Does anyone else dislike the GAD pickguards?

[Terry Allan Hall]

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

Fortunately, my GAD JF-48 was made prior to them deciding where we want the strap-button ( :roll: ), as that would've been a deal-breaker, I'm afraid!

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

I just called and placed an order...took about a month or so to arrive.

To change over, carefully heat the old p/g with a blowdryer until the glue loosens and then GENTLY pull it up SLOWLY, heating all the while. If you take your time, the stickum with come up at the same time.

The replacement guard has stickum on the back, so all you have to do is carefully put it on and smooth it out.

Pretty easy, really.

 

[chazmo]

Interesting... Why to you guys dislike the strap button on the side above the neck?

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Interesting... Why to you guys dislike the strap button on the side above the neck?

The guitar doesn't hang right for me...I like the button on the treble side of the heel.

 

[joecool]

On the jumbo-style bodies I definitely dig the old guards. But as far as the Contemp. and certain GAD's go, I vote for the new ones.

 

[drive-south]

I have an early GAD JF30 that came from the factory with a clear pickguard. It is the same shape as the new ones but clear. It also does not have the strap button through the side like the recent GADs have.

As far as the GAD 30 and GAD30R, these guitars are finger-style guitars and don't need a pickguard. I've seen them with/without and they look much better without. It's pretty easy to remove the guard. All you need is a hair-dryer to soften the glue and remove the guard. The residual glue can be removed with naptha (lighter fluid). Some guitars do seem to have a "tan" after the guard is removed, however.

drive-south

 

[Mad Rose]

First time poster here! I bought a GAD M-20 over the holidays last Xmas, & while it's an ok sounding 00 sized guitar; a couple of things that I noticed ROTB were the thick Poly Finish, the lesser quality Grover Sta-Tite tuners (14:1)...& the cheesy looking pickquard... I would like to change it. I'm wondering if there are 'better quality' pkgds avaiable for this particular model or do you have to make your own? I have some Martins' that I've upgraded the guards w/ the Tor-Tis type & they are a big improvement from the pixilated variety that Martin supplies.

Overall, not a bad sounding guitar that projects amazingly well for its' size, especially when flatpicked. I did notice that there is some hinderance in single note playing as if the notes are being restricted within. I'm hoping this will alleviate itself down the road after it has had more play time. I bought this M-20 for my grand daughter as a gift, but she needs to grow into it. It's a tad too big for her right now. In the mean time... :mrgreen: It certainly is a lighweight guitar. The previous Guilds ( '80 D-50 & early 90's D-30) I've had were soo heavy!

 

[chicagowineguy]

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

Dude, if you come over and play my GAD50 you'd change your mind. I love my DV4 and D25M to death (the D25 is my favorite, I'll admit...) but the GAD is a great guitar on it's own merits. Those folks are working hard and making quality instruments.