P Bass Pickguard Problem

[thewongster]

I have a Pickguard with 14 holes (imported and I want to replace it but I can't find a good deal for a black 14 hole. Is it possible to fit a 13 hole onto a 14 hole bass? I noticed in pictures that 2 or three of the holes are in different locations. Or anotehr alternative is to trade my white pickguard for a black one. anyone interested in trading?

[j. pierce]

Hard to say without seeing the bass and pickguard in question. It's very likely they will fit, but you will probably have to drill a few new holes, and depending on the positioning of the old holes, you may have to fill them first (if they are far enough away to not allow the the new pickguard to screw in, but too close to allow drilling new holes)

A cheaper option may be to make you own, buying some pickguard plastic blanks - if you have the old guard, you can make a template fairly easily, and the whole process is not that difficult. (You'll really want a router, a small laminate trimmer type works well, and a router table makes it much easier.)

[low end fuzz]

is the new pick guard covering all the old holes?

just drill new holes, its perfectly legitimate; if the the holes are just off and your worried about making one giant oval hole, fill the old hole with glue and wood (not a toothpick but the same idea; narrow plug) and then redrill it ; remember to undersize it so you actually have to screw it in, not too tight a hole that it cracks the laquar but you get it

[thewongster]

Hey how about spraying the pickguard black? is that a good idea and is it hard? WHat paint should I use and would it require a "finish"?

[low end fuzz]

this stuff i used once calle Krylon (i think) its for plastic and metal and it dosent run;basically;

and it has high gloss black; its not like a mirror finish but its the closest thing i can get to a single can spray with no buffing;

though id spend the extra 6$ and buy a higher gloss clear coat for after; so you can flatten the paint w/ wetsanding; then put a light coat on so you dont have to touch it and it will have that right out of the can gloss look!