Do I need a pickguard on my Taylor guitar?

Question

I want to keep my new GS4 for a very long time. I play with a pick and I wanna know if putting a pickguard on the thing will increase or decrease the value. I think it's beautiful right now. Do you think it'll ruin the beauty.

Answer 1

One good thing about Taylor pickguards is that its unique shape is asthetically pleasing, but I think it looks nicer without the pickguard as it shows the guitars finely finished woods.  I have a Custom GA without a pickguard fully displaying the soundboard wood, but I also have a 810 with a pickguard that also looks nice. I guess it comes down to your personal preference.  If your really worried about getting scratches then a clear pickguard from Taylor would be a nice option.  As for the effect on value, I would assume that most guitar buyers looking to buy a high guitar as yours would know that the GS do not come with a pickguard from the factory, but I don't think it will be a big price altering factor.  I personally welcome scratches or 'battle scars' on my guitars.  I don't intentionally go out and scratch them up or anything.  I just think it gives it character, a sign that it has been played and enjoyed as it was intended to be, a small unintentional token of memory that makes my guitar truly mine, wear and tear from the love of playing.

Answer 2

It probably won't devalue the guitar very much, and as far as the aesthetics of the guitar, clear pickguards can be found