Gibson Thunderbird Hardware Question

[omoxrawr]

Does anyone know where I could get chrome pickup covers and a bridge replacement for my new gibson thunderbird? There are some vintage NOS ones on ebay, but I'm not sure if they fit. How do I replacement? Thanks!

 

[Gibenbackerbass]

Does anyone know where I could get chrome pickup covers and a bridge replacement for my new gibson thunderbird? There are some vintage NOS ones on ebay, but I'm not sure if they fit. How do I replacement? Thanks!

I'm assuming the bass you have is the model with the black pickups.

I'm not awear of any replacement chrome plated covers for the model that is currently offered. The actual pickup is, I believe, epoxied into the black surround, making it one and the same with the black, (teflone coated looking) shell.

If you are taliking about the large chrome plated covers that fits over the pickups and bridge, there never was any for this (new) model bass. Those covers were for the 1963-1969, and the 1976-1979 models only, which came with either nickeal (spelling error), and the later models, with chrome plated pickups.

The three-point bridge, black or chrome, can be secured from Gibson. Call 1-800-4GIBSON, customer service. You may have to order the part through a authorized dealer.

 

[eaaa410]

You might look into the Supertone bridge by Hipshot if you want to replace the three point and aren't concerned about it being all original. It is available in chrome. It's a direct drop in and allows for individual saddle adjustment.

 

[TBird1958]

Does anyone know where I could get chrome pickup covers and a bridge replacement for my new gibson thunderbird? There are some vintage NOS ones on ebay, but I'm not sure if they fit. How do I replacement? Thanks!

Big question, no easy, cheap answer - welcome to owning a Thunderbird!
The NOS cover on ebay are from '76 production (3 screw holes) and it is possible to fit them over the post '88 production black pick ups *if* you skin the outer plastic shell off. Here are some pics of my white '89.

Before

Stripped pups in '76 covers, note these are two different phases of pick ups!

A '76 cover with pick up

The undersides of two *stripped* pups ready for installation.

And a close up of the finished bass, if you use a '76 cover the middle screw should be a "dummy" as it would otherwise pass thru the pup coils (big no, no!)

Of course you'd likely change the rest of the hardware too, Hipshot clovers and a chrome Gibson bridge (not Allparts nickel!) really set it off and give a nice "retro" look.

 

[Mark_L]

I was going to replace the chrome pickup covers on my Gibson Thunderbird bass (the ones off ebay, which appear to be authentic) , but I discovered the pickup is mounted in wax in the old cover...it looks like quite a chore to unseat them. I don't want to trash the pups just for the sake of vanity. Any advice you all can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Mark

 

[TBird1958]

I was going to replace the chrome pickup covers on my Gibson Thunderbird bass (the ones off ebay, which appear to be authentic) , but I discovered the pickup is mounted in wax in the old cover...it looks like quite a chore to unseat them. I don't want to trash the pups just for the sake of vanity. Any advice you all can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Mark

I don't know of a way to remove the pickup from the chrome cover as it is "potted" tho it *may* be possible, you might email Mike Lull as I belive he may have actually done it. The ones offered on ebay are the real deal BTW.

 

[darkside 88]

I'm sure glad I found this thread, lots of good info.

Can anyone tell me the names of any chrome or nickel plated pickups that can be dropped into a modern T-Bird, and what other hardware I'd need (pickup rings, etc)?

I was looking at these two:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[TBird1958]

I can't recall a true "drop in" replacement in chrome/nickel, the easiest to use would be Mike Lull's, they'll give your bass the same vintage growl as an early '60s Bird. They are spendy, no doubt but remember thatthe pick up is a major component of your bass' voice - my own personal experience is that they're well worth the money. Some Hipshot clovers and a chrome Gibson ( not Allparts!) 3 point would help finsh the hardware.
I did at one point have a bass with the RS Guitarworks chrome pickups - I found them lacking any character at all, and definately not T Bird like in their tone.

I'm sure glad I found this thread, lots of good info.

Can anyone tell me the names of any chrome or nickel plated pickups that can be dropped into a modern T-Bird, and what other hardware I'd need (pickup rings, etc)?

I was looking at these two:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[darkside 88]

So would the Lulls require some expansion of the pickup cavity, or pickup rings or anything?

 

[TBird1958]

So would the Lulls require some expansion of the pickup cavity, or pickup rings or anything?

No, the opposite in fact, they are very similar dimensionally except height, you'll have to fill the pup routs, I used some laminated mahogany blocks that I then routed for wiring and predrilled screw holes - pretty easy.

A Nikki Sixx MkII that I changed out.

 

[darkside 88]

Quality info. I thank you kindly.

 

[darkside 88]

I balked at the idea of spending $600 on pickups, but then I remembered I found my T-Bird for about $800. Seems like a good investment.

 

[propel]

What about the Rio Grande Pitbull? Are they in the same ball park?

Thanks!