Fender 51 RI: Ashtrays / Covers or Not?

LuvMusic · #1 04-07-2011, 09:09 AM

So, I just picked-up this very nice 51 RI and it has never had a bridge or pup cover installed (no holes in the body).

Would you install a bridge cover, a pup cover, both or leave it "as is." Vote and let your opinion be heard.

Thanks!

FYI, here is a pic of the bass:

Jeff 66 · #2 04-07-2011, 09:13 AM

I vote "Leave it as it is."

I don't mind the look of ashtrays and covers, but they seem to get in my way. Never got used to playing with them in place.

Bongolation · #3 04-07-2011, 09:15 AM

I've seen some pretty atrocious pickguard alignment/shape problems with these if you are actually going to try to fit up covers on straight. Likewise the Sting, etc. Be warned that you may have to do some remedial shaping of the guard.

Covers really are a nuisance, but on this particular instrument, the naked pickup really does need added protection. It's very vulnerable to several kinds of fatal damage.

If you do go with covers, have the good grace not to install them backwards.

SurferJoe46 · #4 04-07-2011, 09:24 AM

The naked hardware looks wimpy to me - a paradox for the great boom of which this bass is capable.

So I say put them both on to beef-up the milquetoast appearance of it as it is.

mkandolf · #5 04-07-2011, 09:35 AM

Installed a replacement pickup cover and thumbrest on my '78P about 4 months ago. Already had the bridge cover on it. Love the look and the difference it made in me moving up off the pickups. Do both!

LuvMusic · #6 04-08-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bongolation

Be warned that you may have to do some remedial shaping of the guard.

If you do go with covers, have the good grace not to install them backwards.

Thanks for the feedback. Can you explain why I would need to reshape the guard....for the pup cover I assume?

Still undecided.....leaning towards "leave as is" or install both.

I will install the covers correctly. Let's see, for the bridge cover that would be with the wide side facing up towards the neck??

SurferJoe46 · #7 04-08-2011, 09:59 AM

The cover may be squashed during shipping, making it flat enough to not clear the strings over the p'up. This is correctable with judicious rebending.

BUT - bending the COVER will prolly cause something bad to happen to it.

**Chef** · #8 04-08-2011, 10:27 AM

I have the bridge cover on mine. Nice aesthetic.
The pup cover is as exactly in the way as it possibly could be, for me.

electracoyote · #9 04-08-2011, 10:31 AM

Doesn't this have a lot to do with your chosen picking/plucking style(s)?

If you're a pick player who likes to hug the bridge area, a bridge cover will get in the way.

If you're a finger player who likes to use the pickup as a thumb rest, a pickup cover will get in the way.

rllefebv · #10 04-08-2011, 11:30 AM

I voted 'Bridge Cover Only' as, like others, the p'up cover is as 'in the way' as possible for my style... I did have both covers installed for some time, and as Bongolation states, a bit of judicious guard shaping was necessary... Not a lot, and I've seen at least one other RI that was wearing a p'up guard and did not need shaping... Guess I just got lucky!

I also like the 'naked' look, but I like to jam a little foam between the bridge guard and the strings (actually wrapped both above and below the strings) for a little old school muting...

-robert

mongo2 · #11 04-08-2011, 11:34 AM

I don't feel the need for the covers on mine.

afailedescape · #12 04-08-2011, 11:36 AM

I put on both, and like several others have suggested... the pickup cover is just in the way. I love the look with both on, but you kinda have to change the way you play.

EricF · #13 04-08-2011, 11:38 AM

Gotta have a little chrome. Either bridge only, or both, depending on your playing style. Pup only is not a good look.

TN WOODMAN · #14 04-08-2011, 12:02 PM

If it hasn't already been drilled, I wouldn't. If it had, you could try, but would probably wind up taking them off eventually. I just bought a used P/J with the bridge cover installed.(no p/u cover or holes). I'm going to leave it for now(has the foam mutes in place) but now at least have the option of either.I wouldn't have drilled fresh holes.

Throckmorten · #15 04-08-2011, 12:02 PM

The two always look like a codpiece and bra to me.

I have the codpiece on mine. I agree with Superjoe, the bass looks a little naked othewise.

jlane72t · #16 04-08-2011, 12:23 PM

Needs the bridge cover. It was designed that way and looks half-disassembled without, IMHO.

For the pickup cover, maybe try installing it with double-sided tape for a little while and see if it affects your playing style. Then either peel it off or commit.

Mastermold · #17 04-08-2011, 02:24 PM

I voted for both. I like the chrome on these:

msb · #18 04-08-2011, 02:29 PM

Those rocket shaped covers are wonderful . I carved a maple tug bar and put on the covers when I bought mine . Never had them off since .

I never had any issues with them .

Bongolation · #19 04-08-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMusic

Thanks for the feedback. Can you explain why I would need to reshape the guard....for the pup cover I assume?

Yeah, the pickguard's usually on cockeyed or cut cockeyed so alignment for covers is out of the question without some tweaking. Sometimes they are WAY off.