I have tried to match the pickup rings used on the original bursts. The original 50's M69 rings are distinctly different to all the current rings available both in size and colour.
The 50's rings thicker, higher, squarer and much closer to white in colour. The new Gibson "Historic" rings are a pink-cream and look terrible next to the pickguard & bindings that I have tried to match as closely as possible. Buying 50's replica rings is pricy. The cost anything frm R800 - R2500 a set. I luckily managed to gethold of 1 pair of very accurate replica rings at an excellent price. I have decided to mould them & make my own sets. I have seen it done before so I at least know its possible.
First, I roll a piece of plasticine and "box" it. The rings are pressed into the material. I used a few lego pieces to make the alignment studs.
Silicone casting is poured in and left for 24 hours to set.
The mold is flipped over and the plasticine is peeled off.
I put in 2 plasticine pieces to create the pouring holes. The silicone is sprayed with a release agent to prevent the 2 mold pieces sticking together & the second half of mold is
poured in.
Another 24hrs & ...
The detail has come out nicely the original "M69" lettering and other number from inside the rings has come through clearly. I need to make some air bleed holes & then I can do my first set of rings.
