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My son likes to strum right above the fretboard, in front of the sound hole. He is playing about 20 hours or more each week. He has been slowly wearing away the finish and when repairing the screw driver hole (another post lol) I noticed the wood fibers are coming through the finish. What is the best way to protect this area from future abuse?

Thanks again,
Devin

Maybe a clear pick-guard would be best at that spot.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

I'm with Steve!
Buy the thick stuff from Lmii .
Mc

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Mike Collins

Should I put over the wood fibers first to keep the adhesive from pulling them up, if/when I have to replace the pickguard?

Thanks,
Devin

Definitely try to touch up the affected area before you fabricate and apply your guard.

Well, I would anyway. Just for looks and integrity of the top.

_________________
"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

I guess you don't like that kind of character added to the guitar? I like that kind of stuff when it's natural especially in your case when it was done by your son. Just think when he is older and he sees that. You can't buy memories like that. It's like those height measurements knotches on the door jam. I don't think it's going to do anything to the top as a structual problem. Have you ever seen the top on that J45 Springsteen plays?
But if you are going to fix it then I'd 2nd. the above post.

hmmm, the door jam put it into a whole different perspective. I think I will leave it.

Thanks to all who responded,
Devin

I've also seen pickguard material that just clings to the surface like kid's ColorForms. You can lift them off anytime. I'm fairly certain LMII or StewMac sells the stuff.
Craig