Replacement pickups for a Thunderbird

kleingeld · #1 12-01-2012, 08:33 AM

Hi all. Sorry if this is discussed somewhere else. I searched for this topic but couldn't find it anywhere.

I'm considering replacing the pups on my '01 Gibson Thunderbird and want advice on what to look into. The stock pups are just to muddy for me. I love the bass itself. It's nice and light, comfortable, and cool. I love the deep bottom, but there isn't enough clarity or definition for me. My usual bass to play live is a Fender American Deluxe Precision. Played side-by-side, the Thunderbird just sounds . . . well . . . muddy.

I'd like to keep the bass passive, so I'm looking for passive pups that fit in a Tbird that provide better clarity and definition than the stock pups. I've seen the EMG TBHZ pickup. Anyone have experience with those? Any other suggestions?

Thank you!

kleingeld · #2 12-01-2012, 08:39 AM

You know what, let me know about active sets too. I'd consider making the bass active in order to get the right sound. Thanks.

ctmullins · #3 12-01-2012, 08:42 AM

Cheap: Duncan SSB

Not cheap: SGD Neobuckers in a 35 shell (but there's a wait). ThunderBucker Ranch. Jason Lollar. Nordstrand Big Splits in a 35 shell.

The EMG 35 isn't a dead-on perfect match for your original cavities - take careful measurements before you throw money at them.

I'll buy your Gibby pups.

stiles72 · #4 12-01-2012, 02:35 PM

Thunderbuckers, Mike Lull, Jason Lollar, EMG, Bartolini, lot's of options for TB pickups these days. I installed a Lull in the bridge of my Epi TB and it really brought out some ringing piano tones.

kleingeld · #5 12-01-2012, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the info. Any description of the tonal characteristics of the options would be appreciated. For example, I have Bartolinis on one bass and EMGs on another and they sound completely different. I'm intruiged by the SGDs, but don't know enough about their sound to plunk down $200 for a set. What makes Thunderbuckers different from Mike Lulls, different from Jason Lollar, etc?

wvbass · #6 12-02-2012, 10:02 AM

I have Thunderbucker '66's in a bass and really like them. They have lots of low end and are a little muted on top. As with other humbuckers, they can sound a little hollow/boxy in some situations.

EMG makes a jazz pickup in a thunderbird shell. Sacrilege, I know, but I am curious...

SGD Lutherie · #7 12-02-2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctmullins

Not cheap: SGD Neobuckers in a 35 shell (but there's a wait).

They aren't on the website, but I can now make them in metal T-bird covers, in chrome or gold.

And yes, there is a bit of a wait.

Dadagoboi · #8 12-02-2012, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kleingeld

Thanks for the info. Any description of the tonal characteristics of the options would be appreciated. For example, I have Bartolinis on one bass and EMGs on another and they sound completely different. I'm intruiged by the SGDs, but don't know enough about their sound to plunk down $200 for a set. What makes Thunderbuckers different from Mike Lulls, different from Jason Lollar, etc?

Steve (ThunderBucker) winds 63 spec, 66 spec and MAX(ultimate high output) that are exact replacements for vintage. I believe he's the only one doing this. All his work is done in house, including covers. Again, no one else is doing this to my knowledge. I'm his consultant and OEM customer. Initial cloning work was done with 6 of my vintage 60s Thunderbirds pickups. 63 spec are the equivalent of what's in a Reverse 63-65TBird, 66 are 65-68 Non Reverse type. One month money back trial period.
http://thunderbuckerranch.com

SGD Lutherie · #9 12-02-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadagoboi

Steve (ThunderBucker) winds 63 spec, 66 spec and MAX(ultimate high output) that are exact replacements for vintage. I believe he's the only one doing this. All his work is done in house, including covers. Again, no one else is doing this to my knowledge.

Jason Lollar also makes vintage correct T-bird pickups and makes the bobbins and covers in house.

http://www.lollarguitars.com/mm5/mer...oduct_Code=270

aquateen · #10 12-02-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

those look very nice!

cvogel · #11 01-15-2013, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

They aren't on the website, but I can now make them in metal T-bird covers, in chrome or gold.

And yes, there is a bit of a wait.

Hows the fit for the chrome covers on an Epiphone?

Toptube · #12 01-16-2013, 08:39 PM

I ordered some Lollar TB pickups in black chrome on Monday. I didn't realize they are also in Washington, I should be getting them tomorrow!

Based only on the officially available sound samples from both brands, the Lollar pickups sound more like a Non-Reverse (like, very VERY similar) than the Thunderbuckers.

One of my two inspirations to play bass is a Non-reverse TB player. She's got two of them

Its a sound/tone I'm very familiar with.

There is something special about the low end in the attack. Its buttery and tubby. Warm, but not boomy Seems to get around fret clack, while still staying "open" in the upper frequencies. They still have plenty of bark and clarity, but don't seem to be as crunchy up top as some of the other thunderbirds.

I will be sure to post up first hand impressions once I've wired them up and tried out a few different strings! FYI, they are not going into any kind of Thunderbird >_>

godofthunder59 · #13 01-17-2013, 06:13 AM

Here is a short video clip of me in the studio with my Cataldo Basses NR Thunderbird with a Thunderbucker Max. The tone speaks for itself! I had my choice that day of the Thunderbucker Max equipped Cataldo NR or one of my '60's NRs. The Thunderbuckers really nail the 60's Thunderbird tone. The Cataldo was a wise choice

The song is not mixed yet still lots of work to do.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater

Toptube · #14 01-17-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by godofthunder59

Here is a short video clip of me in the studio with my Cataldo Basses NR Thunderbird with a Thunderbucker Max. The tone speaks for itself! I had my choice that day of the Thunderbucker Max equipped Cataldo NR or one of my '60's NRs. The Thunderbuckers really nail the 60's Thunderbird tone. The Cataldo was a wise choice

The song is not mixed yet still lots of work to do.https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater

that bass, amp, and pickups sound really good! What strings are you using?

* got my black chrome Lollars today. Man they are beautifully made.

Dadagoboi · #15 01-18-2013, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toptube

that bass, amp, and pickups sound really good! What strings are you using?

I built Scott's God of Thunder Siggy NR with a single ThunderBucker MAX pickup. Since I didn't have his preferred Rotosounds in stock and knew he had some sets I sent it with the strings used to set it up...$10 Allparts nickel 45-105s. I liked the way they sounded and wanted to get his opinion. Obviously he likes them!

godofthunder59 · #16 01-18-2013, 05:02 AM

Would you Believe Allparts round wounds 45-105? They came stock on the Cataldo NR!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toptube

that bass, amp, and pickups sound really good! What strings are you using?

* got my black chrome Lollars today. Man they are beautifully made.

Toptube · #17 01-18-2013, 10:51 PM

Cool! I'm a fan of Webstrings's nickels, so it doesn't sound as crazy to me as you might think!

Harper · #18 01-28-2013, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadagoboi

SWEET JESUS! I'm generally not one to geek out over "bass porn," but that is a beautiful instrument!

fjadams · #19 01-28-2013, 10:51 PM

Have to agree. That is quite the looker.

webelo · #20 01-29-2013, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvbass

I have Thunderbucker '66's in a bass and really like them. They have lots of low end and are a little muted on top. As with other humbuckers, they can sound a little hollow/boxy in some situations.

+1 to this.

I have a set of Thunderbucker '66s in my J. They are amazing.