Fender Custom Shop replacement parts?

[BassDudeSA]

Hi guys, I've got two Fender Custom Shop basses and I might want to buy a replacement part for each. The FCS website gives no details about parts so I wasn't sure where to go.

I've got a Jazz V Custom Classic with an Ice Blue Metallic finish with a tort guard. I love the tort guards with burst finishes but it doesn't match the blue that well, I'd like to order a new guard in pearl white, but I want it to be an authentic CS guard.

I've also got a '58 Precision Relic with a bridge that is so "relic'd" that the rust is preventing some of the screws to turn on the saddles. So I tried to take the worst of the saddles off the bridge and I can't even turn the screw in order to take it off. I need to order a new bridge from the shop that is more lightly relic'd with fully functioning screws.

If you guys know how I can get these CS parts that would be great. I don't want to buy just normal Fender stock parts.

It's ironic I must admit. The last thread I started here was for a '57 AVRI with bridge screws which were too loose and kept moving, now here I am with a '58 and screws that won't move at all!!

[BassDudeSA]

I found their consumer relations e-mail addrerss and sent them an e-mail. Hopefully they will get back to me on that!

[96tbird]

I genuinely doubt there is any such thing as an "authentic custom shop pickguard". The custom shop luthiers hand select bodies and necks from the main line and build the bass to a custom spec with custom parts, pickups, tuners, etc. The pickguard is a piece of plastic right off the line. Why would it be any different? It's a pickguard! The appropriate Fender pickguard will do, it is genuine Fender.

The relic process uses chemical aging of, in many cases, standard Fender metal parts and creates rust and gunk mojo.

As for the relic bridge, have you tried penetrating oil to dissovle any rust? That should loosen the screws. Then clean them up and reassemble. It's not a secret process, it's removing corrosion from screws. Making a bridge work won't affect it's value.

[BassDudeSA]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

I genuinely doubt there is any such thing as an "authentic custom shop pickguard". The custom shop luthiers hand select bodies and necks from the main line and build the bass to a custom spec with custom parts, pickups, tuners, etc. The pickguard is a piece of plastic right off the line. Why would it be any different? It's a pickguard! The appropriate Fender pickguard will do, it is genuine Fender.

The relic process uses chemical aging of, in many cases, standard Fender metal parts and creates rust and gunk mojo.

As for the relic bridge, have you tried penetrating oil to dissovle any rust? That should loosen the screws. Then clean them up and reassemble. It's not a secret process, it's removing corrosion from screws. Making a bridge work won't affect it's value.

Thanks for the info. Regarding the pickguard, I just want to make sure a new one fits. I'm not sure if the CS basses have any different screw holes. Seems as if every time I buy a new pickguard I am having problems with an exact fitting. Plus, being a 5-string means it is a bit more difficult.

I can't even take the bridge apart and I have been stripping the grooves just trying to get the dang things to move. I think this bridge is toast. I had to use pliers underneath the screws in order to turn them at all, that worked a bit, but not very well. At least I can take the entire bridge off the bass, but within the bridge itself, the saddles and screws are pure rust, beyond the level of relic of the rest of the bass. Your idea with the oil may have been the best idea in the beginning, and it may still work, but because I scraped it up some just using a screwdriver and pliers, I think I need a new one.

[96tbird]

The threaded saddles here are the best option. Cut the old intonation screws to get the saddles off the plate and put the new ones on: Bass Parts Resource*::*Bass Saddles
The plate you have is already relic, so really wht difference do a few more scratches make?

If you want a whole new one: Bass Parts Resource* ::*Genuine Fender Bass Bridges

Genuine Fender pick guards, the number of screwholes on yours dictates what you need; 10 Hole; Bass Parts Resource* ::* Genuine Fender Jazz Bass Pickguards
9 hole:Bass Parts Resource* ::* Genuine Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass Pickguards

You should be able to find what you want here.

[BassDudeSA]

Thanks 96! I'll look into that and probably place some orders!