Otis Singleton
When you buy a new electric guitar, it often comes with a plastic layer on the pickguard and pickups. This plastic covering is meant to protect the guitar from scratches during shipping. Some people choose to leave the plastic on to prevent scratches, while others prefer to remove it. Those who remove it argue that scratches are unlikely and that the plastic may affect the tone of the guitar. There are various methods for removing the plastic, including using a blow dryer, a metal ruler, a plastic putty knife, or a piece of string or shoelace to pry off the knobs and loosen the screws.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of plastic cover | Protects the guitar from scratches during shipping |
| Removal tools | Metal ruler, plastic knife, flat screwdriver, shoelace, hand towel, blow dryer |
| Effect on sound | May affect the tone of the guitar |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic covers protect the guitar from scratches during shipping
- Plastic covers may affect the tone of the guitar
- Plastic covers can be removed using a hair dryer, metal ruler, or string
- It is important to be gentle when removing plastic covers to avoid damage
- Some people choose to leave the plastic covers on for protection
Plastic covers protect the guitar from scratches during shipping
Electric guitars are often shipped with a plastic covering on the pickguard. This plastic covering is designed to protect the guitar from scratches during shipping. While it is not necessary to keep the plastic on the guitar, it is recommended to remove it carefully to avoid damaging the guitar's finish.
The plastic covering on the pickguard of an electric guitar serves as a protective layer to prevent scratches and damage during transportation from the factory to the store and, ultimately, to the customer. This protective layer ensures that the guitar arrives in pristine condition and is a standard practice in the guitar manufacturing industry.
The plastic covering is typically applied during the guitar's assembly process and remains in place until it reaches the customer. While it is primarily intended for shipping protection, some guitarists choose to leave the plastic on for added peace of mind or personal preference.
Removing the plastic covering from the pickguard is generally a straightforward process. It is recommended to start by loosening the pickguard screws slightly to access the plastic underneath. Specialized tools, such as a metal ruler, a plastic putty knife, or even a credit card, can be used to gently pry the plastic off without damaging the guitar's surface. It is important to avoid using metal tools, as they can scratch the pickguard.
Once the plastic is removed, it is essential to clean any remaining residue and tighten the screws back in place. The pickguard will then showcase its intended appearance, typically shiny and flat, complementing the overall aesthetics of the guitar.
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Plastic covers may affect the tone of the guitar
The plastic covers on electric guitars are there to protect the pickups from scratches during shipping and when the guitar is moved from the factory to the store and eventually to the customer. Some people argue that the plastic covers are unnecessary as it is very unlikely that you will scratch your pickups badly.
Leaving the plastic covers on may affect the tone of the guitar. Some people argue that the plastic covers affect the tone only a little or not at all. However, others argue that the plastic covers can affect the tone, even if only a little bit.
There are various methods to remove the plastic covers from the pickups. One method is to use a blow dryer to break the adhesive effect, making the plastic stretchy and easier to remove. Another method is to use a flat metal ruler or popsicle stick to pry off the knobs. It is important to be careful when using metal tools as they can scratch the surface of the guitar. Instead, some people recommend using a plastic tool, such as a credit card or a heavy guitar pick, to gently pry the knob up a little at a time.
Some people recommend removing the plastic covers from the pickups, as they believe it is unnecessary to keep them on and there is a risk that the plastic may affect the tone of the guitar. However, others argue that it is fine to leave the plastic covers on if one is careful and does not mind the potential minor impact on the tone. Ultimately, it is up to the guitarist to decide whether to remove the plastic covers or not, weighing the risks of scratching the pickups and potentially affecting the tone.
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Plastic covers can be removed using a hair dryer, metal ruler, or string
Removing plastic covers from electric guitars can be done in several ways, and the use of a hair dryer, metal ruler, or string are among the most popular methods. Each approach has its advantages and considerations, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your comfort level and the specific guitar you're working on.
Starting with the hair dryer method, this technique involves using heat to soften the adhesive that holds the plastic cover in place. By holding the hair dryer about twenty inches away from the plastic, you can warm it up until it feels stretchy and easier to peel off. This method is effective, but caution must be exercised to avoid applying too much heat, which can potentially warp or even melt the plastic. It is recommended to use a microfiber towel to handle the warm plastic and avoid direct contact.
Another approach is to use a metal ruler or a similar flat, thin object. This method involves sliding the ruler under the plastic cover and prying it off gently. It is important to be cautious during this process to prevent scratching the guitar's surface. A metal spoon, popsicle stick, or plastic knife can also be used in a similar manner. This technique may require some patience and careful maneuvering to ensure the plastic comes off without damaging the guitar.
Lastly, the string method offers a simple and effective way to remove plastic covers. By looping a thin piece of string under the plastic knob, you can gently pull upwards, and the plastic should come off easily. This technique is advantageous as it minimizes the risk of damage to the guitar and can be done quickly and efficiently.
Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to be mindful of the guitar's components and adjust your approach accordingly. Some plastic covers may extend under screws, requiring you to loosen or unscrew them to remove the plastic completely. Additionally, it is recommended to place a towel under the guitar to protect against scratches during the removal process.
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It is important to be gentle when removing plastic covers to avoid damage
Removing the plastic covers from an electric guitar can be a delicate task. It is important to be gentle when removing them to avoid damage to the guitar. While it may be tempting to use force, this can result in scratches or other damage to the finish, pickguard, or knobs.
One recommended method is to use a hairdryer to soften the adhesive, making the plastic easier to remove. This can be done in conjunction with other methods, such as using a thin piece of string or a shoelace to carefully pry under the knobs and lift them off without risk of damage. It is important to work slowly and gently when prying under the knobs to avoid applying too much force.
Another method is to use a flat metal ruler or a popsicle stick to gently pry under the knobs while turning them back and forth. This can help to loosen the knobs and make them easier to remove. However, it is important to be cautious when using metal tools as they can scratch the surface of the guitar. Plastic tools, such as a credit card or a heavy guitar pick, can also be used to gently pry under the knobs without risking scratches.
In some cases, it may be necessary to loosen the screws on the pickguard to completely remove the plastic. This can be done by slightly reversing the screws and then tightening them back in place once the plastic has been removed. It is important to avoid pushing down hard when backing out the screws to prevent damage.
Overall, it is important to be patient and gentle when removing plastic covers from an electric guitar to avoid any potential damage. Using the right tools and techniques can help ensure a safe and successful removal process.
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Some people choose to leave the plastic covers on for protection
Some people choose to leave the plastic covers on their electric guitars for protection. The plastic covers protect the pickups from scratches and damage during shipping, and when the guitar is moved from the factory to the store and eventually to the customer. While it is very unlikely that the pickups will get scratched, leaving the plastic covers on can provide extra peace of mind for those who are cautious or simply don't mind the presence of the plastic.
The plastic covers can also slightly affect the tone of the guitar, although opinions vary on the extent of this impact. Some people argue that the plastic covers do not affect the tone at all, while others believe that they can cause a slight alteration in sound. Those who are particular about the tone of their guitar may choose to remove the plastic covers to ensure optimal sound quality.
Additionally, leaving the plastic covers on can be a matter of convenience and personal preference. Some people may not want to go through the process of removing the plastic, which may involve loosening screws, prying off knobs, and using tools to avoid damage. Others may simply prefer the look and feel of the guitar with the plastic covers intact.
It is worth noting that the plastic covers are not meant to be permanent and can be removed at any time. Guitar owners can choose to leave the plastic covers on initially and decide to take them off later if they notice any residue or discolouration under the plastic. This provides flexibility and allows for a trial period to determine the preferred state of the guitar.
In summary, leaving the plastic covers on electric guitars is a valid option for those who value protection, are cautious about scratches, or believe that the covers have a minimal impact on tone. Removing the plastic covers is also a common choice, especially for those seeking optimal sound quality and those who prefer the aesthetic and tactile experience of an uncovered guitar. Ultimately, the decision to leave or remove the plastic covers depends on the priorities and preferences of the guitar owner.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should remove the plastic. It is there to protect the pickups from scratches during shipping, but it is unlikely that you will scratch your pickups badly.
The plastic covering can affect the tone of your guitar, but only very slightly. Some people argue that it doesn't affect the tone at all.
You can use a variety of tools to remove the plastic, such as a metal ruler, a credit card, a flathead screwdriver, or a piece of string. Loosen the screws on the pickups to get the plastic from under them, but be careful not to damage the finish.
You can remove the knobs by wrapping a cloth or shoelace around them to increase leverage and then pulling them off. Alternatively, you can use a plastic tool to pry them up gently without scratching the pickguard.
If you want to be extra careful, you can leave the plastic on. It will protect your pickups from scratches. Just be aware that it may affect the tone of your guitar slightly.
