Replacing the Fender Jazz Bass Control Plate

Kickin'Fruit · #1 07-19-2006, 01:02 PM

The control plate on my MIM Fender Jazz doesn't quite mate up with the pickguard leaving a gap. I was thinking I could buy a sheet of metal and cut it to size. What type of metal do you think it is or do you know if there are control plates made for Jazz basses that DON'T already have the holes drilled in them? I think that is the problem that the holes don't line up correctly. Gracias.

Nick Ioannucci · #2 07-19-2006, 06:18 PM

its chrome plated metal FWIW. did you put on a replacement PG? that could be the problem, cause my mim jazz definitely does not have that problem

Kickin'Fruit · #3 07-19-2006, 06:22 PM

Yeah I replaced the PG, but the gap that was only subtle before is now larger... Here see how the CP is already misaligned on the right? http://img95.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bass005nd8.png

Stu L. · #4 07-19-2006, 06:25 PM

More proof that there is no such thing as a direct replacement pick guard.

You need to trim the guard. I like to use a Dremmel for this. I'm sure there are other ways to shave a little off, but that's how I do it.

Nick Ioannucci · #5 07-19-2006, 06:55 PM

he said the guard was too small not too big

Stu L. · #6 07-19-2006, 08:13 PM

In the pic, I see white paint to the left of the neck pup. I also see a bit of white paint to the left of the controll plate, just at the top of it. Therefore, the PG may need a trim and probably a realignment. Some of the existing PG screw holes may not line up.

If it was fine before, and the PG is new, then the problem is in it, not the controll plate.

Kickin'Fruit · #7 07-19-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubi19

In the pic, I see white paint to the left of the neck pup. I also see a bit of white paint to the left of the controll plate, just at the top of it. Therefore, the PG may need a trim and probably a realignment. Some of the existing PG screw holes may not line up.

If it was fine before, and the PG is new, then the problem is in it, not the controll plate.

That's because I filed it down and had to extend the hole on the top left PG screw hole... On the original PG, the control plate stuck out to the right just as it does now. If I unscrew it leaving the bottom screw in acting like a hinge and I swing it, the radius matches up perfectly.

But you're right, if I move the whole PG to the RIGHT it looks like it would match up... but then the screw holes would totally NOT align. POS Mighty Mite PG. I'm going to try again and buy another for like 12 bucks.. Or am I just wasting money that could be spent toward a custom made one from say WDMusic.com?? Thanks for all your input.

Vic Winters · #8 07-19-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kickin'Fruit

If I unscrew it leaving the bottom screw in acting like a hinge and I swing it, the radius matches up perfectly.

Then do that. Redrill the holes and screw it down. Unless it's a big shift, you'll never see the extra holes. If they're too close together, use wood filler, or be ghetto and use toothpicks and glue in the holes.

Kickin'Fruit · #9 07-19-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic Winters

Then do that. Redrill the holes and screw it down. Unless it's a big shift, you'll never see the extra holes. If they're too close together, use wood filler, or be ghetto and use toothpicks and glue in the holes.

Well if I just pick up some sheet metal, approximately the thickness of the control plate and make a copy, I can move the screw holes a bit and avoid drilling holes into my bass. I was also thinking of putting some 'texturing' on it with a dremel or something similar.

Kickin'Fruit · #10 07-19-2006, 10:37 PM

Here is a pick of the guitar before I replaced the PG. See the CP? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting

Stu L. · #11 07-19-2006, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic Winters

Then do that. Redrill the holes and screw it down. Unless it's a big shift, you'll never see the extra holes. If they're too close together, use wood filler, or be ghetto and use toothpicks and glue in the holes.

Agreed. And there is nothing wrong with toothpicks and superglue to fill a hole, or ten

If you have your heart set on building a custom controll plate, more power to you. But I would think that it would be more work than it would be worth. As for other pickguards, I honestly don't feel there are true "drop in" replacements without a little work. My $.02

jonly · #12 07-20-2006, 03:17 PM

I replaced my pickguard on the jazz with the same results. Easiest fix was filling the holes for the control plate and redrilling with it matched to the pickguard. good as new.

Kickin'Fruit · #13 07-20-2006, 09:53 PM

what about the holes that don't match up for the PG?

Stu L. · #14 07-20-2006, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kickin'Fruit

what about the holes that don't match up for the PG?

Just hope that they're covered by the 'guard.

jonly · #15 07-20-2006, 10:49 PM

the pickguard covered them. I put it on so that it was lined up with the neck and pups, and then adjusted the control plate so that it matched up.

Kickin'Fruit · #16 07-21-2006, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonly

the pickguard covered them. I put it on so that it was lined up with the neck and pups, and then adjusted the control plate so that it matched up.

I guess I'm just thinking of this modification as temporary and I don't want to do any permanent changes, even though It would make it look near perfect. Did you drill new holes for the PG too? I think my inhibition is resale value, or I'm afraid of screwing it up. If you see my "relic" thread, I tend to think of Basses as fragile pieces of equipment and don't think of these modifications as justified

I hope I can break that mentality and get my bass to look the way I want it and not be so paranoid about screwing it up (no pun intended).

jonly · #17 07-22-2006, 02:46 PM

yeah, I had to redrill for a couple of the pg screws. I'm not sure that I am too worried about resale on this bass, it's the one that I want for me.

KeithBMI · #18 07-23-2006, 05:51 PM

This may sound stupid, but there are multiple ways to put on a pickguard. Unscrew it and shove the pickguard snug against the plate. Work from the bottom up. I've noticed that when I do the top screws and don't pay attention to the control plate/pg meet then it's all out of whack. It's either on top of the plate or has a huge gap.

If you've tried this then don't listen to me.

Nick Ioannucci · #19 07-23-2006, 07:18 PM

youre going a little nuts imo, my mexi fender looks pretty much the same, doesnt line up perfectly, but its a mexi fender ya know. but the textured control plate does sound pretty cool. but make sure is not raw metal, it will rust very easily, but then again that could be cool too.

Bottom Feeder · #20 07-23-2006, 11:23 PM

I dunno. But If yer gonna bother actually making a new control plate, why dont you try grinding the one side down a little first?