For many bassists, the choice of pick guard is an afterthought. But it doesn’t have to be. While many basses come packaged with a pick guard, there’s a wide variety of options out there for players who want to customize their instrument. Some are designed to protect basses with more decorative woodwork around the neck, while others are more focused on durability and protection against wear and tear.
To help you find the best pick guard for you, we’ve rounded up the most durable, best-selling pick guards currently on the market.
Read on to find the best pick guard for you.
Our Editor’s Best Bass Guitar Pick Guards Reviews
- Fits American Precision Bass, American Standard and Mexico Standard models (after 1970s). Will not fit Squier, 5-string Precision Bass
- 13 mounting screw holes ,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover
- 4ply Vintage Tortoise/White/Black/White PVC material, 0.09 inch (2.2mm) thickness
- Back foiled, double layers protective film on top, please remove it after you install
- Package included: 1 x Bass Pickguard
- For guitar and bass. Good for DIY your own style guitar or repair your guitar.
- Color: Black BWB
- Size: approx. 11.6 x 17 x 0.09 Inch ( 29.5 x 43 x 0.22 cm ).
- Can make 2 pcs pickguards for Strat, Tele guitar or Jazz bass. Or make 1 pcs pickguard for P bass.
- There are protective film on the surface, to prevent scratches.
- Ideal for electric guitar bass pickguard DIY. Enough material for 2 pcs Strat,Tele,J Bass or 1 pc P Bass pickguard custom
- Plastic made,2.0-2.2mm thickness
- Size: 435x290x2.2mm (17x 11.4x 0.09 Inch)
- Double layers protective films on the top
- Package included:1Pc Pickguard Material
- This pickguard fit 4 stings P Bass pickguard replacement, American and Mexico standard models, will not fit Squier or 5-string P Bass guitar. If you have other types of P Bass guitar, you may need a little modification for line up.
- There is 13 screw holes in the side of pickguard,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation. PURE aluminum foil shield on the backside, better shielding property and anti-interference.
- Material: 3Ply constructions made of quality PVC plastic material. Color: black / white / black.
- Package includes: 1pcs P Bass guitar pickguard, 25 pcs pickguard screws.
- 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.
- This Pickguard fits USA/Mexican Fender Standard Jazz Bass,but not Fender Squier Jazz Bass or other types of Jazz Basses.If you have other types of J Bass,you may need to make a little modification to let it fit
- Pickguard is made of plastic,it has plastic films which should be peeled off after installing
- Thickness is about 2.2mm (+/- 0.2mm error, because different bulks materials might be varied a little different thickness)
- Due to the wide variety of pickguards in the market,please be sure to verify the dimensions carefully before you order the item
- Free pickguard mounting screws are included
- Smooth and mid-range tone loaded bass pickguard kit.Loaded pickguard for Precision Style guitar or similar.
- The surface of the product is covered with a film to avoid scratching and damage. Please take off the film before installing the product on the guitar.
- Pickups Resistance: 8.0K 3.0H.The pickguard is made of celluloid, and the pickup is made of ceramic magnet.
- By keeping the two coils under two strings, this design minimizes hum while retaining the clarity and transparency of a single coil since there is no phase cancellation
- The installation process is very easy, take the bridge off and tuck the ground wire under it through the hole from the main cavity.Package include:1 xBass Guitar Pickguard,comes with screws.
- This pickguard is compatible with 4 stings fender P bass pickguard,American/Mexico standard models,will not fit squier or 5 string precision bass.
- 3Ply construction made of quality plastic material,rugged and easy to use.Pure aluminum foil shield on the backside, better shielding property and anti-interference.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation.
- Color: 3Ply Black,3Ply White(Optional);Easy to install.A good replacement part for broken or old one,anti-scratch to protect the bass.
- Please double check your screw-hole pattern to ensure you chose the right model.
- ✔ | 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 will only fit genuine Fender American Standard Jazz Bass or Mexican Jazz Bass, for other Jazz bass style bass, you may need a modification for line up
- 10 mounting screws holes, without truss rod notch,no holes for thumb rest or pickup cover
- 4Ply Tortoise Shell/White/Black/White PVC material,0.09 inch (2.2mm) thickness
- Double protect film on the top, please remove them when you install
- Package included: 1 x J Bass Pickguard
Best Bass Guitar Pick Guards Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bass guitar pick guard you should consider following options:
1. Color: Pickguards are available in a wide range of shades. If you are looking for something subtle and understated, you can choose a black or gray pickguard.
Alternatively, if you want something with a little more visual impact, you can choose a pickguard in bright colors such as red, orange, green, or purple.
2. Style: Pickguards are available in a range of styles, including the single-ply, two-ply, and three-ply. A two- or three-ply pickguard is stronger and more durable.
3. Ease of Installation: Pickguards come with different mounting systems. Some are designed to be stuck to the guitar body with adhesive.
Others have a mounting system that allows you to screw the pickguard onto the guitar body.
4. Cost: You can get a pickguard for as little as $5 or as much as $40. The price depends on the material used, thickness, and the mounting system.
What else you should know about bass guitar pick guards
1. What are the best bass guitar pick guards?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as what works best for one bass player may not be ideal for another. Some factors to consider when choosing a bass guitar pick guard include the size and shape of the instrument, the style of music being played, and the player’s personal preferences. Many bassists prefer clear pick guards so that they can see the underlying wood grain of their instrument, while others prefer opaque pick guards for a more uniform look. Ultimately, the best bass guitar pick guard is the one that allows the player to perform at their highest level.
2. What are the different types of bass guitar pick guards?
There are many different types of bass guitar pick guards, but the most common are clear, black, white, and tortoise shell.
3. What are the benefits of using a bass guitar pick guard?
There are a few benefits to using a bass guitar pick guard. First, it can help to prevent wear and tear on the finish of your bass. Second, it can help to prevent the build-up of gunk and grime on your bass strings and pickups. Third, it can give you a little bit of extra grip when you’re playing, which can be helpful if your hands tend to sweat.
4. How do I choose the best bass guitar pick guard for my instrument?
The best bass guitar pick guard for your instrument is the one that fits your style and personality. There are many different materials, colors, and sizes to choose from, so take your time and find the one that suits you best. You may also want to consider the type of music you play, as some pick guards are better suited for certain genres.
5. How do I install a bass guitar pick guard?
Most bass guitar pick guards will need to be installed by a professional. However, you can find some pick guards that are made to be installed by the consumer. These will usually have adhesive backing that will allow you to simply peel and stick the pick guard in place.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bass guitar pick guards. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bass guitar pick guards will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.