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Thunderbird Club
- Thread starter TBird1958
- Start date
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- club thunderbird
Hipshot as well. It comes with two sets of bolts, one for Gibson and one for Epiphone.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,969
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Oh, I think the original bridge should stay, but I'm curious if saddles made from a less-dead material would benefit the sound/tone. I've replaced plastic nuts with bone which resulted in a noticeable improvement.
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,969
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,969
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
If I had to say exactly why I dislike the standard Gibson/Epi 3 bolt bridge, it's because they fall apart if you remove the strings. The Basicz, Hipshot or other versions stay connected as a unit. Otherwise, they are mostly doing the same job, and material (the Supertone is aluminum) or finish/design quality (Babicz) is the primary differences. (oh, and price...)
I have a box of black Epi 3-point bridges, and if anyone wants one (for free) you'd only have to pay me the shipping and I'd send you as many as you want. (and a bigger box of the black Y tuners that come on Epi's)
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ok setup update. Rather than get caught up in the #s of string heights and stuff, I figured I'd just play the bass. I did set the intonation and the 12th fret notes are totally in tune, as are the open strings. Playing the bass itself feels good, though in a seated position, that upper horn likes to carve into my ribcage.
Now, someone talk to me about pickup heights, or should I leave them alone. Turning the screws doesn't do much in the way of raising or lowering and things sound good to my ears so far. Thoughts?
Now, someone talk to me about pickup heights, or should I leave them alone. Turning the screws doesn't do much in the way of raising or lowering and things sound good to my ears so far. Thoughts?
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,969
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Hah! I have a permanent soft-spot on my rib-cage from playing my T-bird. It's less noticeable these days as I'm playing more ergonomic basses, but it's there. I guess if one slings it low there isn't an issue. There are formula's for pu height, but if it's too close, you'll get 'wolf notes' (feedback/surges) in certain notes. The other concern is getting each string to have balanced output. Add to this that the E and A strings will vibrate/move up and down more than the D & G so that also needs to be taken into account. No wolf notes/surges, balanced string output and you are good to go.
You really needed that comma after “frontal”.
Mine all insist on being slung low so never a problem so long as I stand.
…
on a maybe? somewhat? related note, this is the latest video of the original (not-Thunderbird) bass with that color, and the bassist it's named after
(assuming the link process works, for a change)
I freaking love that band! Still bummed I’ll never play half as good as Ale was playing by 12 or 13.
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- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,969
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I remember routing the bridge pu cavity in my '64 II in '86. It was my only bass then and I didn't consider just buying a second 2 pu bass. (besides, how decadent!) The whole "vintage" thing might have been out there, but not like today - not even close. (and it was only 22 years old at that point!) I did it and it gave me my #1 and only bass with more tonal options. Score. Of course its "collector worth" was diminished (monetary worth only) but never for a moment have I regretted doing it. It's my bass and I could care less what other people think. Now.., if my '63 II hadn't been stollen, and if I were aware of how rare it was... but that's a different story based on a lot of "what ifs".
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,589
- 221,969
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
That's the beauty of individual playing style/choice. For me (incorporating a more conventional playing position) - it's a less ergonomic design... to say the least. It never stopped me rom rocking it though.
And frankly - it's not like I ride it high. (position-wise that is...) photo credit to Chucky - Winters Tavern
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THanks again, I think I'm done tweaking it now. Just played through a bunch of tunes and outside of a sore sternum, feeling good about how it plays. Gonna find a couple bucks for a wider strap and then fire it up for practice this weekend. Your advice has been great and appreciated!
The electronics were way too much IMO. I was never able to fully test it in a way I would have liked. I had one good amp and one little practice combo so the two of those didn't really give me the full effect of what that bass was capable of. I would buy another in a heartbeat if the price was right.
Yep, yer definitely gonna find letting it ride low works better.THanks again, I think I'm done tweaking it now. Just played through a bunch of tunes and outside of a sore sternum, feeling good about how it plays. Gonna find a couple bucks for a wider strap and then fire it up for practice this weekend. Your advice has been great and appreciated!
