00-40 Pickguard removal

[markj]

I never liked how the pickguard was installed on my OO-40. It covered the beautiful abalone in the rosette. I have been threatening to remove it for over 2 years but never had the courage to do it until today.

After discussing the safest way to remove a pickguard with my good friend, and luthier, Bill Hatfield. He assured it it would work and to just take my time and be patient.
Naptha to dissolve the adhesive.

Dental floss and a disposable brush to get the naptha on the adhesive to let soften it as I gently pulled up working my way 1mm or less at a time. It took about 15 minutes to remove it and clean up the remaining adhesive residue. Zero damage done to either the top or the pickguard.

An expected tan line. I will leave it like this and maybe try to even out the top a little with the old photographic techniques of dodge and burn.
Happy with the result.

[mike in lytle]

An expected tan line. I will leave it like this and maybe try to even out the top a little with the old photographic techniques of dodge and burn.
Happy with the result.

Good job!
I think, some time ago, someone else removed a PG and had a tan line more obvious than yours, and I "think" he would leave it near a window and it eventually went away. It took awhile and there were photos taken.
Mike

[markj]

Thanks Mike.

I like the looks of the guitar much better now. Even with the tan line. Thinking I should remove the Forum VI pickguard sooner than later. lol

[mike in lytle]

Thanks Mike.

I like the looks of the guitar much better now. Even with the tan line. Thinking I should remove the Forum VI pickguard sooner than later. lol

Well, we can all admit you are the one with the most recent experience.
The F-VI is pretty light colored, dunno if you would have any lines after such a short time.
Good luck!
Mike

[jpmist]

Good job!
I think, some time ago, someone else removed a PG and had a tan line more obvious than yours, and I "think" he would leave it near a window and it eventually went away. It took awhile and there were photos taken.
Mike

That could have been me. I don't use a pick and I like the look of a "naked" top so off it went. Guitar was only a year or so old, but it still tanned quite a bit. I have a south facing window so my USPS mask took about 4-5 weeks to work. Sadly, I botched the glue cleaning process with a hasty heavy hand using a plastic scrub pad that left some microfine marks <sigh> - lesson learned . . .

[skyline]

My SD-03 had pretty obvious tan lines (as in pic) - they faded completely away over about a year-and-a-half. It was always out of a case - but never in direct sun . . .

[jpmist]

Wow! You have tons more patience than me! Congrats on an easy fix . . .

[markj]

Still visible but making good progress.

[mike in lytle]

Still visible but making good progress.

Cool.
What is that black thing on the side of the guitar?
Mike

[markj]

It's a guitar rest that attaches with suction cups. it holds the guitar in the position I like while keeping both feet on the ground.

I had to switch to this vs.  a footrest for back health reasons.

[mike in lytle]

What brand of guitar rest?
Mike

[markj]

https://www.stringsbymail.com/gitano-guitar-support-1170.html

[teh]

I'm considering a 0040 for my next guitar. Can you comment on yours?

[markj]

I'm considering a 0040 for my next guitar. Can you comment on yours?

I love this guitar! It is the smallest guitar I own and just feels so damn comfortable to play. Much more than my 14 fret LV-10. Not that the LV-10 is uncomfortable, but I can feel the extra reach needed when I switch to the 14 fret after playing the 12 fretters for long periods of time. The Forum VI LSV-03 12 fret is also a very comfortable guitar

The sound of the OO-40 is full, warm, balanced, and has great bass for such a small body. It also sparkles when you need it to. It's a keeper.