Adding stickers to your guitar can seem like a cool way to personalize your instrument and express yourself. But before you start covering your beloved six-string in decals, it’s wise to consider the potential impacts. Guitar players often wonder about the effects of Stickers On Guitars, and this guide will explore everything from sound alterations to potential finish damage and even resale value.
Do Stickers Affect Guitar Sound?
The primary concern for most musicians is whether stickers on a guitar will change its tone. For acoustic guitars, the soundboard, or top, is the most crucial part for sound production as it vibrates to create the instrument’s voice. Applying a single, small sticker is unlikely to cause any noticeable difference in sound. However, if you were to cover a significant portion of the soundboard with stickers, you might slightly dampen its vibrations. This could, in theory, lead to a very subtle change in resonance and tone, making it sound a tiny bit less vibrant.
Think of it this way: a small sticker is to your guitar’s soundboard what a tiny drop of water is to a large sponge. It’s there, but its impact is minimal. In fact, a pickguard, which is much larger and thicker than a typical sticker, is generally considered to have less sonic impact than some players imagine. Many guitarists, seeking the purest acoustic tone, even prefer guitars without pickguards altogether.
For electric guitars, the body’s role in sound is different. While resonance is still a factor, the pickups are primarily responsible for capturing the string vibrations. Stickers on an electric guitar body, especially on the back or sides, will have virtually no effect on the amplified sound.
The Hidden Risk: Damage to Your Guitar’s Finish
Beyond sound, a more significant consideration when thinking about stickers on guitars is the potential damage to the finish. While sticking them on might seem harmless, removing them later can present problems.
Glue Residue and Finish Reactions
The adhesive on stickers can leave behind a sticky residue, especially after being on the guitar for an extended period. Removing this residue often requires solvents, and some solvents can react negatively with certain guitar finishes, potentially causing damage like clouding, softening, or even stripping the finish.
The “Ghosting” Effect: Uneven Aging
Another issue arises from the way wood and finishes age with light exposure. Over time, exposure to light can cause the guitar’s finish and wood underneath to change color, often mellowing or deepening in tone. A sticker blocks light from reaching the finish underneath it. If you remove a sticker after months or years, you might find a noticeable “ghost” or shadow where the sticker was. This is because the area under the sticker will be lighter and less aged compared to the surrounding exposed finish. This effect is similar to what you see when removing a pickguard from an older acoustic guitar – a visible outline where the pickguard used to be.
Stickers and Guitar Value: A Resale Perspective
If you ever plan to sell or trade in your guitar, adding stickers on guitars can potentially affect its resale value. While personalizing your instrument is fun, modifications, including sticker application and potential finish issues, might make it less appealing to some buyers. Collectors and players looking for pristine instruments often prefer guitars in original condition. Removing stickers to sell a guitar might reveal finish damage or “ghosting,” which could lower the perceived value.
However, if you intend to keep your guitar indefinitely and the stickers genuinely enhance your enjoyment of the instrument, then the potential impact on resale value might be less of a concern. Your personal enjoyment and connection with your guitar are paramount.
A Sticker-Friendly Alternative: Your Guitar Case
For those who love stickers but are hesitant to put them directly on their guitars, there’s an excellent compromise: your guitar case! Hard-shell guitar cases provide a perfect surface for stickers. They won’t affect the guitar’s sound or finish, and cases are generally more resilient to sticker residue and potential damage. Plus, a sticker-covered case can be a cool way to personalize your gear and make it easily identifiable.
Final Verdict: Stick Wisely
Stickers on guitars are largely a matter of personal preference. A few well-placed stickers are unlikely to ruin your sound, but be aware of the potential for finish damage and the subtle impact on resale value. If you decide to decorate your guitar with stickers, consider placing them on less critical areas like the back of the body, and be mindful of the potential consequences when it comes time to remove them. And if you just love stickers and want to avoid any risk, your guitar case is always a sticker-friendly zone!
