Rick, isn't a part of the reason for "Woody's" twin pickguards is that you are temporarily stopping a top crack?

Anything beyond pristine wood affects sound from that point on although remember too that some finishing can help to enhance sound characteristics as was the case with the true varnish finishes used by Stradavarius. Much scientific testing was done a few years ago on those finishes in an attempt to duplicate the consistencncy and properties inherent in the original.

Bottom line though is of course that less is more. Less finish, less pickguard, etc......all have their effect although the actual materials used in the finish or pickguard means that not only size or gloss are the "telling" factors.

Spaw