Thunderbird Club Pt 6

[NOLA Bass]

Thanks, Mark... I might just do that...

Any suggestions for an 8-string bridge, if I go for it?

You can check Warmoth's website. They make an 8 string neck and I seem to recall them having a bridge for sale there as well.

 

[DethByDoom]

Came across this today

 

[Dadagoboi]

Thanks, Mark... I might just do that...

Any suggestions for an 8-string bridge, if I go for it?

Schaller 471, around $65 USD. Adjusts for individual height and fretboard radius. Hamer types don't.

Here it is installed on my G8R81:

Robelli 8ers are out of production. Used they're around $300.

 

[hillerup]

I gotta take a look into that as well, I guess....

 

[2nd Wind]

Just switched to these after years of Rotosound Swing 66 use. The D'addario's seem much, much punchier. A nice match for the T-birds and my playing style.

They will stay brighter longer too. By a lot.

 

[2nd Wind]

Today in my local classifieds there is an Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-V in black at a reasonable price...

Though I'm not really into active and 5-string basses, I'm kinda tempted...

What do you guys think - Would a Pro-V be a suitable object for an 8 string conversion?

I've got a Pro-IV and I think with all the laminations and the dual action truss rod it would handle 8 strings. I'd considered it too.

 

[TBird1958]

Thanks Carlo! I was hoping you'd chime in

 

[Dadagoboi]

Thanks Carlo! I was hoping you'd chime in

You're welcome, Mark. I dig the bridge on my Hamer 12 but it's made for that radius neck, fitting it to a different one could be difficult. The Schaller also comes with a plate that allows more height flexibility.

 

[Johnny78]

Would any of you guys have any extra Tbird pups for sale?? Gibson, Deep Sixx or Bartolini's.

 

[Electric_Delta]

This pic pretty well illustrates my 'Bird, though it's not actually a pic of my own

I've been rocking with this baby since 2003. It's my slap machine

 

[lfbassguy]

They will stay brighter longer too. By a lot.

Are you using the stainless steel strings? If so, how is your fret life with them?

 

[Nocturnal]

Would any of you guys have any extra Tbird pups for sale?? Gibson, Deep Sixx or Bartolini's.

I have a set of the black TB plus I might let go. Is that what you are after?

 

[hillerup]

That sounds like a great idea!

Go for it

So much for that idea - someone just pulled the trigger faster than I on the Pro-V...

Hope I have better luck next time...

Anyway, thanks to everyone who chimed in with advice and good suggestions!

 

[hillerup]

I've got a Pro-IV and I think with all the laminations and the dual action truss rod it would handle 8 strings. I'd considered it too.

A Pro-IV is also a possibility for an 8 string...

I'm just wondering if the neck is too narrow at the nut to accomodate the 8 strings - that was why I was considering modifying a 5'er, although I do find their neck quite wide the closer you get to the top frets...

Anyone have any advice on this?

I've also considered using a regular Epi T-bird for the project in an earlier thread, but the advice I got was, that the neck was too thin for the project...

 

[Dadagoboi]

A Pro-IV is also a possibility for an 8 string...

I'm just wondering if the neck is too narrow at the nut to accomodate the 8 strings - that was why I was considering modifying a 5'er, although I do find their neck quite wide the closer you get to the top frets...

Anyone have any advice on this?

I've also considered using a regular Epi T-bird for the project in an earlier thread, but the advice I got was, that the neck was too thin for the project...

IMO, minimum width for an 8er neck is 1.625 inches, 41mm or so. Most 4 string TBirds are 1.5 inches (38mm) except the bolt on Epis, 1.75. It's chunky and might work. Especially if you used a light string set

Hamer, Warmoth and Korean manufacturers all use 1 3/4" neck widths.

 

[hillerup]

You're welcome, Mark. I dig the bridge on my Hamer 12 but it's made for that radius neck, fitting it to a different one could be difficult. The Schaller also comes with a plate that allows more height flexibility.

I was seriously considering the Schaller as well, as it seems to offer the best solutions in regards to adjustability - There are also two different 8 string bridges from ABM available on the Allparts site:

http://www.allparts.com/BB-0338-010-ABM-3208-C-8-String-Bass-Bridge_p_581.html

http://www.allparts.com/BB-8338-003-ABM-3208-B-8-String-Bass-Bridge_p_698.html

Do you have any experience with these?

 

[BklynKen]

I'm thinking of attempting changing the bridge today. Any advice it is it as simple as unscrewing the three bolts in the stock bridge and screwing down the Hipshot with two of the included?

Thanks.

 

[Dadagoboi]

I was seriously considering the Schaller as well, as it seems to offer the best solutions in regards to adjustability - There are also two different 8 string bridges from ABM available on the Allparts site:

http://www.allparts.com/BB-0338-010-ABM-3208-C-8-String-Bass-Bridge_p_581.html

http://www.allparts.com/BB-8338-003-ABM-3208-B-8-String-Bass-Bridge_p_698.html

Do you have any experience with these?

Yes, the ABM string spacing is too wide. I'm an Allparts dealer, I bought one from them and returned it. Then I had them special order me 3 of the Schaller 471s from Germany. I think you should be able to get one in Europe.

The 471 also works for 12ers.

 

[hillerup]

IMO, minimum width for an 8er neck is 1.625 inches, 41mm or so. Most 4 string TBirds are 1.5 inches (38mm) except the bolt on Epis, 1.75. It's chunky and might work. Especially if you used a light string set

Hamer, Warmoth and Korean manufacturers all use 1 3/4" neck widths.

Thanks Carlo!

So basically using either a Epi Pro-IV and a Classic Pro-IV would not be the best choice for an 8 string with 1,5" narrow nut, I guess...?

So if I decide to go the Epi way, that would mean either getting a Pro-V which I do think has a pretty wide neck altogether (1.93" at the nut), or using a standard IV, which has a 1,75" nut...

Also I've noticed that some of my Chinese made Epi's seem to have a slightly chunkier neck, than my Korean ones, so I guess they would be suitable candidates, right?

 

[hillerup]

Yes, the ABM string spacing is too wide. I'm an Allparts dealer, I bought one from them and returned it. Then I had them special order me 3 of the Schaller 471s from Germany. I think you should be able to get one in Europe.

The 471 also works for 12ers.

Thanks again!

I thought the chrome ABM bridge would have been a good fit for the job, but since they don't mention the dimensions on the Allparts site, it would pretty much be a question of hit and miss ordering one of those - so your input is highly appreciated.

The Schaller bridge should be pretty easy to find here in Europe - do you know if it would cover the three holes from the original 3-point bridge, or would these have to be dowelled first?

Also, in regards to the tuners - do you think it would be possible to add 4 more tuners to the opposite side of the neck, or would it be neccesary to dowel the original tuner holes as well, and drill 8 new ones?