how to install a pickup cover?

[April Ethereal]

hello guys, I have decided to add a pickup cover to my fender mim dlx jazz bass. I wanted to ask you guys because I know many of you have great experience and could easily give me a few simple step by step instructions on mounting a pickup cover. Another thing is that I was concerned about drilling into any wires or what not while installing the cover...? That may be a stupid question (Sorry I don't know the layout of a fender as far as the body cavity under the pick guard goes and Ive never seen or read a pickup cover addition so I'm rather blind to the process) Well if possible and if you guys have the time, I would greatly appreciate a simple "how to" of putting a pickup cover on my mim dlx jazz bass =]

Thanks for your time!!!
Don't know what Id do without you all

Jacob

 

[Ben Mitchell]

What I did, just incase I ever decided I didnt want the covers again, is installed heavy duty velcro to my bass. If you place it correctly, you can't even tell the difference from screwing them in. If you decide to take them off, just use some goo-be-gone and nothing will be left behind. Just an idea.

Ben

 

[fourstringdrums]

I've only done it once, but what I did was place the cover on the bass and make sure it was centered and even over the pickup. Then mark the screw locations with a pencil before drilling. Double check at least twice, then drill using a small pilot bit, and then the size that you need for the screw.

Don't worry about hitting wires. They don't run where you'll be drilling on a P bass.

 

[SDB Guitars]

Just wanted to clarify - are you talking about replacing the plastic covers already on the pickups with something else, or are you talking about making some sort of wood faux-cover to hide the pickups you have now, without really modifying the bass at all?

 

[April Ethereal]

Just wanted to clarify - are you talking about replacing the plastic covers already on the pickups with something else, or are you talking about making some sort of wood faux-cover to hide the pickups you have now, without really modifying the bass at all?

Thank you guys for the ideas and advice, its really helpful! and to SDB Guitars, Im talking about the chrome arched covering that go over the pickup closest to the neck. I just really like the way it looks! well hope that cleared stuff up! Thanks everyone!

 

[ftlpope]

If you mean the chrome handrest on pre-1980s Jazz basses, I would just take the scratch plate off and check what is going on underneath (I have recently started making jazz basses and Fender replacement scratch plates are a fortune and non Fender rarely fit). The chrome bits look good but they really just get in the way as with the rear one.

ftlpope

 

[Batmensch]

A tip or two - put down masking tape before you go marking up and drilling on your bass, to reduce the chances of chipping and scratching the finish, and you might want to take an emery board or small file to the bottom of the mounting hole on the cover. Sometimes there are burrs there that will scratch up the finish on your bass.

 

[tjclem]

Just wanted to clarify - are you talking about replacing the plastic covers already on the pickups with something else, or are you talking about making some sort of wood faux-cover to hide the pickups you have now, without really modifying the bass at all?

Crack me up I read it the same way