Bridge cover (ashtray) without drilling on brand new Jazz MiJ.

[Fedesav]

First of all I want to introduce you to Dorian, my new (and actually first Fender) Jazz Made in Japan, with its superb Black Paisley (that is actually grey, gold with a hint of blue and silver).

I was trying to fix the bridge cover without drilling the mandatory holes just in case something happens on this first few days of the bass and I decide to return it (it's not happening! It is outstanding)

So I figured out, that using this little neodymium magnets you can get on amazon for like 5 euros, you can attach the ashtray and it's holding quite sturdily... After a couple of trials I ended up figuring it´s a good way to put them on the bridge itself, and then slowly slide in the cover, since they attach really strongly to it and it will move them if not!

I leave some pictures here, hope I can save someone the hassle of having to drill into a new bass! In my case is just to try, both look and playing wise, if it makes sense.
I'm yet to find a solution for the pickup cover, so for now some duct tape did the trick, since I couldn't find anything metallic strong enough and thin enough to hide under the pickguard!

 

[rojo412]

I love the neo magnet solution, great idea!

When it comes to tough adhesion for tape, look at some heavy-duty carpet (or rug) tape. I use double-sided tape to hold templates in place when I build basses, and have definitely found it to work quite well for its size.
I've also seen people use hot glue guns for stuff like this. It holds very well and typically comes off clean when you want it removed. You'd have to test it before putting it on plastic, but it may be an even better solution than tape.

The bass looks awesome, by the way.

 

[Fedesav]

I love the neo magnet solution, great idea!

When it comes to tough adhesion for tape, look at some heavy-duty carpet (or rug) tape. I use double-sided tape to hold templates in place when I build basses, and have definitely found it to work quite well for its size.
I've also seen people use hot glue guns for stuff like this. It holds very well and typically comes off clean when you want it removed. You'd have to test it before putting it on plastic, but it may be an even better solution than tape.

The bass looks awesome, by the way.

Thanks for the info! Good idea with the plastic, scares me a bit! hahaha.
I bought some 0.5mm magnets from amazon, they should arrive tomorrow, I´m thinking I can slightly pierce the pickguard for them to sit inside and use magnets for the pickup cover as well... I'm quite happy with the result of the bridge so far!

 

[96tbird]

What a cool bass man. Bold choice, paid off.

I wonder though, about the proximity of the strings to the mass of the magnets. I am not sure (not a physicist) if the field can pull on the strings but if it does, even a bit, it might act as a brake, pulling on one side of the string. I think, just to be pedantic, if it was me, I’d put the mags behind the saddles just in case. Maybe, maybe not. Cool bass man. Very cool. Dude.

 

[StevieMac]

Neat idea, and a super cool bass, thumbs up.

 

[Fedesav]

What a cool bass man. Bold choice, paid off.

I wonder though, about the proximity of the strings to the mass of the magnets. I am not sure (not a physicist) if the field can pull on the strings but if it does, even a bit, it might act as a brake, pulling on one side of the string. I think, just to be pedantic, if it was me, I’d put the mags behind the saddles just in case. Maybe, maybe not. Cool bass man. Very cool. Dude.

Yeah! Is a cool observation! It does not seem to affect the strings at all, I was even thinking today of trying out with a mute like the original bridgecovers, so I was looking around there, but I will give it a proper look just in case! Thanks for the advice! And yeah... was bold, my girlfriend pushed a bit towards it, and she was right!

I have to say that using a good double sided tape proved to be WAY easier for the pickup cover and thumb rest! I´m keeping the magnets on the bridge anyway, I installed some cloth to protect from scratches underneath, and now it looks done! Heres a picture of the final baby! (Yes, I took the advice of someone around here in TB and cut some screw heads that are also held by the tape! But need improvement)

 

[68Tele-Bass]

That bass is STUNNING!!! I like it a lot!! Did you add the patterned control plate as well??

Sorry for late posting, @Fedesav -just saw this!

 

[ThomasGeist]

Another way to do this would be silicone. You can use the stuff for caulking (the clear version) but even better are technical silicones that come in tubes like glues.
Sticks insanely but can be cut and peeled.