Thinking about a pickguard

[357mag]

My MK "Classic" is that bronze color. Didnt quite like it at first but its growing on me. Sort of an orange color like you see on some violins and I guess pumpkin could almost describe.
Anyway, Im thinking about putting a pick guard on it for no reason other than giving it a traditional look.
Anyone ever install a pickguard as an upgrade? Much to it?
Have it installed by a pro? Any thoughts?

[Luthier Vandross]

A pro sounds great! You need my address? ;)

If you buy a known fitting guard, and pretap the holes, should not cause much concern.


M

[steve in tampa]

I have an MK pickguard I'd be willing to part with. Didn't look right on my Walnut colored MK.
It is a blonde maple finish NeoClassic w/ gold hardware.
Contact me if interested.

[357mag]

Steve, I PMd you...I think!!
Got an Email addy? Mine is hsm357@verizon.net. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[good_ol_al_61]

357mag:

I had Dennis at the Mandolin Store sell me an MK pickguard. I had a local luthier here (while doing a complete setup) install the guard. Looks great. I'll take a pic at lunch and post it here this afternoon. He did make a modification to the guard at the bridge in order to place it on the mando where I wanted it. You'll see it in the pics. You might not want to do what I did, but I thought I'd show you just in case.

[good_ol_al_61]

Pic 1 of 3

[good_ol_al_61]

Pic 2 of 3

[good_ol_al_61]

Pic 3 of 3

As you can see, I wanted the guard moved forward so you can see an even amount of mandolin top around the outside curvature of the guard. Moving it forward caused a cut to be made in the guard at the bridge area and covered up more of the F hole. Just a trade off for aesthetics.

[357mag]

Al, thats pretty dang sharp. I notice that tailpiece too. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[good_ol_al_61]

Thanks 357mag.

The flamed maple binding and the Allen tailpiece is standard on the Legacy Elegante model. Also the sunset burst is only 1 of 20 made with that color. Pretty special for an MK.

But is does sound great with the pro setup I had done. Not quite as loud as the Eastman, but definately more mellow.

I have an Eastman 614 on the way. It should be here before the weekend. I'll report back when I get my fat little fingers on it.