black bridge and tuners for JP?

[MusicManJP6]

I am awaiting a white JP6 (due in mid-may). I love the contrast of the knobs, pickups, and rosewood fretboard against the white (i've seen some pics), but i wish there was an option to get a black bridge and tuners as well.

Anyone know of a way to stay with MM parts (and preferably JP parts) and obtain the bridge/tuners in black instead of chrome?

Thanks,

Adam

 

[SteveB]

I don't think you'll be able to get either from Music Man. Especially the bridge.
You might be able to find black Schaller locking tuners somewhere though.

 

[klawn]

The LE 2006 version of the JP proved it: EBMM can get custom parts from the manufacturers making what is used in their guitars. Black magnetic bar on the D-Sonic and gold hardware everywhere... But it was for big production.

The demand to get an always available option of that kind should be huge to make it real.

 

[MusicManJP6]

so you are saying that there would have to be several thousand of us wanting this option before it would be worth it for EB to order the bridge and tuners in black?

I only wish EB would do custom orders. I would love to have a white pearl JP with all black hardware. I'm guessing custom orders would cost an exponential amount more and thus would be reserved for JP himself!

 

[SteveB]

I only wish EB would do custom orders.

That sorta thing ain't their bag, baby!

 

[TonyEVH5150]

You could send it to a powder coater or metal plater to get yours in black.

 

[klawn]

JP can get virtually anything he wants from EBMM, but he is one of their main artists, and so are Lukather or Morse, that's normal to offer them what they need.

I think we all wish there would be a custom shop... Maybe one day, but standard models are awesome so not being able to do custom orders is not too much of a problem :]

 

[MusicManJP6]

very true klawn! I am not complaining that's for sure! I guitar of this caliber for the price is unbelievable! Everyone has their own idea of the "perfect guitar" i reckon. My ideas just happen to be purely aesthetic. I wouldn't change a thing about the setup or the sound of the guitar!

tonyEVH5150: Do you think a black powder coar is truly a reasonable option? I would worry about the extra coat decreasing clearances in the bridge where clearances are needed and such... I guess it would be very experimental. May have to have a cheap bridge i took off my old peavey powder coated first to see how it turns out...

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I don't know for sure, just throwing it out there as an option.

I did read up on the process, and typical powder coating adds approximately 30 micrometers (um) of thickness to the finished product. Whether or not that would be enough to harm the clearances on the trem, I don't know.

 

[MusicManJP6]

30 micrometer = 0.03 millimeter or .001 inches. I wouldn't think that would affect the clearances in a negative way. Each part of the bridge would have to be coated individually (saddles and all). The doubling up on the coats (one for the saddle, and one for the bridge underneath) may cause the action to need adjusting... with so many variables it would be a very stressful experiment on a brand new guitar. Then the question of durability of the powder coat becomes a factor. A sweaty palm can be detrimental to a guitar's metal parts...

 

[dfrady]

I only wish EB would do custom orders.

That's what the LE's are for, so they can do things they usually don't do without haveing too take custom orders, take for instence last years LE, black with gold hardware (They are absolutely stunning). The custom orders would only drive the cost of our awsome guitars through the roof and probably cause alot of headache for our friends at EBMM. Just my 2 pennys.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

30 micrometer = 0.03 millimeter or .001 inches. I wouldn't think that would affect the clearances in a negative way. Each part of the bridge would have to be coated individually (saddles and all). The doubling up on the coats (one for the saddle, and one for the bridge underneath) may cause the action to need adjusting... with so many variables it would be a very stressful experiment on a brand new guitar. Then the question of durability of the powder coat becomes a factor. A sweaty palm can be detrimental to a guitar's metal parts...

true, but powder coating is supposed to be a pretty durable finish. They're made to withstand chemical, industrial, and environmental factors. They use it on wheels, engines. It's pretty strong.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Where would i look to see about pricing on powder coating?

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I don't know what part of eastern TN you're from, but I just did a Google search and found this.

Tennessee powder coating | custom powder coaters

 

[jeffrey]

Powdercoating would work, just make sure it's a reputable shop that has experience with small parts that does it.

 

[MusicManJP6]

good point jeffrey.

Thanks Tony for the help locating a powder coater...

Is a powder coat finish flat or glossy? I'm assuming flat...

 

[Bungo]

I like the idea of black hardware. Used to have a bright red pointy headstock thing with black hardware many years ago. Nice combo.

Thinks ahead: Perhaps black hardware could be part of the 2008 LE design?......

 

[MusicManJP6]

YES!! Black hardware on a pearl white JP for 2008 LE!!!

 

[TonyEVH5150]

good point jeffrey.

Thanks Tony for the help locating a powder coater...

Is a powder coat finish flat or glossy? I'm assuming flat...

Glad I could help.

I think they can do flat or glossy. I think they can polish it after they bake it.

 

[MusicManJP6]

a little fun with photoshop (check attachments). Thought i'd see what the black would theoretically look like on the white. I changed the input plate, toggle switch, and strap button as well... there is a before and after picture for comparison.