How do i make my old pickups look smarter?

[jazzyvee]

I've just got my bass back from respray at Jaydee, and it looks great except for the old pickups. Does anyone have any sure fire suggestions on how to get them back to a matt black finish make the aesthetic look right.
They do have some of the gold lettering but as the lettering has worn down over the years, i'd rather have the whole pickup black.

[edwardofhuncote]

You might get a matte finish by wet sanding. I would imagine it'll take something very fine-grit, and I have never tried it, but that should work. Should also remove the last of the gold letters too.


I'm with you; the bass looks so nice after the respray, it seems only right to have the pickups renewed as well. I might go so far as to buy a new set and sell the originals at this ummm... peak market time. Try a little DIY first.

[jazzyvee]

New pickups are an option i will consider if i can’t get a good DIY result. Though i'd be reluctant to add too much to the cost of the whole refurb project.
Any idea of pickup only prices?

[gtrguy]

There was a recent post on here about the same subject, if I remember right. I think Mica said that the pickup casing was pretty thick and you could sand them a bit.  I would probably get a real flat sanding block and scuff them with whatever grit worked best for the result you wanted. You might look for a gold 'paint pen' to do the lettering. I just did a Rickenbacker logo with a white one and it came out great.

Can you post a pic?

[jazzyvee]

Yeah i recalled a thread like that but could not find it.
I am not really fussed about keeping the writing on the pickups just that they all the same.

[jazzyvee]

Here is a link to the refinished bass.
https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8524.75

[gtrguy]

Nice looking bass!

[keith_h]

I'd try it on a small hidden area first but something similar to this might bring the luster back. I'd also remove the pickups to do the work so that beautiful new finish didn't get damaged.

https://www.amazon.com/GP14018-Plastic-Acrylic-Polishing-Compound/dp/B00V8BMH1K

[mica]

Those are in ABS plastic injection molded shells. It's possible to sand it some, not sure you can get the entire hot stamping decoration out. You could sand it some and glue on a thin decorative layer of plastic or wood maybe. I _might_ have some aged cream colored pickups, I'll have to check that out, might look cool. New cream pickups are more expensive than the black style by $100 each (which is confusing on P pickups, so it's $200 for the 2 positions), but the older set won't be at that premium. We should probably talk via email or phone to discuss any parts you need to order.

[edwardofhuncote]

Aged Cream pickups would be SWEET on there. 


(just my two-pence worth...) 

[hieronymous]

Aged Cream pickups would be SWEET on there. 


(just my two-pence worth...) 

Agreed!

[jazzyvee]

A precedent has been set..... hmmmm

[jazzyvee]

Hi Mica, did you find time to seek out if you have any aged cream pickups? I sent you an email about it a few weeks back, maybe in your spam box.

[mica]

Here's the cream pickups I have in stock

[jazzyvee]

Thanks Mica, that Looks just right I think. Watch out for a phone call sometime today.