McCarty hardware questions

[Lbushwhack88]

Hey guys! So I've got a few questions regarding some once gold hardware that my acidic sweat matched with this beautiful Florida humidity has just destroyed. I recently sanded down my gold pickup covers with fine grit sandpaper, but there is still some gunk deep in the covers that I have no clue how to remove

I have posted links to pics of the bridge and the rusted screws that i cannot get out. Im trying to figure out how to remove the ring screws that are so rusted that I can no longer even see the screw pattern.

Anyone have any advice? This guitar is my baby and I don't intend to sell it which is why I had the audacity to actually take sandpaper to the hardware. It doesn't look great but the gold hardware was beyond shot so I decided to give it a shot. Any tips for improving the look would be greatly appreciated!

 

[John Beef]

To be honest, your hardware looks like it went down with the Titanic and was recently brought back to the surface after spending 100 years at the bottom of the sea. That's just nuts!

 

[DISTORT6]

You're a one-man-relicing-machine! People pay good money for that stuff! :biggrin:

Maybe this would work?

https://www.buyspeedout.com/iispout/12.0000/index.dtm

 

[Lbushwhack88]

Lol yeah that's about 2 and a half years of playing out and tons of practice in a home that's pretty exposed to the worst humidity Florida has to offer. Is there any way to at least buff the pickup covers/bridge with like REAL high grade sandpaper or should I just stop before things get worse?

 

[Lbushwhack88]

Got the buggers out! I put in flathead screws until I can get some Phillips which will be soon. And I'll probably replace them about once a year now to save myself this problem especially considering the 85 cent replacement fee for the screws, easily worth it. The pickups and bridge are another story though... I may take the covers off.

 

[AP515]

You can replace the covers. Just buy new ones with the right hole spacing and it's a quick solder job. For the bridge I'd start with a TonePros locking bridge, but that's just me. You can get another PRS bridge on EBay.

 

[DISTORT6]

Put a little clear nail polish on the screw heads. That should seal them up between changes.

 

[Lbushwhack88]

What kinda metal is gonna offer me the least amount of tarnishing for pickup covers?

 

[AP515]

What kinda metal is gonna offer me the least amount of tarnishing for pickup covers?

Hard to say. Maybe chrome or stainless steel if they make them. With sweat as tough as yours (but I've seen worse), you may just have to plan on replacing them every few years. They are only $10 bucks or so IIRC. It's been a while since I bought them.

 

[Senor Verde]

You're a one-man-relicing-machine! People pay good money for that stuff! :biggrin:

Maybe this would work?

https://www.buyspeedout.com/iispout/12.0000/index.dtm

I wouldn't try this. The company I work for was interested in selling these. We got some samples and they didn't work well, if at all.

 

[DISTORT6]

I wouldn't try this. The company I work for was interested in selling these. We got some samples and they didn't work well, if at all.

Good to know. Scratch another one off my list. :top:
Thanks! Damn gimmicks.

 

[Parralax view]

That wraparound MAY give intonation issues. Notice the string slots are still partially covered with the original plating where it hasn't eroded or you haven't taken it off. It may not do a thing most likely, but if you ever have intonation issues, that might be one of them.

 

[pjdude]

Just a thought, but once you have your new or reconditioned hardware - not installed yet, wax the hell out of the covers and bridge with Mother's or something similar. You may have to repeat every once in a while, but that just might keep the nasties off.