Modifying Scratch Plate

[thepurpleblob]

I just acquired a new scratch plate which I would like to fit on my Stingray bass. However, it is the older type without the notch for the truss rod adjuster. Has anybody any thoughts on cutting this stuff to modify it? I was thinking about carefully taking out the section with needle files then lightly sanding and finally polishing the edges.

Does anybody have a better idea?

 

[adouglas]

Hire a beaver to nibble it for you.

Seroiusly...I think you've got the right idea. It's just plastic.

 

[Hutton]

How about selling your old style plate seeing as it must be more rare and then buying a new style plate, thus saving all the filing and worrying. Only works however if there is a demand for the old plate. Happy filing or selling!

 

[fresnorich]

Files should work. A dremmel tool would be handy as well.

 

[Disquieter]

I'm gonna have to go with a CNC Machine..


I bet you could easily get a passable pickguard for well under $75,000...


edit: or that beaver thing, that will work too.

 

[silverburst]

I used a dremel to reshape a tortoise guard from a telecaster, and it did some pretty weird stuff -- like shooting flamy sparking crap off to the side every once in a while. Plus the smell was noxious, with none of the side benefits of light-headedness.

I would be very careful using the same technique again, and would consider doing it by hand instead of using a high-speed tool.

 

[tkarter]

I would do it with end cutters. I wouldn't think twice about trying it either.

tk

 

[thepurpleblob]

Thanks for the help - Beavers are a bit rare here in Scotland, but maybe the zoo can load me one

 

[bassmonkeee]

Thanks for the help - Beavers are a bit rare here in Scotland, but maybe the zoo can load me one

I'd be careful. A loaded beaver can be a dangerous thing.

 

[Disquieter]

I'd be careful. A loaded beaver can be a dangerous thing.

seriously, if you don't whatch what you do, it can go off in your face!

 

[nashman]

We have lots of beavers in Canada ... I could send you one!

I'm wondering if a scroll saw with an appropriate blade would work for the main part of the cut, followed by filing and then perhaps drum sanding.

 

[bovinehost]

I've modified quite a few J*zz bass pickguards using only a file. (If you don't modify them, you can't get to the truss adjustment.) (Hooray for the truss wheel!)