NBD: Unique Nikki Sixx Thunderbird

[gunlak]

Hello

Just got what looks like a Nikki Sixx Non Reverse Thunderbird for cheap.

Though I know of the Fernandes examples with the Spector style inlays, mine has no logo on the headstock and markings anywhere. Also has regular dot inlays which I cant find anywhere in the old catalogs.

Anyone have an idea what my bass might be exactly? A prototype? one off?

Any leads would help

 

[Killing Floor]

No idea. It’s cool though. How does it feel?
And he’s super cool. Met him a couple times by chance. He’s the most important person in Motley by far and he’s smart as heck. Not just because he plays bass lol.

 

[gunlak]

still waiting for parts to restore it. good thing truss rod works and no twists on the neck.

 

[Beej]

Weird. The shape and general vibe is bang on for the Fernandes, but the bridge, control cover shape, pickups, fretboard inlays and truss rod cover are all different. Curious.

 

[gunlak]

checked out the pickups, heel l, and cavities, nothing remarkable. ceramic p and j pickups. only part with a sign its from japan is the tuners that are gotoh branded.

 

[Nocturnal]

The control cover is different than the Fernandes I had, but it sure looks like the Fernandes.

 

[gunlak]

Here she is now fully restored

 

[Mudder]

Could be a Burny as well, which is Fernandes but for the Asian market.

 

[gunlak]

The stock ceramic pickups were quite noisy. Can’t record with them even if the cavities are fully shielded. They were sealed so no further shielding on the pickup itself can be done. the tone was great though, very deep, thunderbirdesque.

i’ve installed these wilkinson alnico v sets. much quieter and clearer though it took away the unique tone of the stock pickups.

these will do till i snag myself a set of DiMarzio Model P and J’s

 

[P. Aaron]

Very cool bass. I gotta say that Spector style headstock is a classic shape.

 

[gunlak]

Welp, chanced upon these DiMarzio’s when I went out for work today. Much better tonal fit! Closer to the original tone of the ceramic set with added output and range. also no more 60cycle hum from the J!