Pickup cover on a P bass question.

[Jason151]

I get that it restricts access to the strings from the middle so I might not get that middle "register" sound from it (even though p basses are full of that already).
That's part of the charm of the p bass in its simplicity, isn't it? Depending on where you pluck the strings, you can get different tones from it. So would I be limited to playing only near the bridge (highs) or by the neck (lows)?

Also, did you have to play it dramatically different from before? I usually rest my thumb on the side of the pickup, would I be able to play it similarly if I rest my thumb on the cover?

I've heard complaints about the bridge+pickup covers on a Jazz bass and I can kind of see why. The bridge cover for that is way bigger than on the P. Throw in the pickup cover as well and there's even less space to pluck.

How cumbersome are they to play with on a P bass?

Here's a photo Elvis Presley playing a P bass:

Mine kind of looks like the white one minus the pickup cover.

 

[Ghastly]

All of mine that came with covers still wear them.

 

[Jason151]

All of mine that came with covers still wear them.

Do you remember having any troublesome issues playing it for the first time?

 

[getbent]

I love how the bridge cover + foam mute looks and sounds, and while I think the pickup cover (whether on a P or J) looks cool, it always got in the way of my plucking. Resting my thumb on the pickup is a core foundation of my technique and always found the cover to get in the way of the sweet spot and it was uncomfortable to rest my thumb on it. YMMV (Jamerson made it work), but it's easy enough to screw one on and try it, and if you don't like it, take it off.

 

[Jason151]

I love how the bridge cover + foam mute looks and sounds, and while I think the pickup cover (whether on a P or J) looks cool, it always got in the way of my plucking. Resting my thumb on the pickup is a core foundation of my technique and always found the cover to get in the way of the sweet spot and it was uncomfortable to rest my thumb on it. YMMV (Jamerson made it work), but it's easy enough to screw one on and try it, and if you don't like it, take it off.

I just wanted to know what the general consensus of them was before I buy one.

 

[mongo2]

If you look at the pictures of Elvis playing you can see what I think was a major reason for the pickup covers.

Without the cover and playing with the thumb the way Leo thought the bass would be played (based on the position of the finger pull), the players sleeve or arm could interfere with the vibration of the string. The pickup cover guards against that. Back then many musicians wore jackets or long sleeves when playing. Obviously playing what has become modern fingerstyle eliminates the need for the cover to prevent interference with the strings.

I would think that playing slap style might find the pickup cover useful but apparently many can easily manage without it.

 

[micguy]

The way I play, the neck pickup cover would be in the way a lot of the time, and although I don't play over the bridge pickup, I do sometimes play right next to the actual bridge - making rumbling noises on the B string for an "undercurrent" of low rumble. Plus I sometimes damp right by the bridge at the end of a song or section, when I want to face out.

The only bass I ever owned with a pickup cover was a Rick 4001. I was OK with the bridge pickup cover on that (the bridge pickup on a Rick is in a completely different place than it is on a Fender). Part of that may have been not knowing anything different, but part of it is also that it's easy to find decent places to play on either side of that cover.

If I ever bought a Fender or Fenderish bass with covers, they'd be off as fast as possible. I'd probably ask them to take them off in the store - make sure the thing is playable before buying it.

 

[2saddleslab]

Love the pickup cover as it protects the pickup, makes a great thumb rest, and allows me to play at the neck for bigger boom, or past the cover for bigger bang.

 

[Jason151]

If you look at the pictures of Elvis playing you can see what I think was a major reason for the pickup covers.

Without the cover and playing with the thumb the way Leo thought the bass would be played (based on the position of the finger pull), the players sleeve or arm could interfere with the vibration of the string. The pickup cover guards against that. Back then many musicians wore jackets or long sleeves when playing. Obviously playing what has become modern fingerstyle eliminates the need for the cover to prevent interference with the strings.

I would think that playing slap style might find the pickup cover useful but apparently many can easily manage without it.

That's a good point, I never thought if that.

 

[JimmyM]

First thing to go when I got my 76 Precision new at age 16 were the covers. My parents tried to talk me into keeping them because they liked the shiny, but I couldn't stand the restricted access.

 

[Jason151]

Love the pickup cover as it protects the pickup, makes a great thumb rest, and allows me to play at the neck for bigger boom, or past the cover for bigger bang.
View attachment 4236483

Without the bridge cover, it honestly doesn't look that restrictive at all.

 

[Jason151]

First thing to go when I got my 76 Precision new at age 16 were the covers. My parents tried to talk me into keeping them because they liked the shiny, but I couldn't stand the restricted access.

Was it unplayable to you at all? I can understand it limiting the tone variety.

 

[joel the bass player]

My Fender AV63 came with them installed. Played for about 2 minutes out of the box and then grabbed the screwdriver.

 

[ShawnG]

I love the way a pickup cover looks, so bought one for my LB-100.
Took it off after 5 mins. Couldn't find a comfortable way to play with it on. It got in the way, every which way and significantly limited the ability to play in the sweet spot.

 

[Killing Floor]

I added the covers to a Jazz bass recently. When I got it in the 80s they were already gone but the holes were there. So they're a little more shine than the rest of the metal. But I have been making a project learning how to play with them. Certain styles it's restricting but I love the way they look.

 

[msb]

At first they seem really awkward , and then you get accustomed to them . (surprisingly quickly)
I love the rocket shaped covers on a SCPB , they look naked without them . And on a regular Pbass it really doesn't matter to me .
But some basses look great with them ...

 

[Pings Bass]

First thing to go when I got my 76 Precision new at age 16 were the covers. My parents tried to talk me into keeping them because they liked the shiny, but I couldn't stand the restricted access.

Yeah, for those of us who started playing in the 70s and 80s, those covers came off right away. Too restrictive and serve no real purpose IMO. Not sure how when or why they came back into fashion, can only assume it's driven by hobbyists and collectors.

 

[Jason151]

I added the covers to a Jazz bass recently. When I got it in the 80s they were already gone but the holes were there. So they're a little more shine than the rest of the metal. But I have been making a project learning how to play with them. Certain styles it's restricting but I love the way they look.

I might just have to order it and see for myself then.

 

[chadds]

The main problem that everyone is skirting around is that the pickup cover obscures some of the Tort. Blasphemy I say!

 

[Jason151]

At first they seem really awkward , and then you get accustomed to them . (surprisingly quickly)
I love the rocket shaped covers on a SCPB , they look naked without them . And on a regular Pbass it really doesn't matter to me .
But some basses look great with them ...

There's hope then! I guess that's another reason why I asked. I wanted to see if anyone actively plays with them installed.