Acoustic Guitar Construction

Oh, to add a pickguard or not?

I'm thinking an even smaller tear-drop might be a better size. This one is an OM pattern.

The one kind of pickguards I don't care much for are the clear ones. They are kinda, sorta, maybe visible, depending on the angle and light. If you are going to have a pickguard, have one that unifies with the design and does it positively. The one pictured seems a tad large to my eye (as you suggest), but the pattern on it is excellent. I also like the fake-tortoise that John Greven makes. It seems heavier though, and therefore whatever penalty there is for dead weight in that area, is paid to a greater extend.

I put pick guards on guitars that are going to be strummed with a pick. A pick can really start to tear into a top over time. I use the small tear drop on a 00. On my finger style guitar I do use a clear pick guard, but it is a cling-on easily removable.

I had a chance to listen to the clips you posted. The guitar sounds great.

A pick guard adds weight -- so from that stand point thumbs down all the way.

To my eye stylistically a pick guard is intrusive, adds nothing so again thumbs down.

In a practical sense even a well manicured finger picker can scratch the finish so unless one plays with all fingers off the sound board (not even pinky) which I do, seems like a very thin clear self stick would be well advised.

Sonically I love it without - but some friends have already put a few marks in it - I embrace the idea that guitars are built to play, so I pass it around freely.

Does John Greven still make pickguards? Seems like they became really tough to find - his light or medium teardrop would be a nice fit for this.

Lowden's clear pickguards look good to me in photos - but maybe they are usually photographed without - anyone have a recommendation for clear material that works well?