Only the Shadow knows

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 12:54 am

Tonight we have a really big shoe...

love those Black Beauty strings

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 12:58 am

Jeffrey-

Unfortunately John Hall was right (he usually is) about the magnetic properties of the pole pieces. The sound is not as punchy and low in volume.

Either I find a better magnet or back to the drawing board.

Will keep you posted.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 6:06 am

How about something non-magnetic just for cosmetics such as aluminum or stainless steel. This way you get the looks but it won't interfere with the correct operation of the hi-gain pickup. That is what I am looking for, the way I see it, these "horseshoes" would be basically like the plastic PU cover but would be split in the middle to make it look like a horseshoe and would mount under the height adjustment screws like the plastic cover does.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 6:23 am

Jared, did you win that "Black Beauty" Shadow that was on ebay ?

Oh, it's still there...sorry, I just woke up...LOL

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 7:45 am

Jeffrey-The problem is that the magnet under the pick'up is replaced by the "horseshoe". I am now working with thinner gauge materials so that I may be able to keep the pickup stock, replace that plastic mounting plate, and voila! Horseshoe appearance. Will keep you posted.

Joey-I got my Shadow-right here. Still looking for another!

Will be in Palm Springs next week.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 3:31 pm

What days will you be in Palm Springs Jared ?

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 4:21 pm

When did RIC start using plastic mounting plates? The plate in my '73 4001 is bare aluminum. It even has the blue Alcoa logo on the underside of it. The magnet between it and the bobbin is probably 1/4" thick or slightly more than that even. Are you saying that you took off the original magnet from your hi-gain and replaced it with the pole pieces you made? If so did you magnetize the pole pieces you made? I'm just looking for something cosmetic without having to take apart the pickup itself.

BTW your horseshoe does look excellent.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sun Jan 11, 2004 7:09 pm

JPS-

dunno when RIC started making plastic mounting plates as ALL my basses have 'em, from '75 on.

I figured a way to make a cosmetic horseshoe. Prototypes have promise but the TIG welding needs work.

Probably could make one out of aluminium (UK spelling) but painting it would be a b_tch.

Film at eleven...

ken_james · Post by **ken_james** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:41 am

It's not a problem to paint the aluminum, just use a automotive based self-etching primer or a zinc based epoxy primer and then shoot it. Not as durable as powder coating though, which would seem to be the way to go.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 3:03 am

Can aluminum (US spelling :0) ) be chrome plated?

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 3:55 am

When did RIC introduce plastic baseplates, you ask? I guess sometime during 1973, probably when the 4001 bass with a high gain pickup in both positions became standard. Just my guess.

ken_james · Post by **ken_james** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 8:55 am

I think it has to be plated with something else then dumped in the chrome vat. Usually a good polish would work better on aluminum (car show days experience)

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 8:58 am

Yeah a zinc chromate primer can be used but what a b_tch (not to be confused a old style haircut) to mix and spray! I'm lazy these days and if that mix comes in a spray can-ideal!

I think aluminum can be chromed as I see those 20 inch+ rims on Monster Garage are chromed?

Eh Kendall-did you see your horseshoes posted?

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 9:02 am

Kendall-

Can relate to the auto daze-once polished a Weiand dual carb tunnel ram manifold (like a cheap idiot I did it myself). Needless to say 'never again'

Never did the chroming thang w/aluminium.

Will ask around. Chrome guys are hard to find here.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 10:21 am

Isn't chrome magnetic?