• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Thunderbird Club

#20,881
Hi guys. A fellow young bass player here.
I would like to have some question and advice.
I'm so mesmerized by the beauty of Thunderbird. I'm truly a fan of it, but only the look... Although i think the '64 Thunderbird sounds pretty good, i don't really like the sound of the modern Thunderbird, it's like just disappear in the mix. I like the more stand out clear sound, like Jazz or P-Bass.
Thunderbird fans can judge me because i don't like it's sound, and other bass fans can judge me because i care so much about appearance...
So i was doing research about how can i push the balance of the Thunderbird sound to a Jazz bass sound.
Then i found Mike Lull's work and oh man, what has he done?
He has created THE BEAST!
My mind is just blown away of it's greatness.
One of my favorite video.
But...
I don't have ～4000 USD for sure. I was thinking and i thought i will buy an used Gibson Thunderbird for 1000～1200 USD and i upgrade it with Lull's pickups.
My questions.
- Does the pickups fit to a modern Gibson's body?
- With the new pickups, how near can i get the sound to Lull's T-bird? Cause the body is pretty different (bridge, bolt-on neck, wood type etc.) Or it will be more sound like '64s? I couldn't find any sound or video source about the pickups only.
- Do i have to take contact in email or phone with Lull? I can't see the pickups on web shops anywhere.
- How much does it cost?
- What's about other "vintage sound" pickups maker like Lollar or Thunderbucker?

Appreciate all your help.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: TBird1958
#20,882
Christine said:
Thanks, the maple topped ones look nice too Amazon.com: DBZ / Diamond Guitars HFR4FM-TBK Hailfire FM Flame Maple 4 String Bass Guitar, Flame Trans Black: Musical Instruments

I can't find one in the UK. looks like making one as a home for those Mojo pickups might be in order, through neck, transparent red with a Satinwood fretboard, maybe even gold hardware?
Click to expand...

Thomann has 4 different Color schemes. 900 bucks is a fair Price, I think.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Loretta, hillerup and ColinLP
#20,883
vdub75 said:
Thomann has 4 different Color schemes. 900 bucks is a fair Price, I think.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...
Thanks, I checked Thomann last night but missed them!

Almost liking this one in red [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I think for me I would prefer the whole body red and a white pickguard, might be just me but I think a PG on a Thunderbird looks the business
 
  • Like
Reactions: Count Bassie
#20,884
Christine said:
Thanks, I checked Thomann last night but missed them!

Almost liking this one in red [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I think for me I would prefer the whole body red and a white pickguard, might be just me but I think a PG on a Thunderbird looks the business
Click to expand...

Like this..? ;)

IMG_1598.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike.C., Count Bassie, rickwebb and 4 others
#20,888
I had to strip it to bare wood, then I stained it using a colored stain. Then added poly over the stain.
Was a lot of work, but really enjoyed the outcome.

I am contemplating this on my Tbird build I am planning.
A friend of mine found a chunk of mahogony that Im going to test stain to see how the color takes.

I would think a red stain will look fantastic with the already red-hued color of natural mahagony.
Even with gold pimp hardware
:)
 
  • Like
Reactions: hillerup, Klondike and ColinLP
#20,889
Bent77 said:
I had to strip it to bare wood, then I stained it using a colored stain. Then added poly over the stain.
Was a lot of work, but really enjoyed the outcome.

I am contemplating this on my Tbird build I am planning.
A friend of mine found a chunk of mahogony that Im going to test stain to see how the color takes.

I would think a red stain will look fantastic with the already red-hued color of natural mahagony.
Even with gold pimp hardware
:)
Click to expand...
You did that? Looks very professional you've highlighted the figuring of the wood beautifully, mega impressed!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Count Bassie, RedVee and mrb327
#20,890
Christine said:
You did that? Looks very professional you've highlighted the figuring of the wood beautifully, mega impressed!
Click to expand...

Thank You!
I liked the bass but hated the nautral maple finish.

Here is where I got the idea, included in here is the supplier for the dye I used to stain it.
I think I did a write up on it at on point if you like

Dyeing Quilted Maple How-To
 
  • Like
Reactions: hillerup and ColinLP
#20,891
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
  • Like
Reactions: Sartori, Haji and ColinLP
#20,892
Loretta said:
It's a sculpture. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere of a suburban void. :smug:

Maybe. You can even climb into it. It's pure metal, aluminium I guess. So weird. :snaphappy:
What's a nump?

No, it's not a Camaro. But maybe it was? (hey, "go little camaro, go") Dunno. :bag:
Click to expand...
Nump = bump, i cant type on my phone very well. You should see the misspellings I make lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: Count Bassie and Loretta
#20,894
Bent77 said:
I would think a red stain will look fantastic with the already red-hued color of natural mahagony.
:)
Click to expand...

It's not bad! Transparent Red Mohawk Ultra Stain on ribbon mahogany, nitro topcoat. Otherwise known as 'Heritage Cherry'.

G8R%2041A_zpsglb2gar2.jpg


P1040561_zps1498fdb3.jpg


P1050504P_zpswzsrh0bh.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sartori, kirillstokes, Count Bassie and 9 others
#20,895
RikiP said:
Hi guys. A fellow young bass player here.
I would like to have some question and advice.
I'm so mesmerized by the beauty of Thunderbird. I'm truly a fan of it, but only the look... Although i think the '64 Thunderbird sounds pretty good, i don't really like the sound of the modern Thunderbird, it's like just disappear in the mix. I like the more stand out clear sound, like Jazz or P-Bass.
Thunderbird fans can judge me because i don't like it's sound, and other bass fans can judge me because i care so much about appearance...
So i was doing research about how can i push the balance of the Thunderbird sound to a Jazz bass sound.
Then i found Mike Lull's work and oh man, what has he done?
He has created THE BEAST!
My mind is just blown away of it's greatness.
One of my favorite video.
But...
I don't have ～4000 USD for sure. I was thinking and i thought i will buy an used Gibson Thunderbird for 1000～1200 USD and i upgrade it with Lull's pickups.
My questions.
- Does the pickups fit to a modern Gibson's body?
- With the new pickups, how near can i get the sound to Lull's T-bird? Cause the body is pretty different (bridge, bolt-on neck, wood type etc.) Or it will be more sound like '64s? I couldn't find any sound or video source about the pickups only.
- Do i have to take contact in email or phone with Lull? I can't see the pickups on web shops anywhere.
- How much does it cost?
- What's about other "vintage sound" pickups maker like Lollar or Thunderbucker?

Appreciate all your help.
Click to expand...
You have nothing to worry anout in the T-Bird Club. We will not beat you with anything stiffer than a Butt Bow or a wet noodle depending on the particular member at that particular moment in time. Lol if you like the way a Bird looks but sint care so much for the pups then by all means change them, you have only yourself to please.

Have you considered the Epiphone Clasic Pro? That would only set you back about $500 usd.

If you are looking for a different tone, trying to get away from the t-bird aound you might not want Lull, Loller or Thunderbucker. You could install EMG soapbars with either a J or P as that is what you said you were looking for. Of course you also said you fell in love with Mike Lulls pups. If I were foing to search for a lull pup I would call Mike and talk to them about what they can/willing to do. If they want an e-mail they will tell you.

Good luck on you hunt for tone, when your bird finds you come on back, show pictures(we all love to see each others birds) then join in on our fun club. (Hope I was helpful).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sartori, Stevis, Count Bassie and 4 others
#20,897
RikiP said:
Hi guys. A fellow young bass player here.
I would like to have some question and advice.
I'm so mesmerized by the beauty of Thunderbird. I'm truly a fan of it, but only the look... Although i think the '64 Thunderbird sounds pretty good, i don't really like the sound of the modern Thunderbird, it's like just disappear in the mix. I like the more stand out clear sound, like Jazz or P-Bass.
Thunderbird fans can judge me because i don't like it's sound, and other bass fans can judge me because i care so much about appearance...
So i was doing research about how can i push the balance of the Thunderbird sound to a Jazz bass sound.
Then i found Mike Lull's work and oh man, what has he done?
He has created THE BEAST!
My mind is just blown away of it's greatness.
One of my favorite video.
But...
I don't have ～4000 USD for sure. I was thinking and i thought i will buy an used Gibson Thunderbird for 1000～1200 USD and i upgrade it with Lull's pickups.
My questions.
- Does the pickups fit to a modern Gibson's body?
- With the new pickups, how near can i get the sound to Lull's T-bird? Cause the body is pretty different (bridge, bolt-on neck, wood type etc.) Or it will be more sound like '64s? I couldn't find any sound or video source about the pickups only.
- Do i have to take contact in email or phone with Lull? I can't see the pickups on web shops anywhere.
- How much does it cost?
- What's about other "vintage sound" pickups maker like Lollar or Thunderbucker?

Appreciate all your help.
Click to expand...

If you want a Jazz sound from a Thunderbird, you can always buy EMG TBJ pickups. They are Jazz pickups in a Tbird pickup housing and should fit pretty much any Tbird with the TB Plus pickup routes.

Lull, Lollar, and Thunderbucker all make nice replacement pickups with chrome covers. Someone posted a link to Mojo pickups a few posts back. Those might be an interesting option as well.

Good luck with your quest!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stevis, hillerup, RedVee and 3 others
#20,899
RikiP said:
Hi guys. A fellow young bass player here.
I would like to have some question and advice.
I'm so mesmerized by the beauty of Thunderbird. I'm truly a fan of it, but only the look... Although i think the '64 Thunderbird sounds pretty good, i don't really like the sound of the modern Thunderbird, it's like just disappear in the mix. I like the more stand out clear sound, like Jazz or P-Bass.
Thunderbird fans can judge me because i don't like it's sound, and other bass fans can judge me because i care so much about appearance...
So i was doing research about how can i push the balance of the Thunderbird sound to a Jazz bass sound.
Then i found Mike Lull's work and oh man, what has he done?
He has created THE BEAST!
My mind is just blown away of it's greatness.
One of my favorite video.
But...
I don't have ～4000 USD for sure. I was thinking and i thought i will buy an used Gibson Thunderbird for 1000～1200 USD and i upgrade it with Lull's pickups.
My questions.
- Does the pickups fit to a modern Gibson's body?
- With the new pickups, how near can i get the sound to Lull's T-bird? Cause the body is pretty different (bridge, bolt-on neck, wood type etc.) Or it will be more sound like '64s? I couldn't find any sound or video source about the pickups only.
- Do i have to take contact in email or phone with Lull? I can't see the pickups on web shops anywhere.
- How much does it cost?
- What's about other "vintage sound" pickups maker like Lollar or Thunderbucker?

Appreciate all your help.
Click to expand...
You mught try the 2015 with core tapped pickups. There are still new ones floating around in stores. Great bass. Lots of versatility in tones.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gaolee, Klondike and RedVee

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back