Sorry I missed this thread earlier and a late response. Fabulous solution Jazzyvee and the refinished bass looks superb. I particularly like the cream covers.
I experienced a similar issue with wear to the gold lettering on a couple of basses. After much creative thought and seeking advice from some brilliant artists and luthiers, I hit on a solution. It's one that involves much very careful sanding (with different fine grit papers), lots of masking, lots of fine spraying with gloss then matte lacquers, lots of patience, and a significant investment. However, I think the results are pretty impressive. When the pickups are finished, it's hard to tell the difference between a new and refinished pickup from a foot or two away. Given the outlay, I ended-up with around 80 of the little logos - very pretty in their own right! Here's the before and after, and in process and the end result
