I somehow recall Will saying he uses a cover on the front pickup because it helps him keep his hand in better position when he slaps. Not sure how or why however.
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In the 70's I used a pick, the front cover plate was good for resting your hand while picking in front of it.
My two cents. I had always had the same thought about the plate getting in the way of my preferred right hand placement, but nevertheless put one on my Metro WL4 shortly after its arrival a few years ago and have never thought of taking it off.Well, thanks guys for the answers, the shielding function didn't occur to me, it is a REAL reason. It doesn't look cool to me anyway, but it's just a matter of taste, I grew up on 80's players/records so it's just a strange thing.
And couldn't concentrate for the music while strugglin with a metal plate I think, but maybe should try it...
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Yes, it absolutely changes the way I approach the bass, but I LOVE IT as a result! There is something having restrictions that can sometimes be strangely liberating, force a new approach. In fact, that is my #1 go-to gig instrument - consistently chosen over the Satin Deluxe Verdine White even!
Of course, YMMV.
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Marcus Miller also uses the pickup cover on his J:
Yeah but what has he ever done. Seriously though, I had one on a J5 and it really did give me a good pivot point for laying down some heavy thumb work. I go in for that more aggressive, trying-to-sound-like-Larry Graham approach though. Key word trying. Per some earlier comments, I always want to have covers on my P-Basses, but I too find my jam from floating my right hand plucking all over, but mostly over the pickup.
I've been in the woodshed the last day or so working with it, and it does change the way you approach it a bit. I dig the pivot point for thumbing. I also like the way it feels for digging in on the B string. Strongly considering ordering a 5-21 Verdine White, and that bass will NOT have a pickup cover 
no worries... these days with how (especially) Sadowskys are built (best implementation of grounding and internal shielding, even inside the pickups themselves), they aren't needed unless you like the way they look or (as noted) you're one of the few who incorporate it into your technique. But I think that's a fairly rare case these days, and even on the Fenders, usually the "cans" were/are the first things to come off upon purchase anyway. We're good.
Ha. I won't tell you NOT to try it, but the only benefit for me (aside from appearance) is that it forces me not to play right over the pickup. Even on my coverless basses I try to float my thumb and vary my right hand placement, but that pickup seems to be a magnet in more ways than one.It doesn't look cool to me anyway, but it's just a matter of taste, I grew up on 80's players/records so it's just a strange thing.
And couldn't concentrate for the music while strugglin with a metal plate I think, but maybe should try it...
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No need to order just hit me upI've been in the woodshed the last day or so working with it, and it does change the way you approach it a bit. I dig the pivot point for thumbing. I also like the way it feels for digging in on the B string. Strongly considering ordering a 5-21 Verdine White, and that bass will NOT have a pickup cover
Sadowsky Verdine White Satin PJ White Satin | Bob's Bassment | Reverb
My 76 P in 79 with covers. Played with a pick all the time then..... probably couldn't use a pick now, I'd drop it!I've been in the woodshed the last day or so working with it, and it does change the way you approach it a bit. I dig the pivot point for thumbing. I also like the way it feels for digging in on the B string. Strongly considering ordering a 5-21 Verdine White, and that bass will NOT have a pickup cover
Playing with the cover on is like trying to eat corn in the cob with braces on your teeth. I feel the same about Rics even without the cover(s).
I'm not at all affiliated with the seller, but there's a vintage Sadowsky for sale in the Boston area for a reasonable price IMHO. I did inquire and the serial number is 269 making it from '87. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Probably a really nice bass.
I recall playing an early Sadowsky for the first time back in that time frame. Cost was about the same; and it was for sale pre-owned at Elderly Instruments in MI. I remember grabbing it off the rack thinking “let’s see what all the buzz is about;” and immediately being struck by “oh, this guy totally gets Jazz Basses.”
Being on just my salary and with four young mouths to feed, it was just a bit out of our price range at the time. But, never forgot it, and eventually had the resources. My wife even helped pick out the top.
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To me one of the sweet spots on a jazz is right over the neck pickup. All a cover does (besides diminishing the attractiveness of the bass IMO) is to limit my tonal options.
Agreed. The first thing I did with Fender basses (Jazz or P) in the prehistoric days was take off those covers.
I had a '75 Fender Precision stolen in '77. All I have left is the two covers.
I’ll buy them from you
I still have my 72 P but don’t know what happened to my covers years ago.
