Tech: pick guards

Subject: Tech: pick guards
From: mkebenn
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 09:36 AM

The pick guard(plastic) is badly curling on my '71 D-35. I had it flattened about 15yrs ago when I had the bridge reset, but it has only gotten worse. I've never seen another guitar do this, of any quality. Is there a way I can deal with this w/o damage to the instrument, or do I have to live with it or spend some of what little cash I have on repair? thanks in advance. Mike

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: gillymor
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 09:56 AM

Here's an article from Frank Ford at frets.com which features an early-70's D-35.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 12:29 PM

You can order a replacement from C F Martin & Co. for a very reasonable price.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 01:06 PM

Is your PG under or over the finish? I'm guessing under, based on the year.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 01:19 PM

"You can order a replacement from C F Martin & Co. for a very reasonable price.

Only the cheapo ones, not the nice Delmar pick-guards. For those, you need to order through a CFM Authorised Service Centre. I've replaced three of the cheapo pixellated-pepperoni-guards on my Martins with Delmars. CFM would not supply me direct, I had to go to an Authorised Service Centre each time.

On reflection, a D-35 pick-guard will be black, so you might get a black one from CFM (mine are all faux-tortoise). If you order a pick-guard, remember that rosette-sizes vary between models, so you need to make sure you're getting the right one for a D-35 rosette (or be prepared to do some scraping/sanding to adjust the guard to fit.

Alternatively, you could buy a sheet of the black material and make your own guard, using the old one as a template.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: mkebenn
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 02:13 PM

Thanks everyone. Mr. Woodman, how did you remove the old, and what sort of adhesive did you use? Mike

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 03:28 PM

Mike, first of all, you need to determine if your old pickguard is under or over the finish. If it's under the finish, I can't help you any further, as my experience is solely with over-the-finish PGs If it's under the finish, I'd recommend you check out Frank Ford's article which gillymor linked to above. I'm pretty certain it will be an under-the-finish pickguard, these were the standard until the mid-1980's when CFM started to finish the top prior to sticking the PG over the finish. I repeat, I'm almost certain that yours will be this type of PG, so you need to seek guidance elsewhere.

If, by some strange chance, it's over the finish - you can remove the old guard by carefully warming it using a hair-dryer. Start at the pointed end and when it's warm, gently lift the point with a fingernail, and insert a spatula. Continue warming along the PG, and gently ease the PG away from the top with your spatula, a little at a time. Eventually you will be able to lift the whole PG away. Remember - you're warming the PG, not cooking it!

Any glue remaining on the top can be removed with naphtha.

Here is a good video showing the technique, made by the superb luthier, John Hall of Blues Creek Guitars.

If you purchase a new PG, it should already have adhesive sheet on the back, and you just peel away the backing-paper covering.

The easy way to get a new PG placed perfectly is, before peeling the backing-paper away from the guard, place it on the top and line it up exactly where it needs to be, then use two or three small 'hinges' made from masking-tape or electrician's tape along the back edge to temporarily hold it in place. Lift the free edge up and let it drop down two or three times to check that it drops in the exact right place, then lift it up and very carefully, so as not to disturb the hinges and placement, peel away the backing-paper. Let the guard drop into place - if it's slightly 'off-line' it's usually possible to slide it a small amount, before pressing it down hard, to adjust. When you're happy, use a soft duster and gently press the PG down to get full adhesion.

Here's a nice video demonstrating the above.

That's how I've done the job several times without any problems. However, I don't know what your skills are, I'm not a luthier, I'm an enthusiastic amateur, and I don't accept any responsibility if things go wrong for you! I strongly recommend that you cast around YouTube for other informative and instructional materials and, if you have any doubts at all, take the instrument to a competent luthier to have the work done!

Good Luck!

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Stanron
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:29 PM

gillymor

I agree with you about Frank Ford's site at frets.com. I can loose hours there. Anyone who likes that might also like his other site.

fretsnet.ning.com

It is a forum for luthiers, repair men and guitar techs and contains some great information.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: gillymor
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:41 PM

Thanks for the link, Stanron, it looks like a very cool forum.

fretsnet.ning.com

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:47 PM

Yep, seconded. Frank's Frets.com is a great resource.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: GUEST,DrWord
Date: 18 Jan 17 - 12:01 AM

The motion having been seconded, count me in the "all in favour ". Frets.com is a precious resource …
keep pickin'
dennis

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: mkebenn
Date: 18 Jan 17 - 09:56 AM

Thanks again. BWM, my guard is under the finish, and I read mr Ford's article. His demo is almost identical to my Martin. how ever, he states that if this was attempted at an earlier time, as mine was, this process will not be effective. I guess if I want her "de-curled" I'll need a pro. Thanks again all. Mike

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 18 Jan 17 - 11:17 AM

Yep, I thought that would be the case, Mike. Time to look for a good luthier, methinks?
Dunno where you are, but Dave King, in Kingsclere, Hants., is the Martin Authorised Repair Centre for the UK, and his work is excellent. He re-finished the sides and back of my D-18, and did a superlative job.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 18 Jan 17 - 11:19 AM

Damn! Pressed the 'Go' button too soon!

I was about to say that I'm sure there are many other technicians and luthiers competent to do the work, but Dave is someone whose work I have personal experience of.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: mkebenn
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 08:25 AM

In Western New York, so Dave is a bit far. I'm sure there are people around. I had a tech who contracts at guitar factory reset the bridge. He was honest enough to caution me before hand, but we were both pleased with the results. Not so much the guard, though. I guess, given the choice, it's all good. Mike

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 11:07 AM

Sorry Mike - I don't know why, but I assumed you were a Brit in the UK, like me!
Plenty of good guys over your way, I'm guessing! Don't know if he's close to you, but Steve Kovacik, in Scotia NY, is someone I hear great things of on guitar-forums.

http://www.guitar-repair.com/index.htm

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 11:28 AM

I've never. probably never will, own a Martin.. way out of my aspiration level..

But aren't Martin supposed to have one of the best warranty repair services in the industry..

like 'lifetime'.. well that's the legend I've heard tell of...?????

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 12:32 PM

If the guitar is purchased in the US or Canada, yes. Anywhere else, no.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: GUEST,DrWord
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 11:41 PM

Typically to the original owner--provenance, etc. required.   If shipping required, cost & insurance is on you. Warranty not transferable or heritable.
Use your local luthier ~ seems he knows his business.
keep pickin'dennis

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 20 Jan 17 - 01:00 AM

This is true, Dennis.
Those of us who are non-US-resident have little alternative but to use local talent.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: mkebenn
Date: 20 Jan 17 - 08:47 AM

I did buy her in the U.S. from a Martin dealer. Neat situation, the factory sent him the guitars and he set them up to specific player's needs. He had a number on hand to choose from. He worked and sold out of his basement by appointment. i'm within 400 miles of the factory, so I guess I could take it there. I understand they can verify purchase by serial #, 'cause I sure as hell don't have the sales slip. She is under warranty, but really? Mike

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 20 Jan 17 - 08:54 AM

are you the original owner? If so, did you register the warranty with Martin.
If the answer to both is 'yes', you may be covered, but that's not certain - they judge each case individually.

Subject: RE: Tech: pick guards
From: mkebenn
Date: 21 Jan 17 - 08:47 AM

Yes, and no. I'm like that. Mike