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Do you like covers on your bass?

Cover or no cover

  • Cover

    Votes: 49 35.0%
  • No cover

    Votes: 91 65.0%

  • Total voters
    140
  • Poll closed .
I would like to find a bridge cover for my Precision but the fact is that I love the visual of the Jazz Bass bridge cover, that traditional one with the big F.
So, I found myself always postponing this purchase...
20150303_184757.jpg
 
I've always liked the look..grew up a big Marcus Miller and Will Lee fan..don't know if it was a NYC session guy thing, but I always liked the look of the neck pickup cover only on and don't find it too restrictive to play with...I think the. Ridge cover is sweet too, but I'd never play with it on..not enough real estate left with both on...it stays on My Postmodern bass , but I plan on taking it of from time to time just for purely a different look...
I had a Marcus Miller with the original pup cover. Not problem for me to play with that.
I selled that bass but I remember one time that I almost purchase the bridge cover, on the end I didn't because I was not sure if that cover matches or not with the badass bridge.
 
Can anyone clarify whether these are two different styles of P covers? One seems more flat on top, while the other seems to have more of a curve....View attachment 974693 View attachment 974694
The flat one is the period-correct Fender started to make with the launch of the New American Vintage Series basses.

I don't use them because they restrict my finger action, but I love the looks with both of them on. I mean, come on... :smug:
FCS_64_JB_NOS_CAR_(1).jpg
 
Many posters here think the only reason for covers is for cosmetics. Kirk Bryant was the only one to bring up the valid point of interference noise shielding. I often wondered if part of the reason for covers was to enhance the output. The metal plate on the bottom of the Telecaster's lead pickup is there to reflect the signal and accentuate the treble frequencies. Maybe back in the '50's with the type of strings and low powered amps available, the idea was to create a sort of magnetic sound tunnel over the pickups to increase the volume. Telecaster guitars only have covers over the lead pickup, which along with the bottom plate may sound different. That's an argument for the guitar forums, but it does make you think about the logic behind those massive covers on Fenders.
 
Yes they can get in they way, and none of mine are still on but for some reason I can't take the one off this bass. Weirds me out when it's not there...but just this one. View attachment 974535

That's my real problem with if a bass comes with them. I don't like them there. But I never remove them if they're already installed.

I guess the empty screw holes bug me more than I like to admit. ;)
 
I never really liked the bridge covers since you can't palm mute. The pickup cover is useful because it gives you a good anchor to pick by the bridge and a hand rest when either slapping, using a pick, or floating thumb. The only bass now that has covers is the bridge cover of my 64 P-bass.

My old 72 jazz (has both original covers installed)
IMG_1779_zpsb4842065.jpg


My old P-bass (before refin)
IMG_0065.jpg
 
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I had a Marcus Miller with the original pup cover. Not problem for me to play with that.
I selled that bass but I remember one time that I almost purchase the bridge cover, on the end I didn't because I was not sure if that cover matches or not with the badass bridge.

Not sure if it would fit...if it didn't come with the bass, then probably not...
 
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i voted "no covers" mostly to see the poll results: i actually like the look of them --- sometimes --- on other's instruments. my very first bass (a ric) had a pick up cover, but i don't remember it much. i haven't played an instrument with covers for so many years: i don't have a great opinion either way, except this one: they look cool sometimes, but i couldn't play a bass with them --- i'm moving too much with my right/plucking hand --- i need unfettered access from the bridge to the fingerboard and 'beyond'.

so, i'm with JimmyM , i want to like them, but can't. i think i understand why others go for them: they have a 'look' for sure!

just my .02!
 
Really like how they look, really hate how they get in the way of everything. I have an '04 Rick 4003, which had the pickup cover when I bought it, tried to get used to it for half a year or so(I play ther Rick mostly with pick so it wasn't THAT bad) but it really just messed me up so many times, I had to remove it. It looks nice for sure, but other than that... well, just no.
 
I've never really had an issue playing around the neck pickup cover on my Jazz, in fact at this point its become an essential part of my technique. I use it as an anchor when I really dig in with my fingers and as a place to anchor my palm/wrist while slapping, I know some would say these are improper or bad technique but it really works for me. I have no comment on the bridge cover, as I've never played with one.
 
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