesn't show. I've considered replacing the guard with a traditional Guild Guard. If I decide to keep the guitar, I'll probably do so, but I am more inclined to trade or sell it and keep my Westly Guilds 4ever.

Besides the odd PG, I also don't like where they are putting the strap button either. It goes right through the side near the neck heel and into a small block of wood. My GAD is a few years old and doesn't have this type strap button that all the new ones seem to have.

While I'm complaining, I'll also add that I think the GAD cases are pretty flimsy as well. They look pretty nice from 10' away, but up close it is apparent they are cheap, lightly built cases.
The green tweed covering on mine is loosely attached to the wooden shell, and the hardare (hinges, latch) scream cheap.

drive-south

 

[jgmaute]

I don't like the GAD pickguard either and am considering changing mine to the traditional Guild pickguard. I couldn't find one on the elderly site. Also, what exactly is involved in making the switch?
thanks for your helo,
jgm