It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:12 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Any ideas for refinishing old anodized gold pickguard?
Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 1:13 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:46 am
Posts: 10
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Hi all - I had my 59 precision refinished a few years back (probably ref #3 or 4 in its lifetime). The original pickguard was painted over at some point in the past - I'd replaced it with a new anodized guard, but would love to get the old one renewed. I stripped the paint off and the bronze finish is not in good shape - several places where its down to bare metal.

Anyone have any ideas on where to get it redone? I know that I could just keep using the new one, but would like to get the old one back in service if at all possible.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Any ideas for refinishing old anodized gold pickguard?
Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 6:41 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:58 pm
Posts: 1051
Location: SW Florida
You need to talk to a professional, but I am not sure you will like the answer. Anodizing a piece of aluminum results, through the use of acid - typically chromic or sulfuric - in a change to the molecular structure of the aluminum surface. We used to have colors added to the process to render a hard, resistant to damage and corrosion, aluminum surface with a color built into the aluminum. It isn't foolproof however, and the surface can crack at moderately high temperatures - and if you are leaving your bass in a closed car at 100 degree under a burning sun....well I guess that would be the least of your worries - and it will corrode.

Once the surface is damaged, you are not getting it back. There are several cleaners, even a very mild acid solution could be tried. But once the actual character of the aluminum surface is damaged, there is not much you can do.

For many years I worked for a manufacturer of commercial food service equipment and many parts, such as the lamp shades over hot deli cases, were anodized parts. They were always scrapped and replaced once the anodized surface had been disrupted. Of course my knowledge is only to 1990 when I went into business for myself - so maybe there is more help now.

Seek a professional. Use the yellow pages or an online manufacturers guide. Find an anodizing company, give them a call, explain the problem, and ask what can be done. Most manufacturers are happy to pass along information to a bassist....seriously. It gives them a refreshing break to their day. If there is something that can be done to bring it back, they will tell you. And if it is close by, they may actually help you out.

Good luck!

_________________
Collector of vintage Fender 4 string basses.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Any ideas for refinishing old anodized gold pickguard?
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:50 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:46 am
Posts: 10
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Thank you so much for that information - I have looked locally and there are companies somewhat nearby. I'm thinking that I'll bring it in to a shop and see what they tell me. I don't have my hopes up but one never knows! The replacement guard looks great but I'd love to get the original back on if I could.

Lots of sentimental value here - i've had the bass since I was 12 yrs old (in my late 50s now) and its a killer bass. Getting the original pg back on would be just icing on the cake.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Any ideas for refinishing old anodized gold pickguard?
Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 4:16 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2012 10:11 am
Posts: 195
I respect you for wanting the original pg i know with my OCD i would want the same good luck on your search! send some pics if you can!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Any ideas for refinishing old anodized gold pickguard?
Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 12:57 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2013 2:19 pm
Posts: 19
I don't know how bad your original pick guard looks, but I can tell you that if you did re-anodize it, it will lose all of the character of 50+ years of playing and that can never be replaced.

Just my .02


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Any ideas for refinishing old anodized gold pickguard?
Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 7:49 pm
Offline
Roadie
Roadie

Joined: Thu Nov 04, 2010 6:31 pm
Posts: 261
Re-anodizing is not a problem and there are many shops that can do it for you. For something as simple as a pickguard, there are no critical dimensional, structural, or strength concerns, so it can be done with one caveat - the re-anodizing process will remove about a 1/1,000 of an inch in a 2/1,000 of an inch re-anodization process. That 1/1,000 of an inch of aluminum is permanently lost in the process, so if it is vintage, it may be worth it to leave it in the current condition and have someone build you a replica for display and actual play.

_________________
Sent from my K&E slide rule.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron