Old-style Precision ashtray covers
 

Does anybody make the P pickup ashtray cover with the flat edges, like the vintage ones? I don't even think the Custom Shop basses come with the original-style ones, do they?

I love the look of these but I don't find the newer rounded ones particularly comfortable. The older flat-edged ones are great though.

Probably out of luck on this, but figured it was worth a shot. Thanks! :)

I could be imagining this, but I thought I heard that the new Fender AV RI's have the flatter edges.

You mean, like on the 51 Precision?
Those are still available.

They're everywhere, and they're cheap to buy.

What do they actually do?
Do they prevent hum , if earthed to the socket, for example?

The same idea, yes - but the shape of the later Precision ashtray.

Here's a photo of an original - note the sharp edge rather than just a curve:



These are on the new AVRI's you say? :)

They do absolutely nothing other than look "vintage". They can serve as a thumbrest, depending on your playing style.

They do are somewhat grounded. Underneath the pickguard is a metal shield, and it contacts with the screws holding the cover in place. And with the anodized guards it's the same, there the guard itself acts as a conductor.

The sharp edge is an optical illusion. That pickup cover is this -

Really? You sure about that? ;)

Actually the op is correct. From 1958 to the mid 70s the pickup cover was more square with sharper edges. The reissue covers are rounded. It is no optical illusion. The new 2013 AV Fenders have the original style sharper edged covers.

As far as I know, this company is the only place where you can find that type of cover:

http://www.grguitars.com/parts_5bass.htm

Part number PCPB973C

They were initially conceived as shielding, IIRC.

Cool, thanks!
Excellent, no need for me to get one then!:)

Thanks for the link. I've been looking for one of these!

Having a P with a metal shielding plate underneath the guard, and a cover installed: yes. When standing in front of a fluorescent lamp, my bass stops buzzing when I touch the cover (and just the cover).

thanks for the link and info about the pup cover, awesome

My '62 AVRI will be sporting the anatomically-correct variant before too much longer! :D :bassist:

Ok, so with the pickup cover installed, the bass buzzes when you stand in front of a fluorescent lamp. But it still buzzes when you touch the strings? The bass only stops buzzing when you touch the pickup cover?

What again, exactly, do you think your pickup cover does??

I like these, but it looks like they won't directly replace the AVRI's or CS's because they say the hole centers are 4 13/16" as opposed to Fender's 4 11/16". :(