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My First Mod' (small 'mods' that make your day)

I absolutely Have to change the knobs on a bass if they are chrome or plastic looking chrome.
Gotta have black knobs on my basses. :)
 

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Two easy mods I did to my P-Nut.

1) replaced the just-a-Nut II with a brass just-a-Nut III. Easy to do, looks much better, and while it wasn't a huge change in tone, I like to think it sounds better to justify the cost (though the nut needed replaced either way)

2) filed the tailpiece to accept a non-tapered B string. Common issue with older Warwick tailpieces, but it got to be a pain uses pliers to squeeze the end and barely have the string fit. Now, with about ten minutes and a file, I can use any string and change strings much quicker.
 
I've installed Hipshot Drop-D tuners, changed strings and replaced pickguards, but my favorite simple mod is "The Sharpie Treatment". I've spruced up a pair of black-white-black pickguards with a few layers of Sharpie permanent marker ink.

The process is pretty simple, but takes a bit o' patience. After removing the guard, you trace around the beveled edge with the fine (not "super fine") marker point, back and forth until it's an even layer. After you let the ink dry for half an hour or longer, take a tightly folded paper towel and burnish the excess ink off. Repeat once or twice more.

Post-ModBlacktop01_zps44b7b13c.jpg


One of the neat, but unexpected, results of the blue Sharpie was a blue/purple scarab effect, all depending on the quality/intensity of the light and how it hits the edge.

ProjektBlue02_zpseff0e1f6.jpg
 
I'm assuming the pickguards were multi layer with a white layer? Otherwise I have no clue how you got red and blue to appear on top of black... Unless you used paint markers and not just plain old sharpies...

Love the look though and you have me thinking about doing the same with a black pickguard with gold trim on my Geddy Lee to match my gold hardware plans :)


Geddy Lee Jazz Club - Member #222