The guitar pick guard is the part of the guitar that people don’t often think about, but you’ll definitely know if it’s not there. That’s because the pick guard is the part of the guitar that protects the guitar’s body from being gouged by the constant up-and-down motion of the guitar pick. If you’ve ever played a guitar without a pick guard, you know how easily the guitar’s body can get gouged.
A guitar pick guard not only protects the body from wear and tear, it also can also change the aesthetic of the instrument by covering up a less-than-perfect finish. If you’re looking to swap out your current pick guard or upgrade to something nicer, you’re in the right place.
Read on for our list of the best electric guitar pick guards.
Our Editor’s Best Electric Guitar Pick Guards Reviews
- Fits Fender USA/Mexican Made Standard Stratocaster Modern Style.If you use it for other Strat style guitar, you may need a modification for line up.
- 11 mounting screw holes, SSS(3 single coil pickups ) pickup routine
- 3ply Black/White/Black PVC material,0.09 inch thickness
- Back foiled,double layers protect filmed on the top, please remove it after you install
- Package included: 1 x Strat Pickguard
- Fender Accesories 099-2144-000 Electric Guitar Pickguard
- Pickguard
- Mint Green
- Fender Accesories 099-2144-000 Electric Guitar Pickguard
- Pickguard, Mint Green
- Fit for most Fender guitar or bass, Phillips ovalhead screws to fit countersunk pickguards and cover plates
- Screw Head Diameter: 1/8 inch( 3mm)
- Screw Length: 1/2 inch(12mm)，the standard for Fender
- Color: Black; Material: Alloy Steel
- Package Including: 50 xBlack Pickguard screws.
- ✔ | WIDE COMPATIBILITY | - The screws fit for most guitars or basses; Compatible with countersunk pickguards and cover plates.
- ✔ | PRODUCT DIMENSION | - Total length about 12mm; thread diameter about 3mm.
- ✔ | HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL | - The screws are made of high quality metal.
- ✔ | PRODUCT COLOR | - Black and silver are available.
- ✔ | PACKAGE INCLUDED | - 50 pcs screws.
- Pickguard: 11 mounting screw holes, SSS pickup rountine. 3ply White Pearl/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.2mm)thickness.
- Backplate: 6 Holes. 3ply White Pearl/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.3MM)thickness.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation.
- Fits Fender US/Mexico Made Standard Stratocaster Modern Style.If you use it for other Strat style guitar, you may need a modification for line up.
- With aluminum shielding foil on the back, Double layers protect filmed on the top.
- SCOPE OF APPLICATION:fits USA/Mexican Standard Strat.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL：Made of 3ply PVC material.
- PACKAGE INCLUDES: 3 single coil pickups with Ceramic magnet,2 tone & 1 volume knob, 5-way pickup switch & 1x Guitar Backplate & Included mounting screws.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We stand by our quality commitment and Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is any question. We will do our best to solve the problem as soon as possible.
- 🎵 【Prewired SSH Pickup Configuration】LAMSAM Pre-loaded Pickguard joins the bridge humbucker pickup with a pair of single-coil pickups (neck pickup and middle pick up in clear bobbins with cover) for electric guitars, the bridge pu slot in humbucker size
- 🎵 【Thick 3-ply Stratocaster Pickguard】prewired on a 11-hole pale yellow pickguard with 5-position toggle switch / a volume knob and 2 tone control knobs (500k pots & 2A473J caps pre-circuited)
- 🎵 【Specifications of guitar pickup set】neck pickup - string spacing is 48mm, DCR: 5.0 - 5.5kohm; middle pickup - string spacing is 50mm, DCR: 5.0 - 5.5kohm, bridge humbucker pickup - string spacing is 52mm, DC Resistance: 10 - 11kohm, all with AlNiCo V magnet bar, (bridge pu with a row of height adjustable polepiece and a non-adjustable pole piece)
- 🎵 【Super Easy to Install】only take minutes to solder 3 points: 2 wires in same color to the ground of input jack and spring claw, the white wire to the input hot of jack, or solder other way as you like to have desired sound
- 🎵 【Package Details】package includes LAMSAM prewired guitar scratchplate with 5-way pickup selector switch /volume pot / tone control knobs / neck pick up / middle pickup / bridge pickup and 11pcs mounting screws, all were packed into a inserter and sturdy box, color of pick guard is pale yellow
- [Pickup Sound]:modern tone, full, powerful sound and hum bucker, great for playing rock and funk, make your guitar more versatile.
- [Multi switch design]:Single cut Switch,On/Off Switch and total 5way Design,Make the performance more diverse
- [Package Includes]: 2 small dual coil pickups and one Humbucker,2 tone & 1 volume knob, 5-way pickup switch & 1x Guitar Backplate & Included mounting screws.
- [Four conductor wires]:Black wire is hot, green wire is ground, red and white is for splitting coil
- [Note]: As with any pickguard, some modification may be necessary for exact hole alignment, as there are many different hole patterns.
- Use this blank pickguard material sheet to DIY your own guitar pickguard backplate scratch plate.
- Dimenison: about 11.4"(length) x 17"(width) x 0.09"(thickness)/290mm x 435mm x 2.3mm. Thickness is about +/- 0.2mm error, because different bulks materials might be varied different thickness.
- Material: 4Ply constructions made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material. Color: red tortoise shell / white / black / white.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation.
- Package Includes: 1pc blank pickguard material.
- Application:Loaded pickguard is specifically designed for Strat electric guitars, Upgrade your guitar with this prewired pickguard and enhance your playing experience
- High-Quality Construction: The 3-ply pickguard with 11 holes features a large back shielding for optimal protection and durability. It not only looks great but also provides reliable functionality.
- SSS Pickups Set: Alnico 5 magnet single coil pickups come with clear bobbins, DC Resistance: neck pickup - 7.8K, middle pick up - 8.0k, bridge pup - 9.0k; These pickups deliver a rich and warm tones
- Electronics: Include 5-way blade switch,full size 250kΩ pots with split brass shaft;0.022uf orange capacitor.This combination ensures smooth signal transmission and excellent tonal control
- Easy to Install: The prewired design makes installation incredibly easy. simply only need to take a few minutes to wire to your output jack and grounding to your guitar bridge
Best Electric Guitar Pick Guards Buying Guide
Before choosing the best electric guitar pick guard you should consider following options:
1. Color: Pickguards come in a variety of colors. While you might think that color is not a factor you should consider it is.
If you are trying to match the look of an existing amp or guitar then color is something you should take into consideration.
If you are trying to give your guitar a new look or a look you have always wanted then color is one of the first things you should consider.
2. Shape: Pickguards also come in a variety of shapes. While they are often referred to as “pickguards” they are also called covers, shields, stickers, and decals.
While most people think of the pickguard as a piece that covers the pickups they also cover the control knobs and switch. This can sometimes alter the look of your guitar if you are trying to maintain the stock look.
You may find that pickguards come in a variety of shapes that are standard or you may find that they come in custom shapes. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then standard pickguards are probably best for you.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then standard pickguards may not be what you are looking for.
3. Thickness: You may not think that the thickness of a pickguard is important, but it is. If you are trying to maintain the stock look of your guitar then you may want to consider the thickness of a pickguard.
Pickguards that are too thin may not cover the pickups properly, which can lead to them being exposed and possibly damaged.
Pickguards that are too thick can cause the knobs and switch to stick out and look odd and can even cause the knobs and switch to break if the pickguard is too thick.
4. Material: Pickguards come in a variety of materials. While they are often referred to as “pickguards” they are also called covers, shields, stickers, and decals.
While most people think of the pickguard as a piece that covers the pickups they also cover the control knobs and switch. This can sometimes alter the look of your guitar if you are trying to maintain the stock look.
You may find that pickguards come in a variety of materials that are standard or you may find that they come in custom materials. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then standard pickguards are probably best for you.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then standard pickguards may not be what you are looking for.
5. Cost: The cost of a pickguard can vary depending on the type of pickguard you are looking for. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then you may find that stock pickguards are less expensive than aftermarket pickguards.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then aftermarket pickguards may be more expensive than stock pickguards.
6. Durability: The durability of a pickguard can vary depending on the type of pickguard you are looking for. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then you may find that stock pickguards are more durable than aftermarket pickguards.
If you are trying to create a look you have always wanted then aftermarket pickguards may be more durable than stock pickguards.
7. Fit: The fit of a pickguard can vary depending on the type of pickguard you are looking for. If you are trying to maintain the stock look then stock pickguards are more likely to have a proper fit.
What else you should know about electric guitar pick guards
1. What is the best electric guitar pick guard material?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Some guitarists prefer to use plastic pick guards as they are inexpensive and easy to replace if they get damaged. Others prefer to use metal pick guards as they offer more protection to the guitar’s finish and can help to reduce noise when playing.
2. How do I clean my electric guitar pick guard?
The best way to clean your electric guitar pick guard is to use a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub the pick guard with a soft cloth or sponge, being careful not to scrub too hard and damage the finish. Rinse the pick guard with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
3. How do I remove an electric guitar pick guard?
In order to remove an electric guitar pick guard, you will need to unscrew the screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, the pick guard can be lifted off of the guitar.
4. What is the purpose of an electric guitar pick guard?
The purpose of an electric guitar pick guard is to protect the body of the guitar from being scratched by the pick.
5. Do all electric guitars have pick guards?
Most electric guitars have pick guards, but there are some that don’t.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best electric guitar pick guards. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best electric guitar pick guards will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.