G'day Ed,

For most sticky labels and such (as long as they are not old and dried up) I start with a hair dryer ... a gentle warm at the edge lowers the stickivity of the mastic and often allows an edge to be gently prised up.

If this works that far, then I play the warm air under the edge of the label while gently lifting back. This can remove all label and goo. If any gunk is left on the scratch plate, it will often lift off with a fresh piece of sticky tape (start with masking tape).

Regards,

Bob Bolton