Making A Black P Bass Look More Interesting

[JakeAndAirwaves]

I'm looking for a used P bass, and on the used market, there's not many other than black ones with a white guard.
I've never been a fan of this color combo. I have a Squier VM Jag, which is black with a tort guard.
Does anyone have any ideas to spice up this color combo, other than a refinish? I've been thinking more along the lines of hardware and guard colors. Pictures are welcome.

 

[hachi kid]

Maybe go with a mint green pickguard and all black hardware?...that could be cool.

 

[Qlanq]

I've got to suggest a chrome scratchplate, always goes down well.

 

[StraightSix]

I would either go with a tort pickguard or black/white/black looks classy on a black body.

 

[Dave W]

For me, the pickguard depends on the neck...

Black & Maple = BWB
Black & Rosewood = BWB or Tort

I've got both a maple and a rosewood, and both of them sport a BWB guard.

 

[MisterFabulous]

Black body, black pickguard, with maple neck is a winner with me.

 

[Wannaflea]

For me, the pickguard depends on the neck...

Black & Maple = BWB
Black & Rosewood = BWB or Tort

+1

 

[WoodyG3]

I like red and black together, so a red pickguard, or red pearl pickguard, looks good to me.

 

[onosson]

Play something really interesting on it, that always makes basses seem more interesting to me!

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

Mix and match pickguard color choices till You find something that suits You. Changing the pickguard on a P bass, can alter the entire look of the instrument and won't cost You a heck of a lot of cash.

 

[MattyH]

I'm a jazz bass guy till the end. But I don't think there is anything more beautiful then a Black P Bass, with a Rosewood neck and a Tort pickguard. So damn sexy

 

[ggvicviper]

Black w/ White Pickguard on a maple fingerboard is a little boring, but alright. I would never get a Black w/ White Pickguard and a ROSEWOOD fingerboard, as that makes the bass (to me, anyway) look like a cheap knockoff.

No matter what you go with, I suggest keeping Chrome hardware.

I would say if you have to go for a rosewood fingerboard, maybe put in a tortoise, red, or red pearl pickguard.
With a maple, I think you have more options. Shell or red pearl will look nice (I dunno about solid red). A gold pickguard will make it look chocolatey-caramel & 50'sish, a mirrored could be really cool. I also think blue pearl will look really good.

 

[jaywa]

Add a pickup cover. See below.

 

[Relayer71]

Maybe go with a mint green pickguard and all black hardware?...that could be cool.

I really like this idea.

I would also go with a tort or paisley print.

 

[Chebass88]

Bridge cover + pearloid pickguard.

 

[Audiophage]

Try a gold pickguard like on the '57 reissues. Those have always struck me as being underutilized.

 

[odin70]

Paint it red

 

[jamestown94west]

Link Removed

i just finished this last weekend.

its got a mint green pick guard, but my camera makes it look white.

i wanted to put all black hardware on this bass, which i think looks awesome. but, it was easier to get nickel/chrome stuff, so thats the way i went.

a white body with black pick guard, and all black hardware would be awesome

3tsb body with a tort guard, maple neck and creme pickup would be cool

i also like to mismatch hardware, and kind of go for a mutt look

 

[Davo-London]

Black + Black + Maple

or

Black + Cream Pearloid + Maple

works for me.

The first is for serious rock.
The second is for any application.

Davo

 

[steamthief]

I'm a jazz bass guy till the end. But I don't think there is anything more beautiful then a Black P Bass, with a Rosewood neck and a Tort pickguard. So damn sexy

Geezer Butler!

Another option is to use some of the DR neon colored strings - they really pop on a black and white bass.