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NBD Oops I did it again! Epiphone Thunderbird 64 Purple Sparkle

I mean I wouldn't knock it till you tried it! The stress from pulling the strap around this spot is incredibly minimal compared to the overall string tension the tailpiece is holding. I've been running this setup for about a year now and so far I haven't had any issues, and I always pull the bass by the strap to put it on, so far nothing's yanked out of the body. There's always an option to get longer screws if you feel the tailpiece screws are too short.

View attachment 7241530
Here a full pic of my setup, I do hold the bass at a similar height/level myself, this is my way of trying to get the bass the way I want with as minimal modding as possible
I “get” it. And thanks. Works for you and others may appreciate the tips and pics!!

My Ebony bird is not diving after my nearly invisible “mods” so I’m happy. I can go hands free and it stays where I put it, neutral balance.

My purple bird will get a similar treatment.
Gotoh GB640’s for it and about 6-10 oz in the cavity. Move the front pin to body edge, tail pin higher up.
For me the reach to first fret is not an issue, so jogging it to the right is not necessary.

Again , thanks for sharing!
 
Loved the Vintage pro so much: nabbed a NEW ‘64 Epi. Purple sparkle. (849 USD delivered)

*This is a replacement, the first one had several minor flaws and was returned .

Specs Almost identical to the VP. Except the color:

8lbs 6oz
Okoume body wings
9 layer walnut / Okoume neck through
Epiphone 760 TB pickups
Two point “Tune o matic” vintage style with claw tailpiece
Laurel Fretboard.

No mods yet or planned as yet.
Comes with a contoured gig bag and Epiphone stickers, hex tools.
* strung with Gibson Brite wires SS strings from the factory**
After adjusting action and cutting the nut slots a bit deeper flattening the neck, and setting intonation : plugged into living room amp.
Very nice!!
Took it to an open Jam Tuesday night and it performed well.
Gig tomorrow on my own rig.
Pics!?
(Straight out of the box)
View attachment 7239745
View attachment 7239588View attachment 7239589View attachment 7239590View attachment 7239593View attachment 7239595
Gotta share that one here in the purple club 🤓
 
Updates to purple bird:

Gotoh Tuners res-o-lite GB640
Loxx strap locks (relocated pin to body edge)
10 oz of Tungsten disc weights in the cavity
Solid chromed brass knobs (add 4 oz)

BEFORE updates weight 8Lbs 6Oz
After: 8lbs 5Oz
Result: massively reduced neck diveView attachment 7255069View attachment 7255070View attachment 7255071

***note that the Vintage Pro and Epi’64 pickguards are different.
Yes I KNOW the A tuner is a bit off, will correct.