markintime
Wood Grain Devotee
My first reaction is: without any pick guard, clear or otherwise. Mainly for this reason: anybody whangin' on a guitar to the point that affects the finish on a super-quality musical instrument, scratching and damaging it, then that indicates not only a lack of respect for the tool of the trade, but also a $h!!tty technique or lack of thereof. IMO. C'mon, now!
Second reason: My Tacoma acoustic came with a clear guard and, over time, it is subject to developing a dirty line around the outline where the adhesive will pick up a little dust/dirt which then shows that there IS a pick guard there. That's really not a big deal unless you're one of those who wants to preserve a virgin appearance. Heck, look at classical guitar players. You won't see any of them with a pick guard, right? Yeah, I know, totally different style of playing... they don't use picks. But have you seen the NAILS on some of those guys?
Had my little rant, now.
Yours is a different situation: keep the black pick guard. It adds a lot to the appearance of an otherwise plain-looking top (and no offense intended in any way!). It's just that there is no major grain thing going on visually. Tone-wise, I can't comment, only you can.
Bottom line: I like what you've done to your guitar. Gives it that little something extra, like a really good steak sauce, know what I mean?. :congrats:
Second reason: My Tacoma acoustic came with a clear guard and, over time, it is subject to developing a dirty line around the outline where the adhesive will pick up a little dust/dirt which then shows that there IS a pick guard there. That's really not a big deal unless you're one of those who wants to preserve a virgin appearance. Heck, look at classical guitar players. You won't see any of them with a pick guard, right? Yeah, I know, totally different style of playing... they don't use picks. But have you seen the NAILS on some of those guys?
Had my little rant, now.
Yours is a different situation: keep the black pick guard. It adds a lot to the appearance of an otherwise plain-looking top (and no offense intended in any way!). It's just that there is no major grain thing going on visually. Tone-wise, I can't comment, only you can.
Bottom line: I like what you've done to your guitar. Gives it that little something extra, like a really good steak sauce, know what I mean?. :congrats: