The Tone-Gard is designed to isolate the back of the instrument from the player and to protect it. Isolating the back allows the top to produce more volume and deepens the tone. You can test the concept right now without a Tone-Gard: Face a wall about a foot or two away to allow the sound to bounce back directly to you, and play your instrument normally. After you are used to the sound, hold the mandolin by the neck so that the back of the instrument is a couple of inches away from you. Now try playing a couple of chops. Go back and forth, against and away from your body, and you will notice a difference. You will hear a difference even in just hitting one chop and letting it ring while holding against you, then away.

Many prominent mandolinists -- including David Grisman, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Hillman, Roland White, Radim Zenkl, Andy Statman, Mike Marshall, Dana Rath, Tom Rozum, Eric Thompson, Emory Lester, and many others -- use and recommend the Tone-Gard to get the best sound. Read the Reviews

The two Gards below are both the "Standard" design.Ý Because of the spring arms at the waist and tail, they adjust to fit anyÝGibsonÅ-based mandolin. i.e., any mandolin that will fit a standard A or F case. This fits most mandolins except "exotics." I also make a special Gard for RigelsÅ, adapted for the rounded sides and original body shape. Custom sizes and designs are also available for other mandolins, guitars, ukes, etc. -- see examples in the PHOTO GALLERY.Ý Almost all mandolins fit fine in a case, including CaltonÅ cases, with the Gard left on.

The Tone-Gard is made from mild steel and is welded, then sprayed with a durable high-gloss paint. All surfaces that come in contact with the instrument have rubber and leather pads where needed to protect the instrument's finish. The only maintenance is a little instrument wax or PledgeÅ on the rubber-pads periodically to prevent deterioration. The rubber pads can also be easily replaced if necessary.