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Precision bass ashtray covers installation - "how to" or definitive guide?

ScorchedCortex

ScorchedCortex

Oct 26, 2012
52
5
Northeast
#1
Hello folks,

I have searched high and low to find a definitive guide on installing ashtray bridge and pickup covers on a Precision Bass. The best advice I could find is "eyeball it".

Can anyone direct me to more specific measurements or steps to successfully install these covers so they aren't crooked or off center? Is there a template out there?

Thanks in advance for you help!
 
#2
Their is no template. Its done by eyeball or careful measuring. Since I've spent most my life as a land surveyor and a machinist, careful measuring is pretty normal for me. Even hanging pictures, guitar hangers etc... are carefully measured at my house. If your not sure take it to a friend or tech and let them help you do it.
 
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#6
96tbird said:
J bass template but gives you an idea how to make one.

Generally the Pbass cover lines up the sides with the front edge of the plate.

Grab a ruler. Go for it.

Template for mounting bridge cover? | TalkBass.com

I suppose there's no "definitive guide" because it's only TWO SCREWS!!! ;)
Click to expand...

Only two screws means only two chances to screw it up then? The official template at that link is for a J bass, so the P bass question remains. Still looking ... measuring an old bass may be the only way to get it right.
 
#7
Try this:
P-Bass Bridge Cover Mounting Template.jpg
 
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#8
Yes, I looked at that, printed it out to correct scale and checked it against my basses. This would work for a Jazz Bass and seems to be a Fender template apart from the "alternative position" screw holes that I think were added as a personal preference by the person who originally uploaded it, but the screw holes are much to far forward for Precision. The ashtray wouldn't even clear the back of the bridge.

I also reached out to Fender's product support. They looked but were unable to locate a P bass template.

In the end I looked up old P basses photos. I was careful to limit this to vintage basses like James Jamerson's that presumably would have had the ashtray installed from the factory.

I began by pushing the ashtray forward until it bottomed out against the ball ends then leave an extra 1/8" and marking the painter's tape I'd laid down, but that was clearly too far forward, so in the end I just eyeballed it based on those photos, especially some of James Jamerson's bass that had a more frontal orientation. I'm quite happy with the result, but I'm afraid I didn't measure the screw holes against the bridge. I don't want to put the cover on and off too often, but if I decide to modify the mute, I'll take some measurements.
 
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#9
Thomas Cordery said:
Yes, I looked at that, printed it out to correct scale and checked it against my basses. This would work for a Jazz Bass and seems to be a Fender template apart from the "alternative position" screw holes that I think were added as a personal preference by the person who originally uploaded it, but the screw holes are much to far forward for Precision. The ashtray wouldn't even clear the back of the bridge.

I also reached out to Fender's product support. They looked but were unable to locate a P bass template.

In the end I looked up old P basses photos. I was careful to limit this to vintage basses like James Jamerson's that presumably would have had the ashtray installed from the factory.

I began by pushing the ashtray forward until it bottomed out against the ball ends then leave an extra 1/8" and marking the painter's tape I'd laid down, but that was clearly too far forward, so in the end I just eyeballed it based on those photos, especially some of James Jamerson's bass that had a more frontal orientation. I'm quite happy with the result, but I'm afraid I didn't measure the screw holes against the bridge. I don't want to put the cover on and off too often, but if I decide to modify the mute, I'll take some measurements.
Click to expand...
How did you get on with this in the end?

I am about to do this for my 2012 Standard P Bass. and have the same concerns.
 
#10
1stnamebassist said:
Their is no template. Its done by eyeball or careful measuring. Since I've spent most my life as a land surveyor and a machinist, careful measuring is pretty normal for me. Even hanging pictures, guitar hangers etc... are carefully measured at my house. If your not sure take it to a friend or tech and let them help you do it.
Click to expand...
^this^
 

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