Yeah, or anodized or plated stuff. There’s a bunch of places making metal (usually aluminum) pickguards.
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That was my stripper name.
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Mine would be “Want LOLs” 
The decision for the control palte and the pickguard is fortunately not time pressing.
I am looking at car foil, like this
- 3M Wrap Folie 1080-G251 Gloss Sterling Silver
- 3M 1080-M22 DEEP BLACK
It’s for cars, so it should be durable. I’m just worried about the some angles on the pickguard and control plate…
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My biggest issues in terms of “what shall I do and how?” are:
- DiMarzio DP126 vs EMG GZR PJ? @Al1885 ?
- Use the current pickup selection switch position for a tone knob, so I don’t need to drill any holes in the control plate? @Wombat-metal ?
- Getting 14mm tuners in 17mm holes. I was thinking about getting a 17mm diameter aluminium tube that has 14mm inner diameter and cut that into fitting pieces - to act as custom bushings. @Wombat-metal ?
EDIT first thing I don’t like (but that’s just a minor thing): the neck is not as silky smooth on the back side as the Sire U5 or Ibanez EHB was. But not as sticky as all the other basses I tried. It’s still very good - but not perfect!
EDIT2: tone-wise, it’s better than the EHB in it’s worst moments and worse than the EHB in its better moments.
I would say it’s slightly worse than the Fender P-bass I tried.
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I’d say it’s more Lord of the Flies but close enough.
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WOw! very nice bass. Love the white neck binding for sure.
one in each would be the way to go. you can have both and learn more about both. I’m an EMG guy so I know that the they would work. I’d prefer the active but Geezer would work very nicely too.
What are you going to do with the switch empty space. If you are going with the EMG maybe install the VMC stack knob, that would be super cool.
That’s the quickest way to move forward. Once you are done installing you are good to go. Shielding paint is a better way to go but it takes half a day to a day for the multiple coats and drying time.
yah maybe, but I’d definitely recommend the RayRoss saddleless bridge. It would bring the uniqueness and bling to this build.
If you are going with the string through option just get the Fender Mustang bridge.
I have several basses installed with the S lock, I personally like the look and function of the Fender strap lock. Maybe because all of the knockoffs are from the S-lock design.
It’s the homage to the original Tortoise Pickguard, it’s from the turtle shell the real one. Some like it some don’t, it has the same right to exist as the pink mist paint, 
You can always get the custom Pickguard it doesn’t cost as much anymore. now that the price comes down it’s no more than $60.
I agree, it looks like the older Fender Deluxe tuners, this is a tough one. I’d keep it if it’s working ok.
If not I’d go for the Ratio tuner from Graphtech. it’s definitely the best tuners out there. Your E string will have the same tuning sensitivity as your G string, and that’s saying a lot.
I’d start with very fine grit like 2000 and literally polish the back of the neck until you like it. If you are in a rush you can start with 800 or a 1000.
like I said, one each would be cool.
If this 2 basses will be your forever basses then don’t half ass it. Just go nuts. 
if you do it as is, then you have 2 knobs position you can go with stacked Vol/tone, Vol/tone and VMC on the switch, with the EMG choice. It would not be cheap but it will be spectacular. If you are willing to drill the side for the Jack, then you can have Vol, Vol, Tone, and VMC at the switch.
Another option would be Master Vol, Blend, BTC control (single stacked knob), and VMC. This will give you full tonal control, with Bass/ Treble and stacked Mid.
If it’s too thick you’ll have a problem with spacing issue. There’s nothing wrong with the one we have., if it gets scratch off then do it again or patch it.
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One of the most boring - but philosophically sound - books that I have ever read! And I like your way of thinking
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Yeah - I need to remove the pickguard to see what’s behind it. If I don’t need to dremel too much, I might go for an active option on Ronin…
The stack knobs on the EHB confused the hell out of me.
The switch will be either removed and the hole made invisible when painting/foiling. Or I will install a tone knob on that position.
Except when everybody says it’s ugly
Ooooh! Ahhhhhhhhh! Me likey! But: too expensive!
Custom pickguards cost more than 100€ over here. An A4 size (= more or less “letter” format) foil costs between 3-5€.
That’s also 14mm, so the same issue. I have the Gotohs on my old basses and am very happy. Also, they are cheaper
YES! Depending on costs I will go to the max with these basses…
That’s actually my plan B. Need to see how much space I have under the control plate. If I need to dremel too much I’ll think twice.
Last time I dremeled I almost got blind and destroyed my lungs - cause of the dust. Yeah - stupid me … only dremel with glasses and mask!
EDIT About the Graph Tech tuners: “One full turn of any machine head results in a complete pitch change”
Hmmm … that would solve the Bass Extender issue. Don’t need it anymore then!?
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Honestly for tuning to drop D, you don’t need anything special. You get to where you can do it in seconds with any tuning machine.
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Please share the pictures under the Pickguard. I’d be interested to know what kind of space available, also if you don’t mind the depth and dimension of the cavity under the control plate.
RayRoss bridge man do it,
I can guarantee you that you’ll be one only one with that bridge on.
Here’s a little incentive.
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Yeah - I had this discussion several times here on BassBuzz.
I have the Hipshot Extender on my old bass … and use it daily. My play list has 80% standard tuning and 20% Drop D.
I just need to switch back & fort, no problem, takes a fraction of a second to do.
I like that a lot!
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Dude you have 2, just tune one drop and one standard.
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It looks really really really great! I totally get you! But I need to limit costs.
I will get the black “Ronin” bass tomorrow. This one will be my “you go 1st” bass, so all experiments will be done on that one, before I will change anything on Pink’s Hot.
Will post pics of the all cavities of Ronin on Sunday latest!
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That’s a must have for 5 string, as B string is notoriously touchy.
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That would be to easy
If I fill my sofa location with basses, I’ll get into real trouble with my girlfriend.
I haven’t told her about Ronin yet - and I don’t know how she will take the “those basses are so cheap, I got two for the price of one” argument…
So I might need to hide Ronin and sneak past here to play with it outside ^^
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$134 at StewMac is not far more expensive than the Mustang Bridge JMJ
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That where you went wrong. First rule of buying multiple basses, is to get the same color,
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For Europe I have to add taxes and shipping…
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LOL! Actually I thought about it. I can play the pink bass on my sofa - but outside I’m known to be that cool guy with a very dark soul. So I need to have a black bass for the general public to keep up with my image
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