Jazz Bass Project: From Chrome to Black

[Soberglitch]

I bought this Fender 75th Anniversary bass with the intention of swapping all the chrome hardware to black. Very proud of how it turned out so I figured I’d share it with you all.

Great looking and playing bass to begin with, I’m just not a fan of chrome at all. Threw on some Hipshot tuners, Fender bridge, Icon neck plate, all black screws, control plate, and strap buttons.

My inspiration was my favorite bass, my Stingray Special in charcoal sparkle. I wanted another sparkly finish with black hardware.

The only hiccup is that the new control plate is fairly low quality. Finish isn’t great and it’s a little too big so it hangs over the pickguard.

Next to happen with this bass is I’ll be swapping in these Tom Brantley Geddy Lee rewind pickups.

 

[jd56hawk]

Good choice.
Black looks much better.
(I always wonder why more people don't ditch the chrome control plate and get something to match their pickguard.)

 

[Soberglitch]

Good choice.
Black looks much better.
(I always wonder why more people don't ditch the chrome control plate and get something to match their pickguard.)

Thanks, I agree. The small things like the control plate and screws made a huge difference even if the fit and finish was off.

 

[Qlanq]

Really cool.
I wish I'd done the same with my Sunburst Geddy when I changed the tuners.
Enjoy.

 

[fourstringbliss]

Looks great! I'd like to do that with this bass at some point:

 

[mongo2]

I'm definitely a fan of black hardware but for some reason I like that one better with the chrome hardware. Maybe it's the color of the paint but the black hardware doesn't do it for me on that one.

 

[fourstringbliss]

I'm definitely a fan of black hardware but for some reason I like that one better with the chrome hardware. Maybe it's the color of the paint but the black hardware doesn't do it for me on that one.

Chrome hardware on the OP's bass or mine?

 

[mongo2]

Chrome hardware on the OP's bass or mine?

OP's 75th Anniversary J, sorry for any confusion.

 

[Soberglitch]

Looks great! I'd like to do that with this bass at some point:

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With that dark fretboard and the matching headstock I think that would look great. I think I spent around $200 for everything including the tuners. Definitely a project that was worthwhile.

 

[GTx2]

Sew perdy.....

 

[fourstringbliss]

With that dark fretboard and the matching headstock I think that would look great. I think I spent around $200 for everything including the tuners. Definitely a project that was worthwhile.

I'll eventually do it all. I might get the replacement bridge sooner than later since I know where to get one, but it's not a regular replacement item

 

[Black Out Jazz]

Thanks, I agree. The small things like the control plate and screws made a huge difference even if the fit and finish was off.

Now we both need some DR Black Beauties.

 

[Killing Floor]

Super cool. The neck plate is a great touch.

Also, check out D'Andrea pick guards. I am not sure if they still OEM for Fender but they have done so and their tolerances are exact fit to Fender specs right down to the screw holes. You can get one for about $20 on Reverb or anywhere else. But to be fair there's always a chance of some gap between the metal plate and the guard. Your bass looks nice.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

I'm partial to chrome hardware but the black looks pretty good here.