NBD — junk drawer/rattlecan content

[mikeyjm2]

maybe a big washer on the back of the guard?

Yeah, that would be my initial thought. Basically need something to distribute the stress along a larger surface area of material stronger than plastic. As long as it clears the route in the body a large washer could do the trick.

 

[mongo2]

Yeah, that would be my initial thought. Basically need something to distribute the stress along a larger surface area of material stronger than plastic. As long as it clears the route in the body a large washer could do the trick.

Yep, but a jack with a longer threaded shank may be required depending on the thickness of the washer. A fender washer reshaped to fit under the guard would be my choice. Using a right angle plug cable routed through the strap will greatly reduce exposure to knocks and torque.

 

[Tommygun_ted]

DUDE! I have a pile of old tuners and scrap wood and big cans and tanks laying around and I keep thinking about making a giant Fat Albert junkyard 10-string upright out of it, just to make room for the next project. How did your gas can bass turn out? It looks awesome.



Our basses look like they could be related.

It turned out better than I expected. The balance on it was terrible but it had a cool sound. It was essentially a semi hollow body as the wood only ran up the centre, very unique tone. I sold it to a bass player in a local punk band, still waiting to see it at a show

 

[BassholeKI]

Hey, hey, hey...he's my TB hero...we all have junk laying around...this guy has the the good stuff! No need to shop Reverb, CL, etc.

Not dissing the OP at all.

I have my junk drawer, have a couple extra bodies and an extra neck but nothing I could create a complete instrument out of.

Wish I had the OP's problem!!!

 

[Atshen]

Stupid P Bass Question:
Is there a good way to reinforce the output jack? I’ve seen a lot of P’s with cracked pickguard around the jack, presumably because they were dropped or whacked with a cord plugged in, which torques the jack and cracks the guard. A metal guard would help of course, maybe a big washer on the back of the guard? My son has a 90’s P with that problem, replaced the guard, but I can see it happening again.

As it's been said, loop the cord around your strap and use a cord with an angled jack.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

That is very cool, parts basses rock!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I suspect Leo realized that relying on a thin plastic pickguard to support the output jack wasn't the best solution, hence the use of a metal control plate on the Jazz, which he considered a "Deluxe" upgrade to the P. I always thought the angled Strat jack plate was one of his more elegant design solutions.