Replacing baseplates

[michelfortier]

I purchased a used set of BKP's, 6-string normal spaced neck and wide spaced bridge.  The previous owner trimmed the mounting tabs and I'd like to replace them as I'm going with a unique direct-mount system and need the full-width tabs.  I'm in the states and an inquiry to BKP yielded an approximately $85USD bill to swap new baseplates on and ship them back.  Not horrible, but not cheap.

So...looking for other options and wondering if anyone has had luck replacing baseplates with "off-the-shelf" parts available from vendors.  The PDF schematics show a 52.9mm pole spacing for the wide and a 49.4mm spacing for the normal spaced buckers.

I can acquire nickel silver base plates in 49.2mm and 53mm spacing easily.  Not exact.  Wondering if anyone thinks the small difference would be an issue. 

And how bout covers?  If I want to swap covers, anything out there work with the BKP's?

Thanks in advance,
Michel

[Tim]

You'll find that 49.2mm and 53mm will work Michel, likewise the same with covers. The main thing when selecting covers is to make sure they're made from nickel silver - avoid brass as they roll out too much of the high end.

[michelfortier]

Thanks very much Tim!  Yes, I do avoid the ones with brass undercoating.  Hard to find sometimes but there are a few quality vendors out there.  Appreciated!
Michel

[michelfortier]

Just an update if anyone is interested, I successfully swapped the base plate last night.  Wasn't all that hard and I can confirm a 53mm base plate will work as will a 53mm cover.  Not that I ever doubted you Tim!

A few notes...you will have to solder.  The ground is soldered to the base plate.  There's wax.  I typically do not use wax-potted pickups.  It can hinder reassembly a bit.  A heat gun, used sparingly and gently, will move the wax around.  I also use clamps to ensure there's no gap between the keeper bar and the base plate when screwing it all back together as well as when I solder the cover back on.

I will say this...the burnt chrome screws with a raw nickel cover.  A very cool look.  I put the burnt chrome covers back on regardless.

Have them slotted in my PRS SC-58 until I get my build done.  The bridge is a bit brighter than what I'm used to (I haven't touched the EQ yet) and the neck pickup is very sweet, really good, even though Eddie never met one he liked.  Great set!