Used by countless mandolin players, the Tone Gard has become a ubiquitous accessory in the mandolin world, helping players get the most volume and the truest tone from their instruments.

The idea is pretty straightforward: by isolating the back of the mandolin from the player's torso/belly, the back plate can vibrate more freely.

You can test this out for yourself by comparing the sound of the mandolin played while holding the mandolin against your body versus held off your body. The difference in physical vibration, tone, and volume are clearly audible.

In addition, the Gard, well, guards against belt rash and other potential sources of war and tear on the back. The 'Gards are made of laser cut steel with a ceramic powder coat. All surfaces that come in contact with the instrument have rubber and leather pads where needed to protect the instrument’s finish. Care should be taken with new, varnish finish instruments.

The Tone Gard for mandolin comes in two sizes. This, the Sunrise Gard, is the original and still the most popular model. It will fit most standard A and F-style mandolins that measure from 9 3/4" to 9 15/16" across the lower bout. This includes Collings, most Northfield models (aside from the Big Mon), Gibson F models, and countless others.

We also carry the Vintage Guard, intended for mandolins measuring 10" to 10 3/8" across the lower bout. If you have an Eastman, Ellis, Pava, Northfield Big Mon, or a vintage, 'teens oval-hole Gibson, hop over to our Vintage Gard listing.