Experiment, Help me Decide

[astutzmann]

Hi Everyone:

I absolutely love my LE-2, it and my bluesboy are my two favourites. The only thing about it I'm not keen on, is the pick guard.



So, I thought I'd try some different combos, woodgrain?



or brown tortoise shell?



Let me know which one is the keeper?

Thx

Alf

[suave eddie]

I'm no help. I like the original black one best.

[Fumble fingers]

I like the Black best , followed by the torty

[Craig]

I'm no help. I like the original black one best.

+1

[KenC]

I vote for black, but think it would look nicer with black screws and knobs. Having contrasting hardware on such a small pickguard makes it look cluttered, IMO.

Ken

[darwinohm]

Question Alf, is that a satin black pickguard or does it still have the covering on it? -- Darwin

[Fumble fingers]

Question Alf, is that a satin black pickguard or does it still have the covering on it? -- Darwin

it does look like that in the picture now that you mention it

[Lefty]

I vote for black, but think it would look nicer with black screws and knobs. Having contrasting hardware on such a small pickguard makes it look cluttered, IMO.

Ken

+1 - Black screws on the pickguard.

[KenC]

Alf,

Did you happen to get a photo with the PG off? I would love to see what the routing looks like underneath. I've wondered if it would be possible to go down to just a control plate, like on the early SC models.

Ken

[Craig]

Alf,

Did you happen to get a photo with the PG off? I would love to see what the routing looks like underneath. I've wondered if it would be possible to go down to just a control plate, like on the early SC models.

Ken

Here's what it the control rout looks like:



A pickguard is definitely needed.

[WitSok]

I like black best, but I agree they really should have used black screws. Of the options I like the tort quite a bit more than the simulated wood grain. Perhaps cream would look good?

Dan

[astutzmann]

great ideas.

Yes, that's what the route looks like, needs a full PG.

Its black satin, I have removed the plastic on it.

I agree the woodgrain looks cheesy. Maybe a real wood pick guard but it would be too hard to match.

I like the tortoise but not in such a big PG. Thought that one would be a winner, but not sure.

So, loving the idea of black screws and black knobs, hmm. Will have to try that next.

THX!!

[KenC]

Here's what it the control rout looks like:



A pickguard is definitely needed.

Thanks Craig!

[Goat]

I like the chrome knobs - balances the bridge/frets etc., but black screws would be a definite improvement.

[darwinohm]

Alf, I do have this color in the Asat Alnico Launch and it happens to have a bwb gloss pickguard. It is very nice. I am not a fan of single ply pickguards in the first place as they are quite thin and usually don't lie real flat. I also think that guitar would look nice with a vintage white or mint. -- Darwin

[sam]

Gotta say I'm with Ken on keeping the black guard and going with black hardware , even better if you could get the DF trem in black crinkle

[Elwood]

Vote for Black here also. The tortoise does make the chrome screws less obvious .

Sam, I've been seeing a black DF in my mind for a while. Who will be the first to send one off to get it
(and the saddles?) powder coated ?

[astutzmann]

hmmmm, even better ideas, a black DFS would be awesome.

Darwin, I think you are right, the single ply satin black could be the problem as apposed to the bwb 3ply gloss.......hmmmm

[darwinohm]

Alf, here is the same color on the Asat with a BWB closs pickguard. -- Darwin

[astutzmann]

yes, much nicer, thanks for posting!

[ant_riv]

I agree with keeping the black also, but if you must change it, I think the tortoise works better.

Except, your guitar is backwards! And ..... so are all of the ones in your Avatar!

I absolutely LOVE the color of the guitar. I think it would be impossible to make it look bad.

Any pics of what you decided to do?

[SouthpawGuy]

I'll be the awkward one and suggest cream or mint with the black pickup covers

[astutzmann]

OK, for now, I have some black parts. Put in the old original pick guard (may order a BWB 3 ply so its shinny, like Darwin's).

Black screws, black washer and nuts on the 2 pots, black knobs, New TI Blues Slider strings. May need wider black washer and nut for the switch.

Here she is with the pick guard off,



Pick guard backside,


and final (for now) product,



not a great pic but you get the idea. I like it.

[Elwood]

I like it.

+1

[Fumble fingers]

I like it too !!

[darwinohm]

Alf, it looks very nice. Did you polish the pickguard to a gloss? It looks glossy and very nice indeed. -- Darwin

[JagInTheBag]

The black screws and black knobs make all the difference. Sometimes it's the small details! Gorgeous.

[astutzmann]

no, I didn't polish it, must just be the camera and the sunlight.

[Tomas83]

My vote goes to the 2nd one (since you don't like the black) there's something appalling to me about the red tortoise pick guards

[Katefan]

I like it but I'd ditch the black screws and put the chrome ones back in.

Cheers,
KF