Fenderbird Bridge Replacement?

knigel · #1 10-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Okay, so it's not quite a real deal Fenderbird, but I am creating a monster this week and I need some advice. I will be putting a Mighty Mite jazz bass neck on an old Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird body. The neck is trashed (well, maybe--it has two bass strings and a banjo string on it and has been in a basement since 1999) and the bridge is missing a saddle. So instead of driving myself crazy looking for a saddle, or replacing the saddles and hoping they work with the bridge plate, I'm just going to replace the whole shebang.

Any advice on a replacement bridge? Bear in mind that I would prefer that no parts be too much more than I paid for the bass plus a gig bag ($50!!!). Should I get a Fender style bridge, like a Gotoh or Schaller or Badass? Or a Gibson style replacement? Will a Gibson style work with the Fender neck? I'm not scared of putting more holes in this baby.

Other than the bridge I'm going to throw some DiMarzios in it and call it a day. It's a pretty sweet bass!

Pics:

Yeah, it's pretty trashed...

I kind of love it.

UnfortunateTony · #2 10-02-2010, 12:21 AM

Oh what I would give to have that bass.....

knigel · #3 10-02-2010, 07:41 AM

Yeah, it's pretty cool. I was thinking about refinishing it in white, but I'm going to assemble it first when I get all the parts and see how it sounds (yes, color affects sound. Right?) Nah, but if I like how it plays I might just leave it alone!

Except the bridge. Who will guide me in bridge replacements!?!

Barkless Dog · #4 10-02-2010, 07:44 AM

If the neck is in good shape, those usually sell for $200-$300.

They don't make them anymore. Pickup replacement is suggested.

I look the worn look

Rip Topaz · #5 10-02-2010, 07:46 AM

More than you paid for the bass, but I personally would throw a Hipshot Supertone on there.

knigel · #6 10-02-2010, 09:09 AM

I'll check it out. Anyone know the specs for Fender threaded saddles? are they close to a MIM bridge?I ask because the existing bridge isn't too bad, kind of heavy. I like it! So I was thinking about getting a set of threaded saddles for a little more flexibility string spacing-wise.

It's not a huge concern, I'm just wondering.

I'll check out the Hipshot for sure. Maybe I can score a used one here in the classifieds.

Oh, and a DiMarzio set is going in FOR SURE. Unless someone has a P/J idea? Not hugely into the SD QPs--had them in a jazz, and they were just a bit too modern sounding for me.

knigel · #7 10-02-2010, 10:28 AM

Those hipshot supertones are really nice! Looks like a lot of work to install, and it might be too much for me to handle. Unless anyone has some tips? Kind of pricey, too, but not unreal. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a used one.

change-jug · #8 10-02-2010, 10:38 AM

That`s going to be a fricking awesome Fenderbird!

rollcall · #9 10-02-2010, 10:47 AM

The fender bridge has 5 holes in a line and the existing bridge has 4 at the corners. My concern is that the holes will show through on the fender replacement.

knigel · #10 10-02-2010, 02:22 PM

Yeah, I'm a little concerned with the holes not lining up (EDIT: I mean redrilling totally new holes. The holes won't "line up" in any way...), but those holes are nothing compared to the dents and dings already on the body. I WOULD be more concerned if I decide to refin the body though, but I'm leaning just leaving it alone for now.

I'm thinking vintage threaded saddles now, but I can't find the specs on a Fender bridge v an Epiphone bridge. I don't want the saddles to be all gappy and weird. Any links anyone?

I was thinking "Fender neck, gotta use a Fender bridge..." but will it matter?

knigel · #11 10-04-2010, 04:11 PM

Got some DiMarzios to put in the Fenderbird! All I need now is a few simple parts. It's coming together nicely!

BeeTL · #12 10-04-2010, 08:12 PM

I LOVE the Fenderbird...

benjammin420 · #13 10-04-2010, 08:20 PM

how well does the MM Jazz neck fit on the Thunderbird body?

BeeTL · #14 10-04-2010, 08:31 PM

By the way, I'd put a Gotoh 201 on it.

I'd trace the current bridge with a sharpie and mark the saddle location at the E & G.

Set the 201's saddles in the middle of their back to front travel at a similar "sweep".

Remove the stock bridge and center the 201 in its place with the saddles aligned with the marks.

Drill the new mounting holes, wipe the sharpie off with alcohol and install.

Easy peasy.

knigel · #15 10-04-2010, 09:21 PM

The neck? Probably not a great fit, but good enough. Hopefully.... Might take some finagling.

I was just looking at the Gotoh 201. That's the front runner for cost vs effectiveness. The bad part? The e string saddle is fine, but the G was missing and the d had a banjo string on it. Soo....... I may just have to fudge it. But the Gotoh is def a leader, unless something comes up used.

BeeTL · #16 10-04-2010, 09:49 PM

OK, do you have strings you like?

Move one of the saddles to the G, or use a convenient piece of scrap wood.

Intonate the E and the G, then do as I suggest above.

Check eBay...the 201 is a deal at MSRP, but can be found discounted pretty easily.

Also, here's a 201 knockoff for $20.00:

http://www.allparts.com/Chrome-Econo...b-3410-010.htm

ProfGumby · #17 10-05-2010, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeTL

By the way, I'd put a Gotoh 201 on it.

I'd trace the current bridge with a sharpie and mark the saddle location at the E & G.

Set the 201's saddles in the middle of their back to front travel at a similar "sweep".

Remove the stock bridge and center the 201 in its place with the saddles aligned with the marks.

Drill the new mounting holes, wipe the sharpie off with alcohol and install.

Easy peasy.

This!

knigel · #18 10-08-2010, 04:43 AM

All right dudes Gotoh it is. Sanded out the neck pocket and mocked up the bass. It's not a perfect fit (Fender has a rounded end, Epi has a flat end) but it should be good enough. The neck is actually longer now, so I have to reposition the bridge anyway, so I'm getting a new one.

ALLLLSSOOOOO can anyone recommend a decent gig bag for this mammajamma? The body is a lot longer than I thought--the head was sticking out of the gigbag it came with, but I thought it was due to that long headstock. Wrong!

So, anyone have a line on some longer gigbags?

knigel · #19 10-08-2010, 03:43 PM

Here is a quick progress pic I snapped. I think it's going to look pretty sharp. Got the neck to fit in the pocket. Did I mention it's not a great fit? Should be all right.

Anyone have long gig bag ideas? Looking for a long gig bag.

interstatejoe · #20 10-08-2010, 03:51 PM

Looking good! I've got the same bass in practically new condition sitting in it's case in my garage.... except its in pieces. I started taking it apart to strip and refinish, got distracted halfway through disassembly and I never did anything else with it. I should probably reassemble it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnfortunateTony

Oh what I would give to have that bass.....

I'm listening....