“You’ll Get Used to It!” Try the Marcus Miller Style with a Pickup Fence! [Installation Procedure Included]

A brand-new product has just been released—one that I highly recommend to all bass players and all craftsmen.
From Sound House’s original brand PLAYTECH comes the bass pickup fence the PPF40 and PPF50!

PPF40 — For 4-string JB type

PPF50 — For 4-string PB type / 5-string JB type

You might think that these kinds of parts are expensive, but the PPF40 and PPF50 come at a super budget-friendly price even students can easily afford! Yet, they come neatly boxed, include mounting screws, and are gently wrapped in bubble wrap and wax paper. So thoughtful!!

This time, we’re going to thoroughly showcase the charm of these pickup fences (will refer to it as PU fences) by having an amateur unbox them and a technician install them.

01 What is the role of a PU fence?

The main roles of this part are, simply put, “protection” and “support.”

① Protecting the pickup:

The PPF40 is mainly a metal cover that shields the bass’s pickup (the component that captures sound). It prevents the pickup from hitting objects or collecting dust during play or transport, protecting this important component.

② Support during play:

It can be used as a finger rest or as a wrist support when performing slap techniques (chopping). Having a PU fence helps maintain a more stable playing form.

And above all, the biggest draw is how it instantly gives the bass a classic, rugged look!

02 Time for Unboxing

The packaging already feels more expensive than what it actually is! You might expect simple packaging at this price range, but inside the box, the product is wrapped in bubble wrap and wax paper. It’s protected just like a high-end brand item!

When you take it out, it has a shine that is on par with some famous brands. The beautiful chrome plating is sure to upgrade your bass…!

03 Let’s Install It!

Since I had the chance, I took it by installing it on a bass displayed in our showroom.

The installation was done by Mr. Sone from our technical department. Let’s take a closer look at how he installs it!

① Preparation

First, remove the strings. You don’t need to take them off completely. Just gather them near the bridge, and that should be fine. Then, apply masking tape around the installation area and on the PU fence, and you’re ready to go!

② Centering Work

Measure the pickup and PU fence with a ruler, and mark the center points on the masking tape to align both vertically and horizontally. Having an L-shaped ruler comes in handy here!

③ Preparing to Drill Holes

Once the center is determined, place the PU fence on the bass and mark the center of the screw holes (like poking small holes in the masking tape with an awl), then remove the PU fence. Next, lightly tap the marks with a hammer using an awl to create guides for the drill bit so it won’t slip.

④ Drilling and Installation

Drill the holes in the pickguard and body using the guide marks, remove the masking tape, restring the bass, and finally secure the PU fence with screws to complete the installation!

Before

After

The installation process was basically a simple flow: “mark → drill → secure with screws,” but it became clear that the key is how accurately you can mark the spots without shifting!

04 Honest Review

I also interviewed Mr. Sone who did the installation this time.

05 Why We Recommend PU Fences

It’s perfect for recreating that vintage look. In fact, the Fender Precision Bass, which debuted in 1951, came with a PU fence as standard. So just by having a PU fence, you instantly get that “period vibe.”

Of course, every bassist at least once dreams of slapping like Marcus Miller! He rests his wrist on the PU fence while playing. It’s really cool!

A PU fence doesn’t just make your bass look more luxurious—it also supports stable playing. It’s not just decoration; it’s a practical, performance-oriented part.

06 Tips for Those Afraid of Drilling Holes

If you’re thinking, “I can’t install this…!” or “I don’t want to drill into my bass!” don’t worry.

① Ask a professional

Take it to a music store or repair shop, and they can install it using the steps I introduced. The labor cost shouldn’t be too high.

② [At Your Own Risk] Use double-sided tape

If you really don’t want to drill, you can (at your own risk) temporarily attach it with strong double-sided tape. The part that especially involves drilling into the pickguard or body is irreversible, but with tape, you can easily remove it later if you decide you don’t want it. (Just make sure it’s strong enough so it won’t come off during playing!)

③ Use a replacement pickguard!

If you don’t want to drill into your pickguard but still want a PU fence, I recommend making a replacement pickguard! Sound House also sells flat pickguard plates. You can take these to a craftsman to have a pickguard made with pre-drilled holes for the PU fence.

⇒ Pickguard flat plates are here

It’s kind of like a fun way to dress up for your bass!

07 To Summarize

Through this “unboxing ceremony” and observing a professional installation, what became clear is that PU fences are the ultimate challenge item for anyone who admires the look. And to think you can get a PU fence of this quality at such a super affordable price—that’s amazing!
Customizing your instrument like this naturally makes you more attached to it, and even if you make a mistake, it becomes a valuable experience.

Some might say, “It makes playing harder,” but after actually installing it, the bass looked so much cooler than you ever imagined! Once it looks this good, any initial difficulty in playing becomes secondary.You’ll get used to it!

Take this opportunity to check out Sound House’s pride, the PPF40 and PPF50 bass pickup fences!