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Thunderbird Club

I've been trying to narrow down the year for my first Thunderbird, the burst bolt-on.
It's pre-2006, Korean-made, based on the layout of the pickups (the end with the double screws are on the bass-side, instead of the treble-side like '07+ Chinese 'birds).
But the original neck-plate was gone when I got it, so not sure of the year. It has an unusual bridge, with noticeably more radius arch than any of the other 3-points I've had.


Other than that, the only thing I've really got to go on is the wiring, I thought maybe one of you might be able to help me narrow it down. If not, it's not super important, just curious to see if I can figure it out :)





So....wiring pics.

This first one is of the Thunderbird Classic IV in question:

20200912_023051b.jpg



Neck pot is wired to bridge pot, which is wired to tone pot.
Orange cap with no markings.
Pots have brown boards, output jack is yellow-ish.
Black sleeves over the pickup wires.







This second pic is from my "Redbird", 2006 made in Korea, Custom Shop Classic IV

20210323_194533b.jpg




Neck pot is wired to bridge pot, and to tone pot. Bridge pot not wired to tone pot.
Slightly darker orange cap of same shape/size as the previous, also no markings.
Pots have brown boards, as does the output jack.
Pickups now have different colored covers for the wires; I've not had the pickups out to verify, but based on the way they're wired, red for neck, black for bridge.
Pickups also of the Korean layout, double screws on the bass side, single on the treble side.







Last pic is of the only other "regular" Classic IV I've had, an early 2007 made in China model.
From what I could find when I had it, these were a bit unique, as they had different pickup spacing from the earlier Korean-built bolt-on Thunderbirds, and from the later ones built in China.

20200825_092511.jpg



Neck pot is wired to tone pot. Bridge pot wired to tone pot. They've no wiring to each other.
Pot & jack board color appears different, lighter, than the Korean 'birds. Stamping on casings appears different, also.
I've had the pickups out in this one and verified, the wiring colors for the pickups is red for neck pickup, black for bridge.
Tone pot cap is green, similar shape to the previous orange caps, and has visible writing - "2A683J" - on one side.
Pickups are typical Chinese-style, double screw end is on the treble side, with single on the bass side, backwards from the Korean 'birds (my 2008 Blackbird has pickups oriented the same way, with the same color-coding for the pickup wiring)





So, it looks like the only real difference in the three is the way they are wired. And the cap on the '07.






Any ideas, suggestions, comments?

:)
 
Fly on down. I can pick you up Friday at the San Jose Airport.
There used to be direct flights from YYZ to SJC but they came to an end after the tech bubble burst around 2001. Now the only direct from YYZ to Silicon Valley is SFO. From what I see, SJC is now a shadow of its former self. I recall I flew direct SJC to NRT around 2000...

Shame, I really liked SJC.
 
You need to consult a doctor about that! Sharp pain is a bad symptom to ignore.

I have, he said I was doing all the right things, stretching, ice, Ibuprofen. And also, the famous "don't do that," meaning don't play narrow necks. I have no issues at all with 1.75s, eventually a 1.6 will bother me, but only after weeks of heavy practice. After 54 years of playing, something had to give, I'm lucky this my main issue, the other being no basses over 9 lbs.
 
I have, he said I was doing all the right things, stretching, ice, Ibuprofen. And also, the famous "don't do that," meaning don't play narrow necks. I have no issues at all with 1.75s, eventually a 1.6 will bother me, but only after weeks of heavy practice. After 54 years of playing, something had to give, I'm lucky this my main issue, the other being no basses over 9 lbs.
You need another opinion. Sharp pain is not normal and needs a proper investigation. Consult a hand clinic if possible.
 
There is a cult. Competing for attention with the Princess Fingers Club.
Where do you come up with this crazy stuff? Followers of the Right Funky Brother Ken are not a cult.
















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Ken is in the box at the start of the meeting until he is conjured up.


By the way, I did get the David Ellefson SIT strings today. So far they sound good on the NR. Won't know live till Wed. But I am not in a cult.
 
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We seem to have the knack to make things about ourselves. In this case, a gratefully solemn day turned into party in the back yard day. "Oh, and why don't we work on Monday again?" It's a long weekend with more time off and I get that (I'm going to hopefully enjoy the extra time as well in some way), but most under 40 couldn't explain why there is extra time off.

Speaking for myself only, one of the reasons I joined the army and served in the Gulf War was a strong belief in freedom and a mission to spread freedom in the world. Time off to celebrate freedom in the way you choose (as long as it does not impede the rights and freedoms of others) makes me happy. The solemn day is remembrance day when we think of those that did not return from the cause.

I remember my real dad (actually step), talking about being on the front lines in Korea and they would often count the planes going across the line and later count how many came back. Often it was a smaller number.

It would be worrisome if more returned...
 
I’ve been watching this one, impeccable condition (although not completely original, but tastefully upgraded), great celebrity back story and provenance, plus you can get all your gear and the wife and kids and dog in the car at the same time. The perfect gig mobile!
Used 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad in Anaheim Hills CA
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But...where do you put the groupie?:smug:
Well, the back seat folds down. And that saves you $20 on a motel room...