The Ergonomics Of A Les Paul Guitar...

I find the pick guard on an LP guitar to be ergonomically functional as well as looking good. I rest some of my fingers on my right hand on the PG while picking and it makes it more stable compared to having the PG off. Does anyone else here like the pick guard on their LP or off?


;>)/
 
BlackSG91 said:
I find the pick guard on an LP guitar to be ergonomically functional as well as looking good. I rest some of my fingers on my right hand on the PG while picking and it makes it more stable compared to having the PG off. Does anyone else here like the pick guard on their LP or off?


;>)/
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I guess I've talked about this before on here somewhere, but I'm in two minds when it comes to the LP pickguard. I like it on when we are talking goldtops, but in general I prefer it off when it comes to bursts. I don't know why, I just do. To me it's purely an aesthetic thing, it really doesn't affect my playing.
 
Gahr said:
I guess I've talked about this before on here somewhere, but I'm in two minds when it comes to the LP pickguard. I like it on when we are talking goldtops, but in general I prefer it off when it comes to bursts. I don't know why, I just do. To me it's purely an aesthetic thing, it really doesn't affect my playing.
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Looks better off IMHO.

Les Paul Custom Nashville.jpg
 
For looking at, I like it off. For playing, I am similar to BlackSG,,,,,,,,,,,,, I grew up playing a Lester with a guard on. SO it feels a little odd to have it missing while playing. I am sure i could get used to one being off if I played that way awhile too.

Awesome pretty LP SGJohn.
 
The good thing about an LP pick guard is that only 2 screws hold it onto the body so it's quick to take off or put on again. Do some of you take the plastic tip off the 3-way selector switch like Mick Ronson (David Bowie) does with his LP Custom? I do that sometimes and just put the tip in the case. I know a few people that do that to their LP's also...I guess there's less of a chance of accidentally hitting the switch while playing.


;>)/
 
gball said:
The trim rings on vintage Les Pauls are much taller than modern ones, they were desgined to have the pickups more or less flush with the top. The distance to the strings is going to be the same.

The amp is a Mesa/Boogie Mark 1. He used them on that tour. Soooo much of that live tone is from the Boogie.
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Very cool tidbit....
 
I generally prefer the look without a pickguard, though a few of mine have theirs on for a specific reason.
My goldtop because it has black plastics and the pickguard reinforces that different look.
My ivory LP Custom because the finish underneath the pickguard hasn't darkened as much as the rest of the guitar.

FWIW, I find Les Pauls far more comfortable and ergonomic than SGs.
Might just be my personal body geometry, but SGs have never felt comfortable to me.
 
I'm a pickguard on kind of fellow. Main reason is that I rest my pinky on the pickguard just beneath the bridge pickup ring often and when the 'guard is gone it messes up the feel. I think generally I prefer the look of Les Pauls with the pickguard on as well - they seem a bit naked without it.
 
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