pickguard bracket or no bracket rehash

[Greg Martin]

Id like to get away from using the pick guard bracket that bridges to the guitar rim. The pick guard mounting block at the neck probably wont be strong enough for full support, what are my other choices?
I was thinking about a small block of leather under the pick guard near the bridge,just resting on the top ??? thanks

[Michael Lewis]

You can do whatever you can get away with, however, guards that rest on the surface of the top often rattle and buzz.

You should be able to mount a guard to the fingerboard support, though it takes two mounting points. I use a small socket head machine screw and a pin for the two points, and if you can put them at least an inch apart the design should work pretty well. This requires the support is well attached to the guitar.

[Greg Martin]

thanks Ill try your suggestion first.

[Michael Lewis]

I've tried putting pads under guards, and unless the pad is near the neck it is likely to have some vibrational issues (rattle, buzz), but the 'best' structural location for a pad is near the other end of the guard. A plastic guard is too flexible unless you use thick and stiff material like acrylic (plexiglas), which I have used at times but wood is a better choice if you want to avoid using the additional bracket to the waist.

[Greg Martin]

on the arch top I just completed I had to use a Gibson style metal bracket after all Im not happy with it but felt it not stable enough for one mount only,I was concerned that a heavy hand might flex the finger rest and cause a split at the neck. Im going to use a more slim modern finger rest on #2 making the rest thinner and narrower will probably allow one neck mount to be enough.
Audiophiles use conical feet to support receivers and amps to reduce vibrations and such, so maybe a conical rubber or cork pad under the finger rest would not dampen the top or vibrate and add that extra support ,I dont know . http://www.redtailguitars.com/blog