H-530 Pickguard. Can't decide.

[skydog52]

I ordered this from MojoAxe and the fit is excellent. The hardware they sent is Gibson 330 type.

Opinions welcomed. The purist makes me want to keep it off. 

[davesultra]

Better with the guard on.

[rwinking]

 If you want to play it and have it look like it was played, take it off. Scratches add character. 

[rockabilly69]

the purist in me says keep it on!

[Spectrum13]

More is .........  more.

 

Keep it!

[Gitfiddler]

I checked with Grant Green about keeping the pickguard. 

Here's his reaction...

[ESchmidt]

I would keep it on, but honestly it looks class either way. Can’t go wrong. 

[rockabilly69]

5 hours ago, Gitfiddler said:

I checked with Grant Green about keeping the pickguard. 

Here's his reaction...

I agree with Grant, he knew his way around one of those guitars!

[DetroitBlues]

It looks right with a pickguard.  I'd add it.

[TalismanRich]

I generally don't care for the Gibson pickguards.  They just look so big and overdone.   They don't follow the lines of the guitar the way that Heritage had done with their 535 and 150 style guards.   If it was 25% smaller, it would be fine and still perform the function.  I also prefer the wooden guards.   A touch of wood grain showing through is classy and they don't generate static like many plastic ones do.

For me, its one of the things that Heritage REALLY got right.

[Genericmusic]

Looks good. I vote to keep it on 

[kbp810]

If it's a killer figured ultra top, then I sway towards no pickguard; show off as much of that woody goodness that you can. Plain top or more subtle figuring, it's a toss up. 

In this case, even despite all the dribble I just said; I think it looks better with it on. 

 

 

[hinesarchtop]

Looks great both ways, but I like it on.

[chico]

off     

[Kuz]

Definitely on.  It looks great on.

[zguitar71]

I’m always no on a pick guard. They are just in the way.

[tsp17]

On 5/30/2023 at 3:41 PM, Gitfiddler said:

I checked with Grant Green about keeping the pickguard. 

Here's his reaction...

Love this. 

[bolero]

On 6/1/2023 at 9:22 AM, TalismanRich said:

.... I also prefer the wooden guards.   A touch of wood grain showing through is classy and they don't generate static like many plastic ones do.

For me, its one of the things that Heritage REALLY got right.

Amen, brother!

[rockabilly69]

I put my money where my mouth is. New pickguard (Mojoaxe 5 ply BCBCB) on my Heritage H535 P90. I have to thank Paul (forum member Skydog) for sending me the correct template for my model, and also for hipping me to the fact that Dan at Mojoaxe had some Black/Cream 5 ply material to give my pickguard a more vintage look and a better match for my guitar. Most old Gibsons that I love have pickguard plastics that age slightly different than the bindings and I've always loved that look, which mine is sporting now!

Here's an old '61 Gibson ES330, check out the different colors of the guard and the binding...

[skydog52]

Love It!

 

[bolero]

That looks pretty slick!

[rockabilly69]

23 hours ago, bolero said:

That looks pretty slick!

thanks c

[DetroitBlues]

I made the decision to add a pickguard to my 535 last year after going six years without one.  But when my 535 was build, Heritage went away from the wooden pickguards and were using a single-ply ugly black pickguard that resembled but was nothing like the original style.

Heritage since changed the design completely, updated their hardware, and moved to a 5 ply B-W-B-W-B pickguard.  While I love it, I don't like there wasn't a Black & Cream option or gold hardware.  I may look into a different company for the right materials that match my guitar.  Hardware isn't as noticeable as the pickguard.

[JayLo]

Skydog52, I love that new pickguard. How much does MojoAx charge for it incl. the hardware?

[skydog52]

4 hours ago, JayLo said:

Skydog52, I love that new pickguard. How much does MojoAx charge for it incl. the hardware?

$70 includes mounting hardware.