Who uses ashtray covers on their P/J ?

[bigshiny]

So who uses ashtray covers on their p/j ? I've been looking into this lately but haven't seen much of anything. I have a 1979 Precision Special that someone added a J p/u to it. Was wondering how a J bridge cover would look on a P bass?

 

[Pilgrim]

Proudly rocking covers since 1967.....

If you have a P, why not just put a P cover on it?

 

[Shakin-Slim]

I'd put a P cover on the P pickup, and a Jazz bridge cover for the J pickup. It may look mismatched at first, but it would be cool, I reckon.

 

[frankieC]

My J bass has both it's covers on, my P bass has neither. My p/j never had covers. I also have a Ric with the p'up cover still in place. It's been there for nearly 42 years. I see no reason to change.

 

[Oren Hudson]

I've added (if needed) them to every P and J that I own. That's currently 13. Here's an unusual '94-'95 MIJ Precision in bluish/grayish photo-flame with the added covers and finger rest.

 

[Luthier Atlanta]

I'm new to basses, so I'm going to ask perhaps a dumb question. Why do people mount the thumb rest on the underside of the strings verses the top? Isn't it a thumb rest wouldn't it go on top?

 

[Jaco D]

I'm new to basses, so I'm going to ask perhaps a dumb question. Why do people mount the thumb rest on the underside of the strings verses the top? Isn't it a thumb rest wouldn't it go on top?

In earlier times, electric bass players used the thumb as the picking finger just like the way one would play a guitar (think of the way Wes Montgomery played guitar) and the thumb rest was called a "tug bar". Later on, the tug bar moved above the strings as the thumb became more of an anchor for the other fingers of the plucking hand to do the plucking. That's when people started calling it a thumb rest.

 

[Oren Hudson]

I'm new to basses, so I'm going to ask perhaps a dumb question. Why do people mount the thumb rest on the underside of the strings verses the top? Isn't it a thumb rest wouldn't it go on top?

If you were 62 like me, you'd likely have learned to play bass with your thumb and used the bar to support your fingers. I have a '66 Precision that I bought new and have played for many years. It's finger rest has little groove impressions on it that perfectly fit my index, middle and ring fingers from all of the years playing it digging and tugging on that bar.

 

[Luthier Atlanta]

In earlier times, electric bass players used the thumb as the picking finger just like the way one would play a guitar (think of the way Wes Montgomery played guitar) and the thumb rest was called a "tug bar". Later on, the tug bar moved above the strings as the thumb became more of an anchor for the other fingers of the plucking hand to do the plucking. That's when people started calling it a thumb rest.

Thank you both for the prompt and kind answers for a newb, I had thought that but wasn't sure. I enjoy learning and teaching skills. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

If you were 62 like me, you'd likely have learned to play bass with your thumb and used the bar to support your fingers. I have a '66 Precision that I bought new and have played for many years. It's finger rest has little groove impressions on it that perfectly fit my index, middle and ring fingers from all of the years playing it digging and tugging on that bar.

I am not much younger then you sir and grew up in Detroit and had lots of exposure to the FUNK. Now I will have to re-explore some of the old Motown goodies, just to check some Ole School players. Any recommendations?

 

[Luthier Atlanta]

P.S. what are your recommendations for the position of a new player, above or below?

 

[Shakin-Slim]

P.S. what are your recommendations for the position of a new player, above or below?

Not many people really use them, whether they're above or below. At least, that's my experience. I have one below and it never gets touched. Purely aesthetic.

Bringing the thread back on track, OP, I don't think anyone read your actual request hahaha. I stated my opinion earlier - use the different ashtray covers for the different pickup styles. It might look cool.

Edit: Just don't do it like this guy: You'll want the J bridge ashtray, and the P pickup ashtray.

 

[TC424]

I put one on mine. It was more to cover up the J rout that wasn't too clean that was done before. I still have it this way if you would like a better picture.

 

[2saddleslab]

An early pickup ashtray.

 

[Uncle Psychosis]

P.S. what are your recommendations for the position of a new player, above or below?

Unless you're planning on playing it "old school" with your thumb then you'd probably be better with it above.

Although I would think that for most players its an aesthetic choice anyway---certainly a lot of players don't use one at all.