The pickguard is usually the first thing you notice on an acoustic guitar. Made to resemble a type of shield, it provides protection for the body and soundboard from scratches and impacts. It also prevents your hand from accidentally hitting the guitar’s strings. So, How to remove a pickguard from an acoustic guitar.
Removing a pickguard can be difficult, depending on where it was attached to the guitar’s body. Nevertheless, there are many ways to remove a pickguard that will work for most guitars. Read below to learn how to remove a pickguard from an acoustic guitar!
You may also look at our guide on How to Age Guitar Pickguard: The Effective Methods
What is a pickguard?
A pickguard is a plastic or metal piece that surrounds the face of the guitar, protecting the soundboard and body. It usually resembles a type of shield, but this varies depending on the manufacturer.
Pickguards are usually attached to the body with screws, glue, or tape. If you’re removing one that was glued on, your best option is to soak it in hot water for 15 minutes before you peel it off the guitar. That loosens the glue so it will come off without damaging the paint job.
Also, if you have an acoustic guitar with a pickguard that’s attached by screws, use a screwdriver to remove them before attempting anything else.
The different types of pickguards
The most common type of acoustic pickguard is a white plastic material that clamps around the sound hole. These pickguards are usually held in place by two screws on either side where it attaches to the guitar.
Another type of acoustic pickguard is a metal plate that covers the top and back of the guitar. Metal pickguards can be held in place with one or more screws on either side, or they can be glued into place with an adhesive. The glue will need to be removed before removing the metal plate.
Finally, some electric guitars have pickguards that attach to the body in certain places, but do not cover the entire surface area of the instrument. This type can be removed using a screwdriver or other tool to detach it from its attachment points.
Pickguards that are glued on
Many pickguards are glued on to the guitar’s body with waterproof glue. The type of glue used can be different depending on the brand of guitar.
The easiest way to remove a pickguard that is glued on is by using an adhesive remover, like Goo Gone or Goof Off. Using these products will dissolve the glue onto the pickguard and allow it to be removed easily.
However, if your guitar’s pickguard is glued on with epoxy, you’ll need to heat up the area around it before using the adhesive remover.
To heat up this type of glue, you can use a heat gun or a hair dryer for a few minutes. Then use an adhesive remover product as mentioned above to remove it from where it has been heated up.
Pickguards that are screwed on
Removing a pickguard that is screwed on can be difficult. You may need to unscrew the pickguard before you can remove it.
1) Unscrew the pickguard.
2) Remove the screws that are holding the pickguard in place, and use them to secure the new pickguard once it has been attached.
3) If there are any stickers on the guitar’s body, use an adhesive remover or window cleaner to remove them. The adhesive remover will not damage your guitar’s finish.
4) Place the pickguard over the sound hole and use needle nose pliers to bend back any tabs that might be in your way.
5) Press down on the edges of the old pickguard until you hear a popping noise, which means that it has come loose.
6) Use sandpaper (220-grit or higher) to sand down any rough spots around where the pickguards was once attached, then wipe off any sawdust with a cloth or paper towel.
Why remove your pickguard?
Sometimes a pickguard can be a distraction. Especially if you find it difficult to rest your arm on the guitar’s body because there is a protruding pickguard. Removing a pickguard can make it easier for you to play, as well as make the guitar look better.
If you’re looking for ways to customize your acoustic guitar, removing the pickguard might be the way to do it. You can paint over it or replace it with something else that will suit your tastes better.
In some situations, removing the pickguard from an acoustic guitar is necessary for repairs and other types of work that require access into the guitar’s interior. There are many reasons why people remove their pickguards, which is why this technique should not be overlooked when customizing or repairing your acoustic guitar!
How to Remove a Pickguard from an Acoustic Guitar
One of the most frustrating things about playing guitar is getting your hand caught in the strings. A pickguard provides protection against this and also prevents you from accidentally hitting the strings while you play. Unfortunately, removing a pickguard can be quite difficult on some guitars. There are many ways to remove a pickguard and they depend on which type of guitar you have. One of the most common methods for removing a pickguard is pulling it up and off of its hinges or clips. This is easy to do on some guitars, but not all. Regardless of how your guitar’s pickguard was attached, there is probably a way for you to get it off without breaking anything!
Removal by scraping off the adhesive
To remove a pickguard by scraping off the adhesive, start by removing the strings from the guitar. Make sure to have a replacement pickguard ready to be attached to the guitar’s body before removing the original one.
Next, use a plastic scraper or credit card to scrape off as much of the adhesive as possible. You may need to use some force if the glue is very strong.
Once you have removed most of the old adhesive, flip over your replacement pickguard and line up where it will be glued on to the guitar’s body. This will ensure that you are attaching it correctly and that there are no air bubbles in between.
Finally, use some new glue on top of any bare spots and then attach it with clamps. The clamps should be tightened until there is no movement between them and your new replacement pickguard. Let dry overnight and then remove clamps for final attachment of strings!
Removal by cutting the adhesive
If the pickguard is glued to the body of the guitar, you can use a sharp hobby knife and cut around the outline of it. Take your time and be careful not to cut the guitar itself, especially if it’s an expensive instrument. You may need to trim some extra material from the pickguard, but after that you should be able to simply pull off the guard.
Removal by using petroleum jelly (vaseline) or vegetable oil
The first way to remove a pickguard is by using petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. This method can be especially helpful if the pickguard was attached at the bottom of the guitar’s body, as this will make it easier to slide off.
First, apply one of these substances to the edges of the pickguard. Once it’s spread around, use your fingers or an object (such as a credit card) to push firmly against the edges of the guard. This should allow it to slide off gradually without too much force.
Removal by using boiling water
Boiling water is a great way to remove the pickguard from an acoustic guitar. Simply place the pickguard in a pot of boiling water and let it soak for several minutes. If you need to, use a spoon to loosen the pickguard.
Boiling water will expand and soften the adhesive holding the pickguard on. Once softened, use your fingers and hands to carefully pull away and remove the pickguard. Be careful not to burn yourself while doing this.
How to remove a pickguard from an acoustic guitar FAQS
The best tool for removing a pickguard is a guitar pick. Hold the pick in your hand and insert it between the pickguard and the body of the guitar. Gently pull up on the pick while applying pressure to pop off the pickguard.
Once you have removed your old pickguard, gently apply adhesive on backside of new pickguard. Place the new guard on top of body and align with screw holes. Drive screws through guard and into body of guitar at an angle, making sure to cover entire surface area of guard with adhesive.
There are many ways to remove a pickguard, but it’s ultimately up to you which removal method you choose. One method that usually works is using a heat gun. To do this, start by heating up the glue near the pickguard with the heat gun for about ten seconds. Then, use your hands or pliers (depending on how stubborn the attachment may be) to pull it off. Be careful not to burn yourself or damage any other parts of the guitar.
Conclusion
A pickguard is a small piece of material that is put on an acoustic guitar to protect the guitar from being scratched by the player’s pick. Pickguards are usually made of plastic, but can also be made of metal, glass or wood. The most common type of pickguard is one that is glued onto the guitar. The pickguard will have wire on top of it which can be tightened to secure it in place.. It can be tricky, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to remove the old pickguard in no time! And when you’re done restoring your guitar, don’t forget to polish it with a high-quality wax.
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