First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

[CapoFirstFret]

I have a Fender Highway 1 P-Bass with a rosewood neck that I absolutely love but I wanted to convert it to look more like a '62 P-Bass. I took the first step today with a pickguard I got off of ItsaBass!

Now that I have this changed, I just have to get the chrome covers for the bridge and pickup and maybe add a finger rest and the conversion (as far as I'm willing to take it) is complete.

And of course, this post would be worthless without pics.

 

[uOpt]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

Already a big improvement.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

Nice! I'm glad to see the guard in use again. We kind of did the opposite. Five to six years ago, I took what is now your guard off of my '62 reissue to put the white guard on, though I kept the bridge and pickup covers, and moved the finger rest to the other side of the strings (making it a thumb rest). This is a bad pic, but it gives you a general idea:



I think both basses were improved by the changes. Congrats, and good luck, and thanks for purchasing the guard.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

It's already a major improvement!

 

[marcboomer]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

Always love the look of the "ashtray" covers. But half way through a gig, I want them off to play on that "sweet spot".

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

blinging chrome pickup covers look great but they get in the way of playing.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

I've only used them with the cover in the short-term. I guess I will have to just give it a shot and see if it's something I can live with in the long-term. I do love the way this thing looks now though.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

It depends on the player. The covers don't get in my way at all. I placed my thumb rest where I did because that is my "sweet spot." I can also use the cover itself for a rest. You can also play behind the cover for a tighter feel. That's also where I play when I use a pick. But pretty much anyone can deal with the bridge cover, at least, if not the pickup cover. P-Basses just don't look good without at least the bridge cover IMHO.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

I play uncovered. But I do love the mojo of a cover.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

Speaking of that color scheme...

Did you ever mod the Nashville Tele I sold you? Still have it?

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: First step in recreating a '62 P-Bass

Joneser: Unfortunately I never could quite bond with that telecaster. The action was just a bit too stiff for me. Ever since I lost my top loader tele when our gear was stolen, I've yet to find another telecaster that I've bonded with so well. I did end up trading it towards what has turned out to be one of the best guitars I've ever gotten, a roadworn strat.

I didn't like the Roadworn thing at first, but then I got a chance to play this strat and it plays like silk! It was a good move. I'm actually about to do a few improvements to it: add locking tuners, graphite nut (or at least oil the nut properly), maybe switch to the SD "everything ax" set of pickups so it can cover a bit more of the pop/rock ground that the band I'm in is covering.

We'll see.

Speaking of that color scheme...

Did you ever mod the Nashville Tele I sold you? Still have it?