i have two bluesbirds, both 1997, one gold top the other curly maple...i bought both brand new in 2004 or 5...they were old stock and neither had a pick guard or signs of one...from what i've learned these guitars were last of the rhode islanders, and their tone and playability is unequalled. i'm glad they didn't catch on like the les pauls...it kept the price down and the quanities low...some day they should be worth a fortune!
Oct 06, 2009 Rating
Pick Guard issue by: Anonymous
I own a 1997 Black Bluesbird, SN# CL000420 (may have one too many or less zero's) The pick guard was not attached to mine and I added it, although I purchased a custom pick guard that omitted the metal angle that connects to the bottom edge. I had to trim the pick guard to fit snug and mounted it with two screws (one at the neck and another at the face between the volume control and bridge pickup. This gave me a bit more rise for fingerstyle blues. To be honest, he historic value of the guitar is not important to me as I also own a Martin OMC-28 (only 80 made) and a Taylor 915 (obtained from Ben Harper for work on his music store in California). These are in pristine condition and sound beautiful. When properly set up - the Bluesbird (matched with an original Fender Blues Deluxe amp) is the best I've heard. I can't say it is better than the Les Paul, but I am more than happy with the tone and playability.
