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5 string Fender bridge cover? Will try 3D printing one

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by ShadowVampyre, Jul 6, 2013.

  1. Jul 6, 2013 #1
    ShadowVampyre

    ShadowVampyre

    Apr 2, 2011
    Chattanooga ,tn
    I have scoured the intertubes for a 5 string chrome Fender bridge "ashtray" cover, with zero luck.
    I work for the largest reseller of 3D printers and SolidWorks in the Southeaster US. I am thinking of designing the cover in SolidWorks, then having it 3D printed with a chrome plated finish.
    Monday I will see what it would cost me for material, as the 3D printing would be free.

    Does anyone know if they exist before I spend my time and money on this?

    Thanks,
    Chris
     
  2. Jul 6, 2013 #2
    Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician - Retired
    For Jazz or Precision? I got one for a Precision years ago from WD Music. Don't know if they still have them.
     
  3. Jul 6, 2013 #3
    ShadowVampyre

    ShadowVampyre

    Apr 2, 2011
    Chattanooga ,tn
    Sorry, Jazz. Will check them out
     
  4. Jul 16, 2013 #4
    jlepre

    jlepre

    Nov 12, 2007
    Cedar Knolls, NJ
    I wish I could just find someone selling a Marcus Miller 5 ashtray.
     
  5. Jul 16, 2013 #5
    FunkMetalBass

    FunkMetalBass

    Aug 5, 2005
    Phoenix, Arizona 85029
    Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
    As far as I know, there aren't any parts (though the Marcus Miller pickup cover will supposedly fit). I'm very interested in this as well, OP. If you get it, please let us know what it costs. I would love to have one made for a 6-string Jazz project.
     
  6. Jul 16, 2013 #6
    ShadowVampyre

    ShadowVampyre

    Apr 2, 2011
    Chattanooga ,tn
    Will do. I will be at my corporate office all week starting tommorrow, where we have several 3D printers. i just emailed the guy that does it with some pictures, and asking if they can be plated or printed with a mirror finish on the outside.

    I would have to design the 3D model in SolidWorks, and will once I know if he can print it or not.
     
  7. Jul 16, 2013 #7
    ShadowVampyre

    ShadowVampyre

    Apr 2, 2011
    Chattanooga ,tn
    I got a reply back from my buddy in charge of 3D printing at work. Looks like I can plate it using vacuum metalizing : http://muellercorp.com/chrome.php

    Not sure on cost yet or anything, but I guess it is time to start designing one!
     
  8. Jul 16, 2013 #8
    VeganThump

    VeganThump

    Jun 29, 2012
    South Jersey
    Sub'd
     
  9. Jul 16, 2013 #9
    J Posega

    J Posega Cat Dad and Dingwall Enthusiast Supporting Member

    Jul 16, 2005
    Los Angeles, CA
    Seems like you could really go crazy with the 3d printing... give the cover an engraving or pattern, offer several different shapes and sizes... seems cool. Good luck!
     
  10. Jul 16, 2013 #10
    FunkMetalBass

    FunkMetalBass

    Aug 5, 2005
    Phoenix, Arizona 85029
    Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
    Oooh, please keep us informed, or be prepared for an influx of emails from some users (me, for instance). :)
     
  11. Jul 16, 2013 #11
    Scott in Dallas

    Scott in Dallas Commercial User

    Aug 16, 2005
    Dallas, north Texas
    Builder and Owner: DJ Ash Guitars
    If I had access to that stuff, I think they'd find my dehydrated corpse surrounded by all the neat parts and gizmos I designed and printed out.
     
  12. Jul 23, 2013 #12
    FunkMetalBass

    FunkMetalBass

    Aug 5, 2005
    Phoenix, Arizona 85029
    Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
    How goes the design/printing?
     
  13. Jul 23, 2013 #13
    ShadowVampyre

    ShadowVampyre

    Apr 2, 2011
    Chattanooga ,tn
    Well, I got my 4 string cover, and talking with the 3D print tech, seems like I have a few options.
    I would design this in SolidWorks, then he suggested 2 paths:

    1. Print 2 halves to a mold, then pour in plastic or urethane, to be chrome plated. This would be cheaper if I were to make multiple covers, and sell.

    2. Print the one cover, and send out to be plated.

    Either way, I am not sure it will be cost effective, unless I could get a committment to buy from probabl 10 users of so. It looks like it might end up costing about $75 or so to plate a single cover! Printing the mold, and pouring urethane would be a minimal cost, and I could recoup my cost in probably about 6 orders, and the plating should go down with a bulk order.

    I can check with the plater to see the cost, if there is enough interest.

    What do you guys think?
     
  14. Jul 23, 2013 #14
    VeganThump

    VeganThump

    Jun 29, 2012
    South Jersey
    I'd buy one for $75 to help the cause!
     
  15. Jul 23, 2013 #15
    jlepre

    jlepre

    Nov 12, 2007
    Cedar Knolls, NJ
    Wish I could help you out, but $75 is steep for something I haven't at least seen yet
     
  16. Jul 23, 2013 #16
    ShadowVampyre

    ShadowVampyre

    Apr 2, 2011
    Chattanooga ,tn
    John,
    I feel the same way, most likely this will not happen for just a cosmetic item
    :(
     
  17. Jul 23, 2013 #17
    FunkMetalBass

    FunkMetalBass

    Aug 5, 2005
    Phoenix, Arizona 85029
    Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
    I'm truthfully more interested in a version to fit a 6-string model (the SX Ursa), so I imagine I'd have to go with the printed & plated cover option for cost effectiveness.