4003 Bridge pickup surround

[syncop8r]

I really want to remove the chrome surround of my bridge pickup and replace it with something flatter (never mind why!).
What (electronic) purpose does it serve?
Is it an earth or shield? (I am electrically illiterate).
How could its function be duplicated?
Someone said I could surround the pickup (in the cavity) with copper foil.

[markthemd]

You could use any kind of plastic ,or metal you want .You could even try wqod ,but that might crack .

The plate is just a left over from the lap steel days.It's purpose was to provide the horse shoe magnet pickup with a frame to raise and lower the pickup assembly .Beyond that .....it is just something that has been around for a long time .It could be done differently ....check out the newer model basses .Same pickups basically ,just a different housing .

To remove unwanted RF and 60 cycle or 50 cycle hum ,copper tape will help ,but it will also change the 'tone'.
Shielding the cavity is also something that will help .Copper tape ,aluminum tape ,brass shim stock ,metallic/carbon paints ,they all work .
So do ferrite beads and capacitors.

[syncop8r]

Thanks! Perhaps if I remove the 3rd capacitor for more volume I may need to shield the cavity; we'll see wht happens.