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VIEW FULL LIVE VERSION : L-2000 pickguard pro/con


haystack
01-12-2007, 02:55 PM
Greetings!!

I’m a new L-2000 owner… just purchased a slightly used 3-tone sunburst model and couldn’t be happier with the way it plays and sounds. While considering my purchase I spent some time browsing this forum and I have to say it was a very informative experience.

Some of the threads that particularly interested me were the couple that were started last year regarding the addition of a pickguard to the L-2000. I share the desire to have a pickguard installed on mine. This is a functional as well as an aesthetic issue for me, as I’m an aggressive player and typically play with my fingers and a pick between the rhythm pickup and the heel of the neck, Geezer-style. My other main bass is a ’78 P-bass that happens to have a thumb rest installed in this area which I’ve found to be a tremendous help. I’d also like to add one to my L-2000.

A dealer/collector friend of mine and I had a long discussion yesterday regarding the effect this might have on the bass’s future resale value. Basically, his opinion was that I’d be screwing its ability to draw a good price on the resale market later in its life. In response to that I pointed out that as its current (and most likely long-time) owner I need to be able to play it as I’m accustomed, but as a confirmed packrat and amateur collector of many things I could totally appreciate his point of view.

Anyone’s opinion on this would be greatly appreciated.

Below are pictures of an older model L-2000 that has been fitted with a ’51 Precision style pickguard. Not being a fan of this look, I overlaid a standard P pickguard shape over it in a different color and modified the switch area height a little.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/haystack55/pickguardcloseup.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g219/haystack55/newpickguardmockup2.jpg

sunbeast
01-12-2007, 11:36 PM
I've also considered adding a pickguard to my L2500- but when I pick I usually pick between the pickups, so it would be more a cosmetic than utilitarian thing. If you were using it mainly for utility, you could probably use some sort of removable adhesive rather than screws to retain resale value...

Karl

spideyjg
01-13-2007, 12:59 AM
Your bass, your money. If it is a recent L2K it isn't really a collectible one. Pre 1991 when Leo was alive will be the ones fetching money years from now.

As long as you are willing to take a hit in the butt on resale, go right ahead. Pretty much any :scowl: "upgrades" :scowl: on a G&L knock the bejeezus out of resale.

Now don't be dumb and have somebody hack it up. A clean professional job may actually make it attractive for a buyer later.

This means do not let them chop up the body to get the controls through.

Jim