Clear pickguards

[JohnM2001]

I saw that Larrivee was again offering replacement clear pickguards, for $5.00, in both satin and gloss.  On older Larrivees, I have always removed the clear satin guards from 03 series instruments, since I did not like the feel, or the extra noise I found they created when fingers/hand rubbed across them.  Instead, I usually installed Larrivee or Martin style gloss tort guards, or an aftermarket clear gloss D-size guard, but it's good to know that I can now order a Larrivee OEM gloss guard, if I want to keep the original look.

http://www.larrivee.com/shop/clear-pickguard-old-style

[riverrummed]

To my knowledge, Lowden and Larrivee are the two most well known builders that consistently use and are somewhat known for using clear pickguards. For quite a while I just didn't like the look much but it grew on me over time enough to where I consider it a signature look now. I got one of the linked pickguards and had it mounted on the bass side of the sound hole on my LS. It's the same quality to the stock one and I'm glad they are available as I can get pretty aggressive sometimes and I wanted to protect that side of the top.

[Walkerman]

Interestingly, Jean says he missed out on some of the American market in the late 60-70's because his guitars with clear pick guards did not look like Martins, which all of the stars were using.

[JOYCEfromNS]

I've always preferred the Clear

[Walkerman]

I've always preferred the Clear

X4

[eded]

I've always preferred the Clear

I flip-flop on this.  I can't imagine my O-01 with anything but the original clear.  My PV is right with the tortoise.  I've had others that were right with black.

Ed

[mike in lytle]

 
The C-05 I got while back ad the clear pick guard removed carelessly....
In addition to the neck reset the pick guard was replaced with the colored version.
It looks odd, oh well..... it covers the damage. I love it.
Mike L-05, -05, etc....

[Danny]

The C-05 I got while back ad the clear pick guard removed carelessly....
In addition to the neck reset the pick guard was replaced with the colored version.
It looks odd, oh well..... it covers the damage. I love it.
Mike L-05, -05, etc....

Mike, sorry to say this but that just looks awful.

I have clear on all my Larrivees and prefer it on others as well.

[B0WIE]

Mike, sorry to say this but that just looks awful.

I have clear on all my Larrivees and prefer it on others as well.

It's almost got an 80's geometric vibe going. Use a chain of multi colored bandannas for a strap and it'll be totally retro!

[teh]

It's nice to know we all have freedom of choice. I wouldn't buy a new guitar with barn door electronics or runout on the top without a substantial discount but a clear pickguard is a pretty easy fix.

I removed the clear pickguard from my parlor within a month of buying it because I thought it detracted from the simple clean look of the guitar which doesn't even have an end pin. Too my eye, a square pickguard shape gives a sharp contrast that detracts from the rounded shape of the guitar body but that's just me.

I didn't like how it looked when I bought it but was willing to give it a chance because the guitar sounded so good. 12 years later I have no regrets about my decision and there is no visible "tan line" on the top.

On the flip side, I had them ship the teardrop pickguard on my 000 Martin in the storage compartment and waited a month before installing it. It's only been 9 months but I was glad about that decision too.

In closing, After 39+ years of playing my D35 with a thumb pick, there is a really cool groove wearing into the rosette next to the inner side of the pick guard caused by years of playing. When my five year old grandson turns 65, I hope he will be playing my 100 year old Martin and call it Trigger Jr.

[mike in lytle]

Mike, sorry to say this but that just looks awful.

Yes.
When I said "I love it" I did not intend to mean I liked the pick guard. I don't.
Its the sound of the guitar I appreciate.
It will be the easiest guitar to find at the pawn shop if it ever gets ripped off.
Mike
L-05

[Walkerman]

Just a FYI .... if you are going to put a clear pickguard on a small guitar, look into the Goodall small clear guards.  They protect more area.

[nctom]

I'm not sure how I feel about clear pickguards, but since I rarely use a pick I don't have to worry with them. Neither of my older Larrivees have them and I like them that way and my sunburst -03 has a tortoise-type guard that, while unneeded , looks great. I haven't taken the pickguards off my Martins, though.

[Mikeymac]

My '92 OM-05 has had a clear pick guard on it since day one - I never notice it...

...the nice thing about a clear guard is that there's no tan line (if you ever want to remove it and/or change to a different shape or size).

[Keith Larden]

I have a 1981 L-19 with a clear pickguard.
I have ordered Larrivee's clear pick guards to use on many of my other non Larrivee guitars.  I recently purchased an Alvarez 60th Anniversary Shadowburst #45 of 60, that does not have a pick guard. I went to order some more from the Larivee shop and they don't have them any more.  Very disappointed.

[Gill]

I wish when I bought my 2015 OM-03 all Hog two years ago,I'd removed the factory teardrop pick guard,as I like clear,but was concerned there would have an already imprinted "tan line" -much too late now to do anything about it I guess.