Vintage chrome P pickup covers

Started by Chris P., March 27, 2014, 11:34:51 AM

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Chris P.

If I see pics of old P's (the '57 and newer ones) and I look at the chrome covers, some seem to be quite flat and some more bowled, arched.

Flat:



Bowled:



Different years? Or just optical illusion?

4stringer77

Jamerson's cover got flatter because he rests his hand on it, perhaps. Whatever you do, don't put a 70s rounded cover on a 60s bass or the Fender police will come after you!
Contrary to what James Bond says, a good Gibson should be stirred, not shaken.

Denis

Jamerson's wrist is clearly resting on the bass body although several of his fingers are on the cover. Once mounted on the bass those covers are really solid so I doubt regular use would flatten it.

Looks to me like we're talking about different type covers entirely.
Why did Salvador Dali cross the road?
Clocks.

4stringer77

I wasn't entirely serious. Probably just looks different from the angle. Differences in manufacturing are possible also.
Contrary to what James Bond says, a good Gibson should be stirred, not shaken.

ilan

Real vintage ones are flat. Reissues are more round and significantly taller. That 70's P has a reissue cover.

I prefer the vintage ones. They look better and feel better resting your palm when playing with a pick.

I think they made them more round to be more flexible. You see a lot of the old covers with a "fold" or ridge in the middle, from people trying to force them on basses (or aftermarket pickguards) with slightly closer screw holes.


patman

back in the day, I remember the jazz covers being rounder, while the precision covers were flat...I think modern ones attempt to make one cover fit both...the rounder cover allows a more natural feel when playing finger style...but neither feels as good as resting your thumb on the e string.