Fender Bridge Cover Issue

[HankHillWaluigi]

Now, I don't know if this is just bad luck or if it's the bridge cover itself but I had this issue with my MIJ Jazz Bass as well. For some reason, the bridge cover seems to be a little misaligned or something and seems to be being lifted up by the bent steel part of the bridge. Is this a normal thing for bridge covers? Misaligned holes or is my bridge cover wonky? Anything I can do to fix it? I feel the screws are putting some stress on the wood, and this isn't even screwed all the way in. All of my basses have the bridge covers as it's more comfy for me to play with them. I'm using the same bridge cover from my MIJ

The road worn bass with the current issue:

Ironically, my now sold MIJ with the same issue:

 

[sissy kathy]

I assume you have a Fender bent plate bridge? If you have anything else I got nuttin'.

It looks like you are mounting the bridge to far up the bass. take it off, twist as needed to have it sitting flat on a table and then mount; the bridge should be centered sideways, but not far enough forward that the cover makes contact with the bridge.

 

[Oren Hudson]

What sissy said. Just lay the cover towards the bottom of the body and lightly slide it forward over the bridge till just snugs up. Should still be flat on the body. Then check centering sideways and you're fit should be right on the money.

 

[96tbird]

Well you likely don't want to put more holes in your bass so try this. Shim it. Go to the dollar store and get some sticky back Velcro tape. Lay strips of the soft fuzzy side on the bottom of the "wings". Trim and put it back on.

 

[HankHillWaluigi]

I assume you have a Fender bent plate bridge? If you have anything else I got nuttin'.

It looks like you are mounting the bridge to far up the bass. take it off, twist as needed to have it sitting flat on a table and then mount; the bridge should be centered sideways, but not far enough forward that the cover makes contact with the bridge.

What sissy said. Just lay the cover towards the bottom of the body and lightly slide it forward over the bridge till just snugs up. Should still be flat on the body. Then check centering sideways and you're fit should be right on the money.

I've tried but it seems the cover's holes are either drilled too far back or the bass' too far forward. Could I modify the cover instead? Or should I order a new one?

Well you likely don't want to put more holes in your bass so try this. Shim it. Go to the dollar store and get some sticky back Velcro tape. Lay strips of the soft fuzzy side on the bottom of the "wings". Trim and put it back on.

Forgive my confusion, but as in use that instead of screwing it in? Seems slightly unstable as I do use the bridge cover to anchor my hand when I use a pick. I appreciate the advice, thank you.

 

[96tbird]

I've tried but it seems the cover's holes are either drilled too far back or the bass' too far forward. Could I modify the cover instead? Or should I order a new one?



Forgive my confusion, but as in use that instead of screwing it in? Seems slightly unstable as I do use the bridge cover to anchor my hand when I use a pick. I appreciate the advice, thank you.

No just use the fuzzy side as a shim. Throw the hooked side away. Attach it to the underside of the cover and screw it in place. It will fill your gap.

 

[GIBrat51]

The one on my '78 P-Bass isn't exactly, totally, flat to the body, either. But, seeing as how it's a "Vintage" P, I just leave it as is. But, yes, putting something soft in there sounds like a good idea. I had a couple of pieces of moleskin cut out to do just that; but never got around to putting them on the cover. They're around here someplace... But honestly, the bass works just fine as is....