Tips on relicing a creme mini humbucker mounting ring

[Steven D. Wilson]

Hello,

I am putting back together a 1973 Gibson Gold Top Les Paul Deluxe. About the only replacement part I have to order are the two creme mini humbucker mounting rings. I was hoping to give the shiny new ones a bit more of an aged look.

I was thinking of using 0000 steel wool to take off the shine and soften the edges a little, then try to give it a little darker "aged" look  - especially in some places. I was thinking of trying to rub in and buff almost out a little dark brown paste shoe polish, which works pretty well to age the white kluson tuner knobs.

Does anyone else have any ideas? I have a couple old regular hum rings to practice on.

Steve

[Pierre-Antoine Roiron]

That should be a good start! For hitting them harder then just with steel wool, you can make screwdriver scratches, or put them in a box with screws and shake well.

[Thomas James]

I use those little Micro Mesh pads to 'age' and smooth out new plastic parts. Steel wool can leave behind dirt, but that can look okay on some grungy guitars. The biggest problem I've had is finding the right color creme.

[Steven D. Wilson]

Thanks guys! The micro mesh is a good idea, as I usually try to avoid steel wool whenever possible, and I always use a magnet to catch the stray strands. I will also test shaking them in a box of screws. I appreciate the ideas!

Steve

[John]

Soaking plastic in coffee or tea works on some plastics.

[Steven D. Wilson]

Thanks John,

I will give that a try, too.

Coffee and tea certainly work well staining my teeth!

Steve