Inspired in part by Peter Frampton, V-Picks expands once again past the pick world to support the natural enemy of your pick -- your guitar finish -- with the V-Picks V-Guard. It's a clear pick guard for Gibson Les Paul guitars (keep in mind that they're not guaranteed to fit Les Paul knock-offs) that do a little more than offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to what Gibson gives you.

For a bit more money, the V-Guards can also be personalized with your name, band name, your signature or any words you can think of printed on them. Of course, spacing isn't an issue, otherwise, I would've purchased a V-Guard with Bill Pullman's speech from Independence Day on it, despite the fact that none of my guitars are remotely Les Paul shaped.

Speaking of movies I like to reference, V-Picks' Vinni Smith seems to be on the same page with Gone in 60 Seconds' Raymond Calitri. Let's do a side by side comparison:

Vinni Smith:

"Notice how you can see the wood as a whole. Why pay for all that beautiful wood and then cover it up with creme colored plastic? That just never made sense to me. Please notice in the photos of the V-Guard how the lines of the guitar aren't interrupted. Just like taking the pick guard off completely, only this way, you have some protection on the front of your investment. Even if the Les Paul is a Gold Top or a Black Beauty, that creme or black colored stock pick guard was so disruptive. It was like talking to a beautiful girl with a big pimple on her nose . . . all you could do was stare at her nose."

Not me, Vinni. I stare at their personalities.

Raymond Calitri:

"Wood is warm. Clean. Provided by nature. To see a piece of furniture take shape. It's like watching a child grow"

See? These very similar takes on the beauty of wood come from both fictional villains and good-natured, non-fictional gear makers alike. Everyone digs the look of wood.

Right now, no further plans are in order for alternate pick guards. I'm still holding off for the Flying V-Guard -- ain't no wood under that pickguard, but there sure are some exposed electronics!