How to Play with Chrome Pickup Covers?

[onosson]

Everyone has their own take on it, obviously - for me, I find it most awkward to play a bass that does *not* have a pickup cover. I put one on every Fender I own, and I would love to put one on my MusicMan, but the pickup just ain't in the right place...

For me it's all about playability - I find it faaaaar easier to play with it in place than not. I don't care if it "looks cool" or whatever. Again, everyone has their own take, but if you've never tried it you just don't know which side of that fence you might fall on.

 

[nutdog]

You can see some good shots of JJ's technique in this vid:



I put covers on my P recently just for looks. I'm no expert but I think you get pretty fat tone plucking neck side of the pickup cover and a tighter sound in between.

It's a little weird feeling but

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image is everything.

The toughest part is keeping concentration as beautiful women gather around my bass and use my covers to fix their makeup.

 

[onosson]

You can see some good shots of JJ's technique in this vid:



I put covers on my P recently just for looks. I'm no expert but I think you get pretty fat tone plucking neck side of the pickup cover and a tighter sound in between.

It's a little weird feeling but

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image is everything.

The toughest part is keeping concentration as beautiful women gather around my bass and use my covers to fix their makeup.

Careful ... your drummer might get jealous and have to pull out some shiny new hardware!

 

[Muddslide]

I think they look very sharp and classy. I've always loved them on Fender-style basses.

However, I have never used them. I move my hand from the high part of the neck all the way down to the end of the bridge when I play and I like the affect that has on the sound of the playing, attack, etc.

Aside from aesthetics, I don't think they have any real utilitarian qualities. Perhaps as a thumbrest, but I'd rather just use a regular thumbrest so it doesn't get in my way.

Still, love their looks. They add class. I love seeing them on other people's basses.

 

[lefty1979]

All those pickup covers do, IMHO, is prevent you from being able to pluck the strings at what I consider critical points. Why would anyone want to restrict their options??

Yes, you can do quite well but you CANNOT pluck over the pickup so you have limited your tonal options. If comfort or looks override tone, well, there ya go..!

Two words: James Jamerson
Nuff said

 

[DB5]

Looks purty when it's on:

Good lord thats sexy.

WOW Amen to That

 

[Thomas Swenson]

I just love them. I play pretty much old school, so I do not feel hampered at all by the covers. I love the look, I love vintage Fender, and I love the anchoring and hand resting that the pickup cover affords. BTW, I also love the tug bar. I enjoy playing w/ my thumb here and there for effect, and sometimes when I get lazy. Here is my 50's P w/ the covers on. I think it looks complete w/ them on.

 

[GlennW]

 

[arsie]

Blutac it on for a couple of days to try.

 

[Antny]

I dig the Palomino horsehair pick guard........!

 

[SurferJoe46]

I use Elixor Nano strings and they had the same kitty fur showing as if I had
covers on my bass.

I installed both covers and I still play in the same locations and look cooler;
not older, as I am that anyway.

BEFORE KNOBS:

AFTER KNOBS:

They don't get in the way at all - but I have other bases that don't have covers if I
feel I am missing something. That may not last long as I keep thinkin': I wonder how
THIS bass will look with covers?

 

[bh2]

I just put mine back on!

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Depends on the gig.

 

[KrisH]

When I dig in, I pluck close to the bridge; for mellow and deep, pluck nearer the neck. Everyone knows this, right? When I use the pickup as an anchor (digging in), I'm not plucking above the pickup. So for me, the cover doesn't get in the way. It also served as a substantial thumb anchor. And I love the look -- very retro! I put covers on both my P and my 5-string P/J SX. As for the ashtray, I hate the look of the typical P bridge, looks haphazard and chintsy. So they get covered, too. I'd cover them on my GL jazz, too, except that would ruin the authenticity of the instrument.

 

[FunkyWilly]

Any tips on drilling for a bridge cover? I want to minimize any chipping in the finish.

Thanks

 

[SurferJoe46]

Body? Pickguard?

Makes a slight difference in what's being drilled.

 

[banikek]

I say drill away! Put em on. If it does not effect your playing style then you will know. If they do, then take them off. Let over holes? - no biggie.

 

[Batmensch]

Any tips on drilling for a bridge cover? I want to minimize any chipping in the finish.

Thanks

Put down masking tape. Go slowly and don't press too hard at first.

 

[Molochnik]

There's a string or something running from the strap at his shoulder to the headstock: What's that all about? Some sort balance/positioning aid?

 

[Batmensch]

Prolly some kinda neck-dive preventative thingy.

 

[Pet Sounds]

To reiterate earlier comments: Jamerson managed to sound pretty good playing with covers.