So, further on the line...
I took the plate off to see what was underneath and BOOM!... I have found what I think I really like.
Just a metal plate a la Musicman Stingray for the 3 knobs (the jack is side mounted).
I've included two pics - 1 is the kind of plate I am looking at (Which is nearly 80 quid, so that ain't happening) and the other is my plate with a rough masking tape "design" to outline what I could use...
It doesn't have to be metal, but metal would give it almost a Jacoesque J-bass vibe I'd think... and I think personally it would look pretty cool.
Also included a pic of the bass sans cover for your input, ideas, thoughts and "hey, what the hell are you doing to that bass fool???" comments hahahaha
Again, as always - my thanks in advance
Julian