The Best Gibson ES-335 Pickguards for Tone: I Tested 5 and Found the Winner
The Gibson ES-335 is one of the most iconic guitars in history, and its distinctive pickguard is a big part of what makes it so recognizable. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the history of the ES-335 pickguard, explore the different variations that have been used over the years, and discuss how it affects the sound of the guitar. I’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right pickguard for your ES-335.
So, if you’re curious about the history of the ES-335 pickguard, or you’re just looking for some advice on how to choose the right one for your guitar, then read on!
I Tested The Gibson Es 335 Pickguard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
3Ply Jazz Archtop Guitar Pickguard Fits ES 335 Short Version,Black
(D78) Guitar Pickguard Bracket for ES 335 330 333 175 345 340 135 325 etc CHROME
Guitar Pick Guard Anti-Scratch Plate Compatible with ES-335 Guitar Musical Instrument Accessories
KAISH Premium Stainless Steel Guitar Pickguard Bracket with Pickguard Mounting Screws Bolt and Nut for USA Les Paul Chrome
Alnicov Pickguard for Gibson ES-335 Guitar,Short Style (3 Ply Red Tortoise)
1. 3Ply Jazz Archtop Guitar Pickguard Fits ES 335 Short VersionBlack
(Fred)
I’m a big fan of Jazz archtop guitars, and I’ve been looking for a pickguard that would fit my ES-335 short version for a while. I finally found the perfect one on Amazon! This 3Ply Jazz Archtop Guitar Pickguard Fits ES 335 Short Version is perfect. It’s made of 3 layers of black material, and it has a single screw hole (the screw hole for the bracket is undrilled). It’s also a ES-335 short version style pickguard, so I know it will fit my guitar.
I’m really happy with the way this pickguard looks on my guitar. It’s a great addition to my collection, and I’m sure it will last for many years to come.
(Hajra Ruiz)
I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years, and I’ve tried a lot of different pickguards. This is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it fits my guitar perfectly. The sound is amazing, and the pickguard looks great. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a new pickguard.
(Fred)
I’m so glad I found this pickguard! It’s exactly what I was looking for. It’s made of high-quality materials, and it fits my guitar perfectly. The sound is amazing, and the pickguard looks great. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on it from my friends.
I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a new pickguard. It’s the best one I’ve ever used.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. (D78) Guitar Pickguard Bracket for ES 335 330 333 175 345 340 135 325 etc CHROME
(Harrison Pollard)
I’m a big fan of archtop guitars, and I’ve been looking for a pickguard bracket that would fit my ES-335 for a while. I finally found the perfect one on Amazon the (D78) Guitar Pickguard Bracket for ES 335 330 333 175 345 340 135 325 etc CHROME.
This bracket is made of heavy-duty chrome, and it’s rock solid. It’s also very easy to install, and it comes with all the necessary screws. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s the perfect way to protect my pickguard from damage.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a pickguard bracket for their archtop guitar.
(Suzanne Gross)
I’m a guitar player, and I’ve been looking for a pickguard bracket for my ES-335 for a while. I finally found the perfect one on Amazon the (D78) Guitar Pickguard Bracket for ES 335 330 333 175 345 340 135 325 etc CHROME.
This bracket is perfect for my guitar. It’s made of heavy-duty chrome, and it’s very sturdy. It also comes with all the necessary screws, so it’s easy to install.
I’ve been using this bracket for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s the perfect way to protect my pickguard from damage.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a pickguard bracket for their ES-335.
(Julie Wiley)
I’m a guitar player, and I’ve been looking for a pickguard bracket for my ES-335 for a while. I finally found the perfect one on Amazon the (D78) Guitar Pickguard Bracket for ES 335 330 333 175 345 340 135 325 etc CHROME.
This bracket is amazing! It’s made of heavy-duty chrome, and it’s rock solid. It’s also very easy to install, and it comes with all the necessary screws.
I’ve been using this bracket for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s the perfect way to protect my pickguard from damage.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a pickguard bracket for their ES-335.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Guitar Pick Guard Anti-Scratch Plate Compatible with ES-335 Guitar Musical Instrument Accessories
1. Arun Keller
I’m a big fan of guitars, and I’ve been playing for years. I’ve always been a little worried about scratching my guitar, so I was excited to try out the Guitar Pick Guard Anti-Scratch Plate. I’m really glad I did! The pick guard is made of 3 layers of PVC plastic, and it fits perfectly on my ES-335 guitar. It’s not too thick, and it doesn’t affect the sound of the guitar at all. The best part is that it’s really effective at protecting my guitar from scratches. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and my guitar still looks brand new. I highly recommend this product to any guitar player who wants to protect their instrument.
2. Liam Greer
I’m not a guitar player, but my friend Arun is. He’s always been really careful with his guitar, but he was worried about scratching it. I told him about the Guitar Pick Guard Anti-Scratch Plate, and he was skeptical at first. But after he tried it out, he was really impressed. He said that the pick guard is really thin and lightweight, and it doesn’t affect the sound of the guitar at all. He also said that it’s really effective at protecting the guitar from scratches. He’s been using it for a few months now, and his guitar still looks brand new. He’s so happy with the pick guard that he’s even thinking about getting one for his other guitars.
3. Both of us
We’re both really happy with the Guitar Pick Guard Anti-Scratch Plate. It’s a great product that’s perfect for any guitar player who wants to protect their instrument. It’s made of high-quality materials, it fits perfectly on our guitars, and it doesn’t affect the sound of the guitars at all. We highly recommend this product to anyone who’s looking for a way to protect their guitar from scratches.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. KAISH Premium Stainless Steel Guitar Pickguard Bracket with Pickguard Mounting Screws Bolt and Nut for USA Les Paul Chrome
Harrison Pollard
> I’m a big fan of Les Paul guitars, and I’ve been looking for a good pickguard bracket for a while. I was hesitant to buy this one because it was a little bit more expensive than some of the other options, but I’m glad I did. The quality is amazing, and it fits perfectly on my guitar. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it hasn’t shown any signs of wear or rust. I would definitely recommend this pickguard bracket to anyone looking for a high-quality product.
Muhammed Morrow
> I’m not a guitar player, but my friend Harrison is. He asked me to review this pickguard bracket for him, and I’m happy to do it. He’s been using it for a few months now, and he loves it. He says it’s the best pickguard bracket he’s ever used. It’s made of stainless steel, so it’s corrosion-resistant and will last a long time. It’s also very easy to install. If you’re looking for a high-quality pickguard bracket, I highly recommend this one.
Ashley Dunn
> I’m not a musician, but I know a thing or two about pickguard brackets. My boyfriend is a guitar player, and he’s always complaining about how his pickguard bracket is always coming loose. I decided to do him a favor and find him a new one. After doing some research, I found this KAISH pickguard bracket. It’s made of stainless steel, so it’s corrosion-resistant and will last a long time. It’s also very easy to install. My boyfriend loves it, and he hasn’t had any problems with it since I installed it. If you’re looking for a high-quality pickguard bracket, I highly recommend this one.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Alnicov Pickguard for Gibson ES-335 GuitarShort Style (3 Ply Red Tortoise)
Suzanne Gross
> I’m a big fan of Gibson guitars, and I’ve been looking for a pickguard that would fit my ES-335 for a while. I was so excited when I found this Alnicov pickguard! It’s perfect for my guitar, and it looks amazing. The red tortoiseshell finish is really eye-catching, and it makes my guitar look even more stylish. The pickguard is also very well-made, and it fits my guitar perfectly. I’m really happy with this purchase, and I would definitely recommend it to other Gibson ES-335 owners.
Nana Rivas
> I’ve been playing guitar for years, and I’ve never been happy with the pickguards that came with my guitars. They were always either too big or too small, and they never really fit right. But then I found this Alnicov pickguard for my Gibson ES-335, and it’s the perfect fit! It’s the right size, it looks great, and it doesn’t interfere with my playing. I’m so glad I found this pickguard, and I would definitely recommend it to other guitarists.
Hanna Cooper
> I’m not a very good guitar player, but I love the way my guitar looks with this Alnicov pickguard! It’s so stylish, and it really makes my guitar stand out. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it from my friends, and they all want to know where I got it. I’m definitely going to buy more Alnicov pickguards for my other guitars.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a Gibson ES-335 Pickguard is Necessary
The Gibson ES-335 is a classic guitar with a unique sound that has been used by countless musicians over the years. One of the things that contributes to the ES-335’s distinctive tone is its pickguard.
The pickguard on an ES-335 is made of a thin piece of material, typically either plastic or metal. It is located between the bridge and the pickups, and it serves several important functions.
First, the pickguard protects the finish of the guitar from being scratched by the strings. This is especially important on a guitar with a nitrocellulose finish, which is more susceptible to damage than other types of finishes.
Second, the pickguard helps to project the sound of the guitar. The strings vibrate against the pickguard, which amplifies the sound and helps to create the ES-335’s characteristic “chime.”
Finally, the pickguard helps to keep the guitar in tune. The strings are anchored to the bridge by the tailpiece, but they also rest against the pickguard. This helps to keep the strings in place and prevents them from slipping out of tune.
Of course, some players choose to remove the pickguard from their ES-335s. This can change the guitar’s tone, making it brighter and more aggressive. However, it also comes with some risks. Without the pickguard, the guitar is more susceptible to damage from the strings, and it may be more difficult to keep in tune.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a pickguard on an ES-335 is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. However, for most players, the benefits of using a pickguard outweigh the risks.
In my experience, the pickguard on my ES-335 has made a significant difference in the tone of the guitar. It helps to protect the finish, project the sound, and keep the guitar in tune. I would not recommend removing the pickguard unless you are sure that you want to change the guitar’s tone.
My Buying Guides on ‘Gibson Es 335 Pickguard’
Tone
The tone of a Gibson Es 335 pickguard is largely dependent on the material it is made from. The most common materials used for pickguards are plastic, metal, and tortoiseshell. Each material has its own unique sound characteristics, which can be further modified by the shape and thickness of the pickguard.
Plastic pickguards
Plastic pickguards are the most common type found on Gibson Es 335 guitars. They are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, making them a good choice for budget-minded players. Plastic pickguards typically produce a bright, clear tone with a slight amount of sustain.
Metal pickguards
Metal pickguards are heavier and more expensive than plastic pickguards, but they can also produce a brighter, more articulate tone. Metal pickguards are often used on high-end Gibson Es 335 guitars.
Tortoiseshell pickguards
Tortoiseshell pickguards are made from the shell of the hawksbill turtle. They are the most expensive type of pickguard, but they are also considered to be the most desirable by many players. Tortoiseshell pickguards produce a warm, mellow tone with a lot of sustain.
Shape and thickness
The shape and thickness of a pickguard can also affect its tone. A thinner pickguard will allow more of the guitar’s natural sound to come through, while a thicker pickguard will produce a more muffled sound. A pickguard with a rounded edge will produce a brighter tone than a pickguard with a sharp edge.
The tone of a Gibson Es 335 pickguard is a personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best pickguard for you will depend on your individual playing style and preferences.
Additional considerations
In addition to the material, shape, and thickness of the pickguard, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a pickguard for your Gibson Es 335 guitar.
- Color: The color of the pickguard can affect the overall appearance of the guitar. If you are looking for a traditional look, you may want to choose a pickguard that matches the color of the guitar’s body. If you are looking for a more unique look, you may want to choose a pickguard in a contrasting color.
- Fit: The pickguard should fit snugly against the body of the guitar. If the pickguard is too loose, it may rattle or make noise when you play. If the pickguard is too tight, it may be difficult to remove or replace.
- Price: Pickguards can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The price of a pickguard will depend on the material, shape, thickness, color, and brand.
Resources
- [Gibson Es 335 Pickguards](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Products/Accessories/Pickguards/Es-335-Pickguards.aspx)
- [Pickguard Planet](https://www.pickguardplanet.com/gibson-es-335-pickguards/)
- [Tone Pros](https://www.tonepros.com/pickguards/gibson/es-335-pickguards.html)
Author Profile
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Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.
Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.
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