Emg 35s on epiphone thunderbird e1

[Gonzalo Sanchez]

I just wanted to share this with the group as it might be helpful for someone else. I bought an epi thunderbird with the thought of substantial upgrades, one being pickups.

I had bought emg TB pickups, but unfortunately those are only for Gibson. It would require substantial routing to make them fit. I ended up getting 35s (35dcx bridge, 35csx neck). They are smaller than existing cavity.

I found in a different forum that 8 string guitar pickups are same size as 35s so I bought to 8string guitar pickup rings. I think the end result is pretty awesome.

Side note: I'm also converting to lefty so that's why it looks a bit odd and had to remove one pot for hand clearance. My plan is to actually replace the two volume pots to a balance (emg abcx) and switch the input jack to the side. Then plug the holes with black painted wood dowels.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

You might be able to plug the potentiometer holes with something like this. Double check the hole size. Easier to remove then glued in dowels and definitely doesn’t look worse. I’ve used them in Strat pickguards because my hand hits the closest volume control.

https://www.amazon.com/Hole-Locking-Plugs-Panels-Thickness/dp/B07HDKDXJS

 

[Gonzalo Sanchez]

Thanks I'll try it out. At least it's good for a temporary fix until I figure out something more permanent. I do think the wood dowel painted black (or even trying to match the color) would look better. But this would be reversible.