Oh yea I forgpt to mention that too. Its from "hipshot" 4 string retainer from ebay lol. I also added some spring in the bridge to push the saddles forward so I can have perfect intonation. Without them the saddles would shake up 'n down.
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Thunderbird Club
- Thread starter TBird1958
- Start date
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- club thunderbird
Oh yea I forgpt to mention that too. Its from "hipshot" 4 string retainer from ebay lol. I also added some spring in the bridge to push the saddles forward so I can have perfect intonation. Without them the saddles would shake up 'n down.
Well my white epi classic was waiting on me when I arrived home today at lunch, I'm like great ,if I install the strap locks , change the strings I can use it tomorrow night. Unpacked it and noticed the strings were loose ,flipped it over and the headstock was almost cracked off . Such a shame to see such a nice instrument rendered useless . Anyway another one is on the way. I don't need a case , but I offered to purchase one if it would help insure the safe arrival of the bass , I was told the case would ship separately anyway. We will see how the next one fares. Sux because that was the lightest one they had in stock . I requested the next lightest , but will probably get a tank .
Dang. A good luthier can easily fix a cracked neck, but it'll cost you almost the same as you paid for the bass. Shame, man. Good luck with the next one.
Let me say that Sweetwater is great , great communication and follow through after my order and no questions asked when I told them about the damage. This has all been taken care of in less than an hour, with an actual phone call from the sales tech I bought from. This is my first purchase from them and so far I'm impressed.
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I'm the cynical type... They sent out a damaged one knowing you'd call for a replacement. They get to make a carrier insurance claim for their mistake AND look like the best place to buy from when they, no questions asked, send out another. win/win
How'd the shipping box look?
Sorry about the first bass.
How'd the shipping box look?
Sorry about the first bass.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,206
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Yes, there's a fee for that service - This week it's black lacy undies
On me or you? Because WAY AHEAD of you.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,206
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
I've dealt with Sweetwater for at least three basses I think they are the best on line retailer out there. My salesman is pleasant, knowledgable and they back up whatever they sell - For a new bass they are my choice.
As for weight, 'Birds really aren't heavy, none of mine, even the '76s with all their metal covers weigh 10lbs.
Ok now I need to get that image out of my brain...On me or you? Because WAY AHEAD of you.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,206
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Yea Tbird , the heaviest one they have in stock is 10lbs, btw ,the lace always makes me itch.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,206
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Beauty is often accompanied by pain
That's the lacy panties, not the bass!
I'm actually a bit surprised one of those Epi's weighs that much - Sorry about the busted one too, Sweetwater is the best about that stuff tho, there have been many threads here on TB and other forums about them and their level of customer service. They took my biz from Musician's Friend after one transaction, nice folks!
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
The fretless 'Bird is back to life. I still have some wiring issues to sort out, but I'm really happy to have noise out of it again. I haven't weighed it, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't weigh 10 lbs. The Epi Pro preamp, battery and pickups are all gone, so that's part of making it lighter. It's passive now, with Lace alumatone bass bars instead of the stock pickups. Depending on height, they can sound scooped or pretty fat. That makes messing with them a whole lot of fun.
TBird1958; no worries; I'm 3rd generation GI; "hurry up and wait" is my family motto. Thanks for the number.
Wolfkeller; I thought about that, too-for about a minute. On my 'Bird, I think a black pickguard would be too gloomy looking; it's pretty dark as it is. I put a cream one on my '78 P-Bass (2-tone Burst) for the same reason. Still have the original, of course. I have a black Rick and Kramer Forum III if I want something real dark.
I'm still liking my 'Bird bone stock, including the strings. They're not quite dead enough to need replacing just yet. Anyone have any thoughts on what strings would give me the (more or less) same sound? 'Cause I seem to recall that the stock strings are no longer available, and I really like how it sounds now.
Wolfkeller; I thought about that, too-for about a minute. On my 'Bird, I think a black pickguard would be too gloomy looking; it's pretty dark as it is. I put a cream one on my '78 P-Bass (2-tone Burst) for the same reason. Still have the original, of course. I have a black Rick and Kramer Forum III if I want something real dark.
I'm still liking my 'Bird bone stock, including the strings. They're not quite dead enough to need replacing just yet. Anyone have any thoughts on what strings would give me the (more or less) same sound? 'Cause I seem to recall that the stock strings are no longer available, and I really like how it sounds now.
hillerup
There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!
hillerup
There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!
What a real nice job on the black tint - That thing is really looking good!
One question, though - Do you have real high string height on it, or is it the photographic angle that makes this illusion?
Rescued another goth bird today... needs a little work but I think I'll set this one aside in the "project" pile until I get a workshop.
hillerup
There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!
Would you mind elaborating on the details regarding your mod?
I'm specifically interested in the work involved with the removal of the old finish and the refin...
Yea no Problem. It may have not been the correct way to Refin the Guitar, but it worked great for me. First I used a "Epoxy Paint remover" to remove that thick Glossy finish on the Bass. 2nd Stripped it with a razor. 3rd used 200 Grit Sand Paper on a Drill and sanded off the paint. 4th I hand sanded the Bass to level the body with some more sand paper of 200, 400, 800 then 1000 grit before the stain. 5th I used a mix of Water & Black Ink (from Staples) for the stain. After mixing I found the right color I wanted, then I started to Stain the Bass & let it dry in the Sun (80°f) for 24hrs. 6th light sanded the top of the Bass with 2000 grit paper. 7th give it a 2nd coat of light black Stain over the top and let it dry for a whole day. 8th I used Tung Oil for a semi Gloss to protect the Stain. 3 light Coat is all u need. Give it one coat every 24hrs & let it dry for 24hrs before u resemble the Project. It took me 6weeks to start and finish. Just because I only had 1hour a day to work on it. Now I couldn't be any more happier.
