This weeks nomination for Homeliest Pick Guard.
- Thread starter Jeff
- Start date
I can't be certain, but that may be a flamenco guitar (very close to a classical, but usually made with lighter colored (cypress usually) back and side wood (guittarra blanca) vs. the traditional rosewood back and side woods used in full classical guitars (gittarra negra)), and the two pickguards are standard on those guitar types, and they are called tap plates. Not pretty, but necessary due to the amount of impact expected in those areas of the guitar.
On the other hand, clear tap plates could have been used, for appearance's sake, if nothing else.
Kostas
PS. I know the old traditions of Spanish guitar building are changing (cedar tops, different types of back/side wood), but the above terms were coined a lot time ago, and have stuck, as far as I know, in Spain.
On the other hand, clear tap plates could have been used, for appearance's sake, if nothing else.
Kostas
PS. I know the old traditions of Spanish guitar building are changing (cedar tops, different types of back/side wood), but the above terms were coined a lot time ago, and have stuck, as far as I know, in Spain.
Jeff, That is a standard pick guard on a spanish flamenco guitar. Some these days are clear but back in the day they could be white,more often,or black. The reason it is both sides of the sound hole is because the taps on the sound board can be with the fingers and the thumb and the rasquardo's (strumming) flicks the hand all over that area. Don't feel sorry for it. I would be glad to have that in my stable.
Sorry, meant to say Kostas is exactly correct. It's even more important to have this protection on cedar tops as the wood is softer. I don't know how many flamenco guitars are made with cedar tops. Sustain is not a issue with a flamenco. Sheer power and punch is the order of the day. Bodies are cypress, depth of body is less,wood pegs instead of machines,lower action. An all round lighter instrument meant to have the life thrashed out of it.
Sorry, meant to say Kostas is exactly correct. It's even more important to have this protection on cedar tops as the wood is softer. I don't know how many flamenco guitars are made with cedar tops. Sustain is not a issue with a flamenco. Sheer power and punch is the order of the day. Bodies are cypress, depth of body is less,wood pegs instead of machines,lower action. An all round lighter instrument meant to have the life thrashed out of it.
At least this makes new Guild pickguards look pretty …
Markus
Markus
marcellis
Senior Member
It's truly ugly. But it's the work of an amateur.
For $4799.00 you can have world-class ugliness factory-installed by the pros at CF Martin & Sons.
The Martin D-41 Wagonmaster.
For $4799.00 you can have world-class ugliness factory-installed by the pros at CF Martin & Sons.
The Martin D-41 Wagonmaster.
Oh My God! The flamenco is truly practical, but what type of substance was in use when somebody thought that was a good idea and actually convinced other people it was good too!!! The same could be said for Gibson and that really sound killing guard they fitted to the Everly Brothers. Even Phil and Don knew it was duff and used J45's for all the hits.
Walter Broes
Enlightened Member
Traditional Flamenco guards indeed, and I'd love to have a Gibson Everly!
taabru45
Enlightened Member
marcellis said:It's truly ugly. But it's the work of an amateur.
For $4799.00 you can have world-class ugliness factory-installed by the pros at CF Martin & Sons.
The Martin D-41 Wagonmaster.
Kinda looks like a giant bat flew into it. :lol: :lol: Steffan
fronobulax
Bassist, GAD and the Hot Mess Mods
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marcellis said:
and who am I to argue with her?Mrs. Fro. said:
West R Lee
Venerated Member
I keep expecting to see a little "Bat Man" climb out of the soundhole.
West
West
Walter, it's true. That flamenco tap plate is a tradditional design. Have a look at some famous flamenco players like Sabicas.There is a picture of him with a guitar almost exactly the same in 1939. And while I wouldn't turn away a Everly Brothers I would rather have a J-185. Basically the same guitar without the nasty pickguard and the over the top star inlay.
tjmangum
Senior Member
When I first read the topic, my first impulse was the Porter Wagoner Martin edition. For the guy who discovered Dolly, you'd think they'd of come up with something more interesting. Seems Web Pierce had an interesting one too. Can't find any pictures today except for his guitar shaped pool, which doesn't have a pickguard!
tj
tj
marcellis
Senior Member
Now we're talking a real professional showdown between master ugly pick guard manufacturers.
The all-time leader, Gibson, with the "That Girl" silhouette pick guard on the Everly Brothers model.
And Martin's new entry, the Wagonmaster.
The all-time leader, Gibson, with the "That Girl" silhouette pick guard on the Everly Brothers model.
And Martin's new entry, the Wagonmaster.
Nigel Wickwire
Member
If you guys keep up with these pictures, I gonna have to sleep with the light on tonight..............
<shudder>
~nw
<shudder>
~nw