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Gibson Thunderbird with Lull PUs?

theRocco

theRocco

Jan 7, 2010
132
188
The Expanse
#1
First post, hi all!

Always wanted a Gibson Thunderbird and thinking I'll just get a new one. I've looked for an Anniversary issue with the Chrome Hardware but haven't found one yet.

Would like to hear your thoughts about putting the Mike Lull T-Bass Pickups in a new Gibson?

Anyone have clips? I've heard the Lull clips on his site (in his own T-Bass) and they sound good to me, but would that high-end articulation be as evident in an actual Gibson with the neck-through design?

Even though I like the cosmetics of the original Thunderbird's, the new ones with the Black Parts don't look bad, it's growing on me every time I see one!

Are you current owners of new Thunderbirds happy with the looks/sound?

I may just be chasing some lost dream here or?
 
#2
I've done this, just bring lots of money.
Mike's pups are 330.00 ea. new tuners are 100.00 and a Gibson 3 point is about 50.00.

This is a Nikki Sixx Mk.II Thunderbird I modified with a lot of chrome parts, not too difficult a project. It has *the* '60s 'Bird tone, sorry no soundclips tho.

NikkiII004.jpg


NikkiII002.jpg
 
#4
Great looking bass! Thanks, TBird!
I listened to some of your Nasty Clips, was that before the mods?
Sounded good, what a great band!

Also, saw of pic of you in a music store trying out a red Mike Lull single pickup T-Bass. How did you like it?

I have to decide to either get a new Gibson, mod it, wait for a Anniversary model, or get the Mile Lull (???).
 
#5
The T bass is really a beautiful instrument as is any bass that Mike makes, he is a gifted craftsman and is passionate about all his work. I was lucky enough to be slightly involved in that project, my benifit was that I got buy the first production one (the orange single pick up #1342), it's a one of a kind that I'm proud to own - I wish my talent as a bass player were worthy of it's quality.
I think if you want to mod a Gibson you'd be wish to look for a gently used one, they're around on ebay and you'll save some $$$ towards the parts as well. I do have some pics of this bass as a project as well PM me if you like.


Tradional owner's shot :)

thunderbirds014.jpg
 
#7
Gibenbackerbass said:
TBird1958 has some really teriffic Thunderbird basses. :bassist:

Love that orange one!!!! :hyper:

Now, what's this about a Gibson Anniv Thunderbird Bass? I didn't know they were issuing one. Any info?
Click to expand...

Here's some info:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed][/URL]


Apparently, it's more a "Bi-Centennial" than Anniversary:

The Bi-Centenial Thunderbird

In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in its original early 60s body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the 200th anniversary of American independence, it is known as the bi-centenial model, or Thunderbird '76.
 
#8
theRocco said:
Here's some info:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed][/URL]


Apparently, it's more a "Bi-Centennial" than Anniversary:

The Bi-Centenial Thunderbird

In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in its original early 60s body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the 200th anniversary of American independence, it is known as the bi-centenial model, or Thunderbird '76.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I appreciate the info. And so quickly too! :hyper:

Yea, I knew about that one. Have one myself. I thought Gibson finally woke up and was going to do a new reissue of the '63-early'65 bass., complete with chrome hardware, large tuners, correct bridge, over-sized headstock, and ebony finger rest. Wouldn't that be incredable!! :)
 
#9
I live for that day bro!
Henry J, however seems to taking Gibson other somewhat questionable places as of late ;(


Rezdog Yo! :)
 
#10
TBird1958 said:
I live for that day bro!
Henry J, however seems to taking Gibson other somewhat questionable places as of late ;(


Rezdog Yo! :)
Click to expand...


What I don't understand is they go to great lenght to reissue accurate versions of thier guitars, Les Paul, SG, Firebird, ES335, ect, but not basses. I don't get it. :hmm:
If there was one bass they should do it would be the Thunderbird, both reverse and non-reverse, in some of those really great colors you never see. Make it a limited edition. :)
Rickenbacker does it, why not our friends of the mahogany!
 
#11
That would be great, and it seems like a "common sense" thing to do.

But under Henry J's leadership "comon sense" is nowhere to be found - most disheartening :(
 
#12
TBird1958 said:
That would be great, and it seems like a "common sense" thing to do.

But under Henry J's leadership "comon sense" is nowhere to be found - most disheartening :(
Click to expand...
Which is why we must take things into our own hands. I think putting Mike Lulls pups in a new Bird would be the bomb.
 
#13
I got my Gibson Thunderbird Studio bass with Mile Lull T Bird PUs! These PUs sound great. The stock PUs are good too, IMO, but esp if you play Metal, the output on them is outrageous. The Lulls are crisper, smoother, and just sound "vintage" to me. I am going to save and get Lulls for my IV, only this time I am going chrome all the way, out with the black hardware.
 
#14
Glad you like the Lull pups Rob, they really bring a bass to life! I plan to use some on my white '89 a little later this year, replacing these modern ones that have been retro fitted into chrome covers.......
eats011.jpg


Here's some headstock shots with Hipshot Clovers....
whitebird002.jpg


whitebird003.jpg


I replaced the stock black 3 point with a chromey Gibson one (not Allparts) I picked up on ebay......

bridge1.jpg
 

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