Just taken delivery of a Classic 60's Jazz bass and would like to fit bridge and pickup covers. The covers arrived without screws and pickguard screws are too small and I'm wondering which screws are a fit.
I've downloaded a template for locating the screw holes but the template seems inaccurate, the hole points do not match exactly to the cover holes (variation of 2mm, not a lot but enough to put everything out of whack). Using the template I've managed to find a position that looks true but I'm unsure how best to proceed. The finish is urethane, doesn't seem overly thick, does anyone have tips on installing these things?
Comments
In which direction is the template out? Obviously if it puts the cover too far forward that's a problem - just move it back far enough to clear the bridge and the ball ends.
I would put some masking tape on the body to mark the positions, that way you can use a pen/pencil without indenting the finish until you're sure it's right. Then drill through the tape, which should help to stop chipping. (Although original Fenders very often are chipped around the holes.)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
In which direction is the template out? Obviously if it puts the cover too far forward that's a problem - just move it back far enough to clear the bridge and the ball ends.
The template gives positions for two styles -
The Modified holes conceal the pickup completely, whereas the Stock holes allow the pickup screws to stand proud of the cover which I think is the correct location. Here's a pic with it in Stock position. The perspective is slightly skewed but you get the idea. As you can see the bridge plate holes are wider apart than the template.
Thanks for the tip about drilling through tape, I'll do that.
I think the correct position is with the pickup fully covered, actually - just as long as it doesn't hit the ball ends it will fit OK.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
No muting at the bridge.
Its a nope from me!
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
Strung with Fender Nylon Tapewound 58-110's. First time with tapewound; think I prefer plain flats but they're perfectly okay strings. I'll play them for a month or two and see how they settle down. Loving the Jazz neck, further up the board it reminds me of the Ric, with its flat back, very easy to play. Surprised at how low output the pickups are but I've been playing a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound until very recently so that might explain it. Pickup heights are a bit low too, so I'll have a play with it. Straight out of the box intonation and setup was damn near perfect. V impressed.
ps. If the covers look out of whack to you, please keep it to yourself
Worse!
On older bridge covers, there would have been a foam strip glued on inside to act as a permanent string mute.
Plink. Plonk. Plunk.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
Not sure what the difference in the positions is, I've never fitted one to a bass that didn't have one originally.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein