Installing vintage jazz bass covers

[dariuskawelolani]

well, i just got a nice CAR Fender Deluxe active jazz and will get it setup soon and plan on getting the vintage chrome covers and tugbar shortly after.

how much should they charge for the job?

is it easy enough for me to do it myself?
Btw, ive never used a drill in my life and im scared i might mess it up.

DK

[Kipaste]

The install is very easy. Basically, it's just lining the covers up, marking the holes and drilling. There is very little that could go wrong and if you've never handled a drill before, I'd say it's about time. However, don't go straight at it, scavenge for some left over pieces of wood that you can use for practice on so you get the hang of it or if unsure, ask someone who is more confident with tools to help you. I don't see any point in paying a tech to do that.

But it's also worth mentioning, that since those covers and tugbar aren't normal on the deluxe jazz, those screw holes will have some affect on the resale value as most people don't wan't to use covers on their basses.

[Jaco D]

If you want to simulate the feel (and look) of playing with a tugbar/thumbrest and pickup covers/ashtray without scarring the bass, try them out first using double-sided tape. The regular white, spongy type is a bit too thick if you ask me (also the sponge breaks away when you dismount the stuck object so removing it is a hassle). You could use the thin ones without the sponge, but I don't think that's strong enough. A better product to use is double-sided tape with the thinner (than the white sponge) surgical rubber material. I think it is stronger than the spongy product, doesn't break up like the white sponge, and doesn't leave as much a sticky residue as the sponge (easily cleaned with Goo-gone or any citrus-based cleaner). I tried this out on a MIM fretless. Sure helps you decide if you want to go through with the mod or not.

I agree with Kips: try out your drilling skills on scrap pieces of wood before you put that drill bit to the bass' face. It's not worth paying good money to a tech/luthier for jobs you could do yourself.