Tricks to prevent belt scratching

fire_glo · Post by **fire_glo** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:36 pm

I was wondering if anyone has any tricks they may use to prevent belt scratching on the back of their guitar? For example, stick something on the back surface that won't do permanent damage to the finish, but will prevent scratching.

I'm a performing rock musician so I move around a lot on stage and the backs of my guitars get pretty scratched up from my belt. I want to try to preserve my newly aquired Ric 360/6 WITHOUT removing my belt. All ideas are welcome!

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:42 pm

Suspenders? Or maybe use a rope like Jethro. I used to wear tighter pants. Not to hard these days!

loendmaestro · Post by **loendmaestro** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:42 pm

I remove my belt.
The more beer I drink, the better my jeans fit.

jaybic · Post by **jaybic** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:57 pm

I never tuck in my shirt while playing
that and the beer helps too

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:07 pm

I untuck my shirt also....no scratches yet....

adam_swapp · Post by **adam_swapp** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:08 pm

Get a neoprene buckle. Or put a pad on your buckle. Or just call your guitar a relic and sell it for twice what it's worth.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:15 pm

Play naked and keep your belly button squeaky-clean!

fire_glo · Post by **fire_glo** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:30 pm

ok, ok... I thought I would get some smart remarks for this one! Well, I did some web surfing and found out about removable pickguards. Anyone heard of Alternative Pickguard or Guitar Bra? I think that's my best option... or, naked... that would be great for the show! Anyways, these "pickguards" are really just pieces of thick transparent vinyl that stick to any glossy surface. Seems like a lot of people are happy with them. I'm going to buy 2 6"x10" sheets (20 mil) from Ebay for $6. I'll let you know how it works out. Until then... I'll just play naked! Ha Ha! Yeah right...

For anyone interested: www.dscustom.com/testimonials.htm

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:38 pm

A fair question Geoff. Many folks move their belt buckle to the side of their pants and this works very well.

An alternative offered by Gretsch with the Country Gentleman provided the leather patch that snapped on the back which worked very well. It did add considerable weight to an already heavy instrument though.

I find that using a belt with a small buckle minimizes the risk.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:44 pm

Yeah, work on that beer gut!!

Back in the 60s one of the guitarists in our school band nailed a piece of sheepskin on the back of his Fender Jaguar (or was it Mustang - I forget!). Instant result - no scratches on the Fender but a lot of wool getting wrapped up in his buckle!

Tried putting your belt on backwards?

Cheers

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:46 pm

I recall that back in the '60s, Fender marketed a product called the guitar guard. It was a vac-formed piece of stiff, heavy clear mylar with a foam strip around the edge, which slipped over the back of a guitar. I had one on my Olympic White Mustang and it worked beautifully! It was made by a company called Parker.

Would be a nice Rick accessory!

jamesvwaal · Post by **jamesvwaal** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:55 pm

I hate belts anyway so I wear Gramicci pants which have a built-in web "belt" which is hidden underneath.

325_fan · Post by **325_fan** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:33 am

I can't even see my belt buckle so it never touches my guitar.

scoobster28 · Post by **scoobster28** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:31 am

Some musicians from the sixties, mostly country ones, had huge Belt Buckles and they wore them on the SIDE of their pants. A little interesting to look at for sure, but put your belt on from the side and then the buckle is ALSO on the side, and out of harms way. Thus, your Rickenbacker is safe and sound. Playing Beatles in a country and western bar, though, ISN'T safe and sound!

oreca · Post by **oreca** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 3:06 am

I don't tuck in my shirt and I never have problems with my belt touching the back, and I tend to move it to the left a bit just so there's no way it scratches the back.
Although there's already a few lines from the previous owner...