I fixed my Tbird some more (we do a little trolling)

[mexicanyella]

I like your headstock shape better than the original, I think.

Your strap button mod...that never would have occurred to me in a million years. If it works, it works!

These mods might be soul destroying to attendees of a Thunderbird collector gathering, but I agree with the post above that said you should own your gear, not the other way around, and I salute you for playing your own personalized creation.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

You're off to a good start removing part of the headstock. Keep up the good work and let us know when the rest of it is gone.

Hilarious!!

 

[BtaylorTheRogue]

What shape do you like? Ditch the pickguard - fill the holes - sand it all down (headstock too) - stain or paint the entire thing. Name it after yourself and post the pic

"Can you make me a ric, Mac?"

"Yeah, I just need some gum, a paperclip, and an entire Thunderbird bass."

Well, well, well, what can I say? I love your orange shoestrings and Kitty's letter to Santa Paws

Why thank you! Some say I have questionable taste, but at least that means I have taste.

I like your headstock shape better than the original, I think.

Your strap button mod...that never would have occurred to me in a million years. If it works, it works!

These mods might be soul destroying to attendees of a Thunderbird collector gathering, but I agree with the post above that said you should own your gear, not the other way around, and I salute you for playing your own personalized creation.

My only justification is it's "just an epi", but I agree with everything you said so much!

 

[metron]

Somewhere along the line modding instruments became sort of blasphemous. I think everyone should mod their instruments to their liking.

 

[BtaylorTheRogue]

Sometimes it's amazing what people with common sense can accomplish.

Disclaimer: that's not my regular guitar player, I haven't played with this guy in months, and haven't played this song in years.

 

[Ostie]

Get out the drill and make it look like a baby Swiss! You know you want to. C’mon! Do it!

I’ll wait here for pics.

 

[Ric5]

I extend the straplok button out on my Fenderbirds.

 

[BtaylorTheRogue]

I extend the straplok button out on my Fenderbirds.

I have been in awe of your work for years, and would love to know how that has worked for you

 

[Ric5]

I have been in awe of your work for years, and would love to know how that has worked for you

I have done it to 8 different basses that suffered from neck dive ... it helps a lot on all of them.

 

[Ric5]

somebody needs to do a headless thunderbird bass

 

[Ric5]

I am currently building another Fenderbird and it will need the straplok extender

 

[Ric5]

and my new 10 string SG bass I set the neck deeper into the body and used a 30" scale neck to lessen neck dive, but it will still need a straplok extender.

 

[Ric5]

moving the back strap button helps, but I move mine farther back and up.

try moving the button to this area

 

[r_bnks]

 

[Ric5]

 

[B-Mac]

somebody needs to do a headless thunderbird bass

View attachment 4611060

Well @BtaylorTheRogue is halfway there!

 

[bassclef112]

OP, I'm with you 100%! I think it looks great, HS just needs a little finishing.
And I say keep going with whatever makes it right for you!

Back in th 70's modding instruments was practically a given. You did whatever you had to do! When I wanted to add a pickup there were no girly power tools to master. Hammer and wood chisel until it fit! Every instrument was was fodder for drilling, cutting and filing. I kinda miss the reckless abandon of those days!!

 

[wvbass]

I’m a firm believer in “it is your bass; do what you want.”

I also believe that there is a pretty clear line between a mod and a hack.

The OP’s changes to the headstock may well be a good idea. But they are fairly crudely done, leaving it in the “hack” range.

Similarly, moving the strap pins can be a good idea. However, screwing a pin to the face of a bass is a hack. Neatly relocating the pins is a mod.

 

[BtaylorTheRogue]

However, screwing a pin to the face of a bass is a hack. Neatly relocating the pins is a mod.

I would love to hear the difference between moving something vs screwing something in.

It kinda sounds like it's only 'neatly relocated' if it's where you would put it.

 

[Deleted member 365158]

Good on you for modding YOUR bass in ways that make it better for you!
I wouldn’t say your mods are hacks in the least…. Unless there’s dome duct tape somewhere that I couldn’t see