Les Paul With or Without Pickguard?... Guitar Nerds Only This is the Debate! 🎸
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- Last week we asked if the pickguard should be left off our Tokai and you answered in your thousands. Unfortunately the most popular answer isn't the one we wanted hear... so let's keep the poll open, debate some more, and see if we can sway the result back to the 'off' camp. 😬🎸🤞
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Time stamps:
00:00 coming up this week
00:54 it's all about the pickguard
02:58 my 'definitive' poll
05:06 what's happening today
05:49 my current LP collection
14:32 the pros & cons
18:45 does it sound any different?
19:22 what about famous players?
21:55 a bit of playing
22:26 my preference
24:48 protecting the guitar
27:15 the removable pickguard
30:44 please comment & vote
32:10 why no actual Gibson?
34:05 your vote is needed
36:07 play out jam
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Mics AKG C414 & SM57
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I took the Pickguard off my Custom a few days ago and it changed my life. The sky looked brighter, food tasted better, my wife looked 23 again. Best decision I've ever made! 😊
Greetings from the U.S. Colin...🎸✌️
A 37 minute video about whether a pickguard should be off or on? … I love this channel 🙌🏻
@liveatminkys no pressure! 😥😥🤣
@@theguitaristasI'm perfectly fine with this subject.👍
@@theguitaristas I haven’t watched yet. I’m sure it’s great!
I've always loved this channel because of the reviews of mid priced guitars. Seems like he's getting away from this content more and more, personally find it disappointing.
this why i love this channel so much , i am here enjoying a cup of coffee with a grilled cheese watching the waffle waffleling
You know you’re amongst proper guitar nerds when you get a 37 minute video on pickgaurds and love every minute of it 😂 love it col 👌🏻
Cheers mate... truly a fantastic community here and loads of engagement with this subject! 😂👍
I've spent a long time pondering this one, and I think they look better without a pickguard if they have uncovered pickups, or better with a pickguard if the pickups are covered. That's the rule I'm sticking to so I can stop the endless dialogue in my head which just stops me actually playing them 😂
😆👍
Definitively 😂😮😊
I agree…the pickup covers are the definitive difference!
Send me the bill doc! I'm cured.
I just don't like the afterthought way Les Paul pick guards are fitted. That stupid bracket just looks like a "F it, that'll do" move to me. The shaped top does make fitting anything flat (well... Curved) to the best, slightly tricky tho... So... I still prefer them without.
If you’re a long strummer then leave it on to protect the finish. Personally I take mine off, as I dont have an aggressive strumming pattern, they look so much better and you can see the paintwork in all it’s mighty fine glory 🎸🎸
Les Paul's can look great without the pick guard on, but as I said last week, for me the essence of the Les Paul look needs the plate. If you prefer it without the plate, go for it. Only one opinion should really matter.
Totally agree. There is only one opinion that matters....
So you really ought to listen to me, as should everyone, cuz I'm right! 😊
I prefer to remove and carefully store the pickguard. I wish they would leave the decision to install them up to the buyer! Thanks Colin!
Probably the only channel on UA-cam where you can spend 40 minutes on whether to have a pickguard on or off a Les Paul, and it's interesting...!
🤣👍... just let me know if I cross the line at any point.
I got the Slash Epiphone '59 goldtop sans pickguard and it is gorgeous. A goldtop especially looks great without.
Great episode Colin. These things are important! At the risk of seeming a bit contrary I would say OFF for sunbursts and ON for goldtops and customs. Hope this settles the debate.
Agree!
I can see the logic there. The part of the guitar which is obscured by the pick guard is the same as the rest on a Gold Top or Custom but not on the Sunburst.
I feel like it’s all about adding some contrast. Bursts have that already so don’t need the pick guard.
Collin Another great video. Pointing out the facts that great guitar players usually take the pic guard off, And also that it's personal preference in whoever is playing And their comfortability. And what works for them. Great job!
Colin make the Friday even sweeter. Lots of love brother you rock
Love your style fella! Completely get your thinking 😊
Only my long lost 1972 Les Paul "Reording" guitar 🎸 would be exempt from alteration. Very heavy, but.… had every Les Paul innovation available. Mr Paul said it was his ultimate creation. AMAZING AXE 1972 "RECORDING". Unsurpassed in studio. Whoa.
Great playing again. 🎉. Great video. IMO it is with Pick Guard
Never pick guard! especially on a nice quilt or flame top why? Unless u don't want pick scratches then what would be the fun of that Colin 😂 cool video mate..
I think the good news is, you’ve got a great guitar that looks good either way.
I love it without the guard. That guitar really is beautiful.
I've always left them on. Just like the way it looks. Purely an aesthetics thing for me.
There’s elements about the way you carry yourself that reminds me of my late father. Between that and the personality you show on camera - you seem like the kind of person I’d love to have a pint with
Cheers man that's appreciated! 😁🙏
I love this channel.
I could pull up an old couch at your shop, with a drink (coffee/tea/🍻) and just listen to you talk about guitars.
Reminds me of hanging out with my uncles way back in the day (70s/80s) in the garage while they tinkered on their motorcycles - the smells and sounds.
Your channel reminds me of that but for guitars and the smell of guitars/guitar cases.
Thank you for sharing!
All the best!
Cheers man thanks for hanging out and supporting it’s appreciated! 😁🙏
I don't know about the pick guard thing but as always really dig your playing sounds awesome
Cheers man that's appreciated! 😊🙏
I've always been a strat addicted, but after knowing this channel I want a Les Paul. Hahahahahaha
Great video man. Healthy debate topic.
This is more difficult than I thought in the beginning, but I would say "on" because it looks better on a sunburst. But I am absolutly in love with the Tokai brand. Thanks Colin, for showing this great guitar to all of us.
Love you're trying to tip the balance! While being a pickguard on guy I did take mine off on my Gibson 60s once because the top is so beautiful. I could only bear it about a week though despite how pretty it was and back on it went. I had Gretsch Electromatic single cut that had a wider, droopy or lazy (however one describes that shape) horn like your Eastman and with that shape the Gretsch pickguard shape looks much better than the Gibson. And to cover all the bases I'd lose the Heritage pickguard if I had one but, I won't ever have one because I'm still confused how they could be ok with a headstock like that.
Test Match Special need you for those rainy days - someone who can talk utter bollox for 4min and keep the viewer fascinated. Keep up the good work, we love it
I can do it for 40 mins no problem so I'm in! 😂👍
One more comment that I left out. Love the channel! Great work!
😎🙏
Thank you for this. My Epiphone LP came with a guard on. And my Gibson LP deluxe came with one off. So I have the best of both worlds. Thank you.
Generally I prefer a pickguard on a Les Paul, for purely aesthetic reasons. Then I got one with a really nice flame maple top... it felt like such a shame to hide it under that cream plastic.
In the end I split the difference, I took the original guard to a luthier and had him cut me a 3mm thick, transparent pickguard (the sort you'd see on a Cochran/RHH signature Gretsch, even got him to round off the edges like they do on Gretsch guards). Best of both worlds, love that guitar to bits now.
I think they look great with , or without a pick guard. When it's all said & done , it's preference. In my mind if you own it , it's your decision. Great video per usual, thanks for the great content.
ON - Point!
Greetings from Germany!
UWE 😎🎸
Always on for me
Give the people what they want! 😂 I have a feeling this will be one of your most popular videos. 🙌🏻 Great work Colin!
Already voted. Mahalo and Aloha Colin!
Cheers mate!! 😁👍
Can't believe how much wear is already on that Eastman! AWESOME
Yes I love it to! 😁👍
Good vid Colin. I think it's a playability factor. I've always felt more comfortable playing an LP with guard off. In fact, my Tobacco Bursts guard has been sat in the case since I bought the guitar in 1979.
What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend also stay safe I went to the walk in clinic for bloodwork 😊 colin
That guitar is a real beauty. Leave the guard off imo. I don’t even have a cover on my truss rod.
Regarding your recent 339 comparison vid, I recently discovered the Gibson 336 which costs twice as much as my 339. A comparison would be awesome 😎 👍
Just added a vote for with. Cheers mate.
And... if you really want to leave the scratchplate off, you can always justify it by saying that your poll was related to LPs and not necessarily to LP-shaped guitars :)
ON!
Thanks for the fun video. I personally like to leave it on. It’s like one of those old Cadillacs with fish fins. It just seems to go with it. 🤷🏻♂️
vote done - cheers Col - "touchy" subject pick guards (get it!!)
Love the debate. Since my first 68 black lp custom in 1974 its pick guard on and top wraped for me....never saw the poll
But it's your choice, with no holes, i may be tempted to leave off.
I think the wood and colours of that Tokai (his latest acquisition) are beautiful!
I remember watching the video on it a couple of weeks or months ago and I’ve been falling down the Les Paul rabbit hole ever since.
I was exclusively a Strat and Jazzmaster shape guy for my 14 years of learning. now I want a Les Paul because I’ve been learning about them!
What sets the Gibson Les Paul apart from copies is the pickguard and the “poker chip.” Take those off and it looks like all the other copies. Like the EC1000, Eastman, etc. That’s why I leave them on.
I have always preferred my Les Pauls with the pick guard off. I just put the screws back in the holes. Great video as always!
It looks nice both ways
Awesome Colin man! ❤️😎✌️🎶🎶
Definitely off off off.
I think that Joe Strummer 1959 Esquire is my favourite guitar ever 🙌🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍 🎶
I've never scratched any guitar with a pick or fingernails in decades of playing, so it comes down to visual aesthetics of the pickguard in the eye of the beholder. I have LPs with and without, whichever makes that guitar look right to me. I have a couple that I change from time to time according to what looks good to me then. If you remove it, just run the screws back in instead of trying to patch or camouflage the holes. It looks perfectly normal and the screws won't get lost for when you change your mind about it later. On a side note, the pickguard on a Les Paul is a good place to put stickers without hurting the guitar's finish, for folks that like to do that. Cheers!
I like the pickguard on - I switched mine for a pearloid ivory one.
Fun video! I prefer LPs without the guard, both for looks and comfort in playing :)
If it's a burst, then I think it should come off to show the beauty, solid color stays on. Greetings from Texas.
I had an early 70's black Les Paul custom that I took the pickguard off and through trades and deals ended up with a 1965 Guild Starfire IV with no pickguard. I tried the the Gibson one because I could not find a Guild replacement. It fit perfectly and 34 years later still have a Starfire with a Les Paul scratch plate.
Colin talking about LP scratchplates for close to 40mins? Aye. Count me in! 🎸 coffee brewed n ready
I own a number of Les Pauls. I have taken the scratch plates off my gold top and all of my burst guitars. I own a midnight blue with black pick guard that I kept it on as well as a white custom that I kept it as well… it’s all personal choice. I just don’t want anything to suppress the beauty of the beautiful wood on those burst finishes. JMO😂
Thanks for the video. Stellar content!
Oh, if you want to protect the varnish and still have the fine looking of the curves, maybe install a transparent pickguard. 🙂
I think it’s been said elsewhere in the comments, but for me, when the pickups are covered, pickguard on - classic vintage inspired looks. Uncovered pickups, pickguard off - if you’re going for that Slash look. That’s how I do it.
Hey Colin. As far as the look, I think pickguards look right when you have a plain or solid finish. A pretty flame kinda looks better without it. I have LPs with and without so I will add this to the conversation: I notice I tend to press my pinky finger to the pickguard to sort of anchor my strumming hand to the guitar to keep my wrist from moving too far one way or the other. On my LPs without it, I do sort of miss that as I have to consciously work to keep my wrist suspended in place.
I think it looks beautiful w/o the plastic guard. Do what you like Colin! Damn the torpedos...full speed ahead!!!
I got a ebony with gold trim and cream plastic. 496/500 uncovered black pups with the cream plastic and worn down gold just looks so classic to me. So my pickguard is on.
My vote is still for off, for that Les Paul. I did like the pick guard on the white & black custom.
Excellent video Colin!
These are the discussions that matter in life. The real questions.
I need a pickguard for my ‘01 cherryburst Epiphone.
Been going back and forth over it over the years.
Voted off btw.
I have 2 Les Pauls. My tribute had no pickguard from factory.
Agree with the playing comfort without.
Mine is a 60’s standard, 2020, in iced tea, average flame top, perfect for me!, I had the pick guard off for less than a week, and put it back on, she just looks so classy with the pick guard on.
Definitely love them left on, especially gorgeous cream pickguards. I have a Blue Ocean Burst Tokai Love Rock (LS 148F), and the plastics are the only things I haven't changed - the wiring has all been upgraded to 50's boutique wiring, Lindy Fralin Pure P.A.Fs, and the tail piece/stop bar from Lightning Guitars that angles the strings, removing the need to top-wrap the strings. I wouldn't swap it for anything 💙 but I can appreciate other people's personal preferences when it comes to removing the pick guard.
My LP has a lovely flame and came with the pickguard, never fitted, in the case and that’s where I’ve left it. Crayola do a pack of twenty different wax crayons which are a great way to colour match and fill things like screw holes, minor dinks, works on your car too.
Fun video btw.
Wha - it was an even split when I voted (off) … I suggest you keep changing the voting process until you get the right result, Colin! 😂
It's your guitar man do what you want
I have a Epiphone Les Paul Standard andlove it. I like it with the pick guard. I think if it came with a pick guard leave it because it looks worse with the holes. Personally i like them with the pick guard. Love the video. 😊
On. The guard offsets the cutaway and ties in the poker chip.
Pick guard off or on doesn't matter it's what ever makes you want to Pick it up and play it. I personally don't like Pick guards and I also like relics. Great video! 👍 👍
I like both but it usually depends on the finish and whether it has a really nice figured top or not. IMO, something classic like a goldtop demands a pickguard. I also favor them on Iced Tea and tobacco bursts. Another mind twister for me is pickup covers. I love all combinations but some finishes IMO need covers with a pickguard, as do double cream bobbins ala Ace Frehley..
Hi Colin, for me it's off except for the Custom! Cheers Nobby
Very Cool, Thankyou. Your Tokai is Such a Stunning Guitar I think Pickguard off looks amazing, and if it makes you play 'better' it has to be. I never considered Pickguard off my Alpine White Custom LP copy but when I recently received my Artist Guitars AP59 'Apricot Burst" (Like Slash 'Apatite Burst' and very similar to your 'Stoner' but with Zebra Pickups) with No Pickguard I instantly became a fan of no Pickguard on Les Pauls. Hope you get the result that makes you most comfortable playing. Cheers
Both, what i put on my Les Pauls ? : Lazarus(on)- Greeny (off) 2024 LP Custom alpine(on) 2018 LP Custom ebony(off) 2011 goldtop darkback (clear pickguard) 2013 LPJ (OFF) so if i have chicken and waffles for breakfast ON if i have pourage (oatmeal) for breakfast off
In my case,I prefer the pickguard on. Currently, I only have a Epi '59 Limited Edition in the VOS Cherry Fade finish. It's a bit bright, so the pickguard helps soften the brightness. 😉
Alright! Guard is coming off of my honeybustt Les Paul as soon as I get home from work… you’ve swayed me.
😆👍
It’s also a good hand rest while I’m picking
I always take them off, and the pickguards ;).
Getting a new Gibson will be good for you Colin. I’d like to see a video of you trying out different Les Pauls in store to pick one you really gel with and maybe - dare I say it - keep.
My Gibson Les Paul gt was made with no pickguard. My Epi standard came with one. I love both ways but I prefer off but I like them either way.
I came through the Aaron Shearer discipline and we were taught to not anchor our hand on anything but to learn where we were through a perfect posture. There is more than enough clearance to not need a pick-guard and who has that poor of pick control anyhow? Tee shirt or suit and tie, that is what the guard is really about. What ever is appropriate for what style of music is presented. Windmill arm swings lead to bleeding fingers and scratched tops. Suit and Tie, not required. Have a great weekend living the dream.
I'm definitley more Pete Townshend than Larry Carlton! 😆👍
i like the pickguard is like a contrast, for me is iconic, but some colors look good without pickguard
I would normally and did vote to have the pick guard stay on.....but......your particular Tokai sunburst looks incredibly beautiful without it.
Very Scott Gorman.
I never thought too hard about this, but my tobacco burst looks awesome with a pickguard while my Caribbean Night Studio Deluxe looks awesome without. So the answer is both in my case.
A good idea for a pickguard is a static cling clear window film. Just out it on when you olay and take it off when done. Or you can just keep it on.
And it keeps the full top on display for everyone to see.
Digging the Ista!
😁👍
This inspired me to take the guard off my Epi 50s gold top (it was my only lp to still have the guard :)
I got hold of a 50's Gibbo Gold Top. It was made in '22. I got it second hand and last April and it didn't have a mark on it, absolutley pristine. I was incredibly impressed with the quality of finish and workmanship. Seems Gibson have sorted out some of their quality control issues. She sounds amazing too. I hope you do get another Gibson LP, try a 50's model, l'd be very interested to hear your opinion mate.
Pickguard off for me on my Les Paul Traditional in Honeyburst finish. I like to see the top. I also hate vintage tuners too, so changed those to more modern locking ones on my LP. The holes are an issue, but I found a brown crayon worked well when I first removed the pickguard. But years later I don't bother, I don't mind the holes.
ON
Thanks!
🌟Cheers that’s appreciated! 😁🙏
Bee Gee’s Jive Talking video, has a Les Paul gold top with two pick guards. Guess that’s Gibb’s Gibby lol 😎
@@dankerusmusic3608 😆
It depends on the guitar’s finish IMO. My P90 gold top looks better without the pick guard, but I’ve left the cream one on my stripped mahogany Les Paul standard. So not easy to answer definitively!
I've tried them OFF but I then went back ON again.
While OFF I put the screws back in.
Took the guard from my Epiphone LP tonight because I’m with you! They do look great either way, but I much prefer to play one without. Just because.
Damn you Collin!! now you got me thinking maybe I should take the pick guard off my LP!!! lol Great vid mate. all the best!!
Give it a try Jeff! 😆👍
I do both haha. Depends the Les Paul. 😎 My silverburst and flame top Les Pauls have pickguard off and shows off the finish and top. The Les Paul Custom and Studio which are solid colors have the pickguard.
I think you know my stance Colin, absolutely NO pickguard, take it off :D All my LP's have the pickguards off and are stored away nicely in the case. I use painters tape to keep the screws from getting lost affixed to the back of the pickguard. IMO LP's look so much better w/o the pickguard.
I bought a Tokai today @Rose M. It didn't have the pickguard on it. It looks gorgeous without it. I'm glad I saw this vid. I don't think I will install it - I'll just let it scuff up and weather. Gosh it plays just-like-a-ringing-a-bell. The Irish guy was telling me that there was a run on RoseMorris/Tokai orders to Americans after the videos that cleared out the stock
Nice one!... I'm very pleased to help spread the good word on these great guitars! 😁👍
Greetings Colin, this is a such a Great question-in fact I didn’t vote, as I couldn’t decide! Suggest you add option #3 either is good? Excellent video (and playing). Cheers from Sunny Arizona.
Cheers man!
I was watching a video. The host was talking about reliced guitars. I realized I'm not old. I'm reliced😂