For many bassists, the choice of pick guard is an afterthought. But it doesn’t have to be. While many basses come packaged with a pick guard, there’s a wide variety of options out there for players who want to customize their instrument. Some are designed to protect basses with more decorative woodwork around the neck, while others are more focused on durability and protection against wear and tear.
To help you find the best pick guard for you, we’ve rounded up the most durable, best-selling pick guards currently on the market.
Read on to find the best pick guard for you.
Our Editor’s Best Bass Guitar Pick Guards Reviews
- This pickguard fit 4 stings P Bass pickguard replacement, American and Mexico standard models, will not fit Squier or 5-string P Bass guitar. If you have other types of P Bass guitar, you may need a little modification for line up.
- There is 13 screw holes in the side of pickguard,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation. PURE aluminum foil shield on the backside, better shielding property and anti-interference.
- Material: 4Ply constructions made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material. Color: red tortoise shell / white / black / white.
- Package includes: 1pcs P Bass guitar pickguard, 25 pcs pickguard screws.
- Fits American Precision Bass, American Standard and Mexico Standard models (after 1970s). Will not fit Squier, 5-string Precision Bass
- 13 mounting screw holes ,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover
- 4ply Vintage Tortoise/White/Black/White PVC material, 0.09 inch (2.2mm) thickness
- Back foiled, double layers protective film on top, please remove it after you install
- Package included: 1 x Bass Pickguard
- This pickguard fit 4 stings P Bass pickguard replacement, American and Mexico standard models, will not fit Squier or 5-string P Bass guitar. If you have other types of P Bass guitar, you may need a little modification for line up.
- There is 13 screw holes in the side of pickguard,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation. PURE aluminum foil shield on the backside, better shielding property and anti-interference.
- Material: 4Ply constructions made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material. Color: white pearloid / white / black / white.
- Package includes: 1pcs P Bass guitar pickguard, 25 pcs pickguard screws.
- This Pickguard fits USA/Mexican Fender Standard Jazz Bass,but not Fender Squier Jazz Bass or other types of Jazz Basses.If you have other types of J Bass,you may need to make a little modification to let it fit
- Pickguard is made of plastic,it has plastic films which should be peeled off after installing
- Thickness is about 2.2mm (+/- 0.2mm error, because different bulks materials might be varied a little different thickness)
- Due to the wide variety of pickguards in the market,please be sure to verify the dimensions carefully before you order the item
- Free pickguard mounting screws are included
- This pickguard fit 4 stings P Bass pickguard replacement, American and Mexico standard models, will not fit Squier or 5-string P Bass guitar. If you have other types of P Bass guitar, you may need a little modification for line up.
- There is 13 screw holes in the side of pickguard,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation. PURE aluminum foil shield on the backside, better shielding property and anti-interference.
- Material: 4Ply constructions made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material. Color: aged pearloid / cream / black / cream.
- Package includes: 1pcs P Bass guitar pickguard, 25 pcs pickguard screws.
- Fits American Precision Bass, American Standard and Mexico Standard models (after 1970s). Will not fit Squier, 5-string Precision Bass
- 13 mounting screw holes ,without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover.
- 4ply White Pearl/White/Black/White PVC material, 0.09 inch (2.2mm) thickness
- Back foiled, double layers protective film on top, please remove them after you install
- Package included: 1 x P Bass Pickguard
- This pickguard fit 4 stings standard J Bass made in USA or Mexico. If you have other types of J Bass guitar, you may need a little modification for line up.
- There is 10 screw holes in the side of pickguard, without truss rod notch. No holes for thumb rest or pickup cover.
- Material: 4Ply constructions made of quality celluloid and PVC plastic material. Color: aged pearloid / cream / black / cream.
- There are 2 layers thin protective film on the front surface of the pickguard, peel off after installation.
- Package includes: 1pcs J Bass guitar pickguard, 25 pcs pickguard screws.
- This Pickguard fits USA/Mexican Fender Standard Jazz Bass,but not USA Deluxe Jazz Bass, or Fender Squier Jazz Bass or other types of Jazz Basses.If you have other types of J Bass,you may need to make a little modification to let it fit
- Pickguard is made of plastic,it has plastic films which should be peeled off after installing
- Thickness is about 2.2mm (+/- 0.2mm error, because different bulks materials might be varied a little different thickness)
- Due to the wide variety of pickguards in the market,please be sure to verify the dimensions carefully before you order the item
- Free pickguard mounting screws are included
- Pickguard is made of PVC Plastic and top layer is printed pattern by 3D technology
- This Pickguard fits 13 Hole USA/Mexican Fender Standard P Bass,but not Fender Squier P Bass or other types of P Basses.If you have other types of P Bass,you may need to make a little modification to let it fit
- Thickness is about 2.2mm (+/- 0.2mm error, because different bulks materials might be varied a little different thickness)
- Due to the wide variety of pickguards in the market,please be sure to verify the dimensions carefully before you order the item
- Free pickguard mounting screws are included
- This pickguard will only fit genuine Fender American Standard Jazz Bass or Mexican Jazz Bass, for other Jazz bass style bass, you may need a modification for line up.
- 10 mounting screws holes, without truss rod notch,no holes for thumb rest or pickup cover
- 4Ply Pearl Parchment/Cream/White/Cream PVC material，0.09 inch (2.2mm) thickness
- Double protective film on the top, please remove them when you install
- Package included: 1 x Pickguard
Best Bass Guitar Pick Guards Buying Guide
Before choosing the best bass guitar pick guard you should consider following options:
1. Color: Pickguards are available in a wide range of shades. If you are looking for something subtle and understated, you can choose a black or gray pickguard.
Alternatively, if you want something with a little more visual impact, you can choose a pickguard in bright colors such as red, orange, green, or purple.
2. Style: Pickguards are available in a range of styles, including the single-ply, two-ply, and three-ply. A two- or three-ply pickguard is stronger and more durable.
3. Ease of Installation: Pickguards come with different mounting systems. Some are designed to be stuck to the guitar body with adhesive.
Others have a mounting system that allows you to screw the pickguard onto the guitar body.
4. Cost: You can get a pickguard for as little as $5 or as much as $40. The price depends on the material used, thickness, and the mounting system.
What else you should know about bass guitar pick guards
1. What are the best bass guitar pick guards?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as what works best for one bass player may not be ideal for another. Some factors to consider when choosing a bass guitar pick guard include the size and shape of the instrument, the style of music being played, and the player’s personal preferences. Many bassists prefer clear pick guards so that they can see the underlying wood grain of their instrument, while others prefer opaque pick guards for a more uniform look. Ultimately, the best bass guitar pick guard is the one that allows the player to perform at their highest level.
2. What are the different types of bass guitar pick guards?
There are many different types of bass guitar pick guards, but the most common are clear, black, white, and tortoise shell.
3. What are the benefits of using a bass guitar pick guard?
There are a few benefits to using a bass guitar pick guard. First, it can help to prevent wear and tear on the finish of your bass. Second, it can help to prevent the build-up of gunk and grime on your bass strings and pickups. Third, it can give you a little bit of extra grip when you’re playing, which can be helpful if your hands tend to sweat.
4. How do I choose the best bass guitar pick guard for my instrument?
The best bass guitar pick guard for your instrument is the one that fits your style and personality. There are many different materials, colors, and sizes to choose from, so take your time and find the one that suits you best. You may also want to consider the type of music you play, as some pick guards are better suited for certain genres.
5. How do I install a bass guitar pick guard?
Most bass guitar pick guards will need to be installed by a professional. However, you can find some pick guards that are made to be installed by the consumer. These will usually have adhesive backing that will allow you to simply peel and stick the pick guard in place.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best bass guitar pick guards. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best bass guitar pick guards will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.