How To: Remove Acoustic Scratchplates / Pickguards

Feel free to drop me a line, & rate away.

How To Video (1st on this topic for youtube viewers)
Guini-pig guitars: Freshman and Takamine acoustics. (dhazd and DuDaKePa) This video is only representative of these guitar models, not to be generalised to any other guitars.

Extra precautionary tip: remove 1,2, & 3rd strings (high e, b, & g) from tuning pegs (let dangle)

Consider that each hairdryer heat wattage and settings differ, research which heat setting is the match for your guitar else the plastic may burn onto your wood etc.

Take all the safety precautions into high priority for the best results.

Research in depth, and be responsable for your own actions when removing your scratchplates for i am certainly not andi will not take responsibility for your actions.

Check out my page and dudakepa's page in my friends for more from these beautiful guitars!
..& marshall, laney, peavey, gibson, fender strat, ibanez, more malmsteen etc.

Music is: Yngwie Malmsteen's!
Name of his Track: Black Star

Category:

Music

Tags:

• How
• To:
• Remove
• Acoustic
• Scratchplates
• Pickguards
• Freshman
• and
• Takamine
• acoustics
• helpful
• hints
• tips
• dhazd
• techniques
• guitar

[theberto]

hi, does the pickguard leave some shadows or something when you remove it?

thank you

[dhazd]

@theberto

Light exposure causes any visible wood tints to darken. Wood under the pickguard will be the original tint.

[GuitarMan9600]

Does the original pick guard get ruined from the heat?

[dhazd]

@GuitarMan9600

yes the original pickguard curls up and is deemed unusable. replacement pickguards are very cheap. i believe my replacement pickguard was about £3.50.

dhazd.

[lleerrooyy]

just took the pickguard off my martin 00015 . i was very worried about ruining it but after watching this post i tried it and it could'nt of been easier.. thanks man

[dhazd]

@lleerrooyy

I am very happy to have helped you.

Yes that is a concern i emphasise to anybody who attempts removing a scratchplate from their guitar, to avoid damge obviously its very important to go slow, not pull hard and on a low hairdryer heat.

I am very glad for you and your lovely martin 00015.

Harriett. xx

[CarrotTopSkater]

@dhazd Will have the wood in contact with light eventually make the color of the wood the same as the guitar's current color.

[EpicSmithy123]

What if the pickguard came pre-installed?

[amosnews]

Thank you for doing this and posting. I was considering removing my pick guard because I like the natural wood and pick guards change the sound. However, after watching your video I see the wood can be discolored under the pick guard, so I will leave it. Thank you.

[dhazd]

@zikazivac94

The wood under the guitar will look lighter. Being the same dreadnaught shape it may look similar to my Freshman acoustic.

[OJdanOJ]

does the hair dryer ever change the tone of the guitar or mess with the finish? anyone?

[figueroa661]

Thanks for the awesomely helpful video. The epically theatrical rock music made the whole experience feel SO much more dramatic.

[LuxeXx]

I hate all pickguards. Most guitars will have the shadow where it once was however.