Why no "No pickguard" option?

[Czar]

I'm a fan of the MM pickguards but have heard many people say the pickguard is ugly.

Why wouldn't there be a no pickguard option?

Are they just for brand identity?

 

[todd4ta]

Here is my '79 when I got it refinished, before I put the pickguard back on.

 

[cgworkman]

You could always get a clear PG.

However, that's still a good question.

Honestly though, most 'I come with a PG basses' don't have the option of going naked. I.e. Fender, etc.

 

[midopa]

That'd be an interesting option to see on a form for a new instrument.

"Naked [x]"

Check!

 

[bassmonkeee]

A clear pickguard is probably the way to go if you don't like screw holes. Plus, you can swap out any picure you want underneath. You could make your bass the loudest picture frame ever.

Personally, I am not a fan of the naked Bongo. It might have something to do with Moby looking like something Mork from Ork would pilot without a pickguard, though.
Plus, I think the Bongo's sloped edges look better with the payoff of a pickguard. Otherwise, the flat top of the Bongo takes un a decidedly un-Bongo-like appearance.







Hee hee....screw holes.

 

[todd4ta]

Also, you can see the Stingray pickup route isn't really intended for public viewing. I think the EB rays are the same way, I would have to check.

 

[Czar]

The EB routes are tight.

 

[AnthonyD]

Hee hee....screw holes.

Sick puppy...

From the looks of that Bongo, I'd say you can't get routes much tighter!

 

[JB1]

Check this one out...

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2823&highlight=clear+guard

 

[rulyøngo]

The no pickguard option would be nice. But i would prefer a clear pickguard option, just in case jou want to put a pg later on.