Thunderbird Club

[paxkryptonia]

What song? And hey, the first time is a big deal no matter what!

It's an Indonesian Christian song

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Wow - that must be really old, Iggy looks so young. I don't think Paul has a 12-string.

Oh, yeah. He and Kate, both! That came out mid-80s, IIRC.

 

[Instagator]

You're correct, masking well is important ( it's just my least favorite part of the process) to a good, finished project of course

Basses
This took time to keep the edge consistent as the edge of the headstock onlay is sloped. The paint is acetone base cut with automotive lacquer, it flashes off quickly and you can apply a second coat or gloss finish shortly after painting. Masking time, about a hour, painting time maybe 5 minutes for the color and the gloss coats.

The trains can be very challenging to mask, this model was primed in silver, then the black areas were painted without being masked, I then spent a few hours cutting little bits of tape to mask the black before shooting the yellow. The lettering is all water slide, most of it one letter at a time, including the oddly shaped letter "O" based on prototype photography.
TL;DR I'm certiafible

You're correct, masking well is important ( it's just my least favorite part of the process) to a good, finished project of course

Basses
This took time to keep the edge consistent as the edge of the headstock onlay is sloped. The paint is acetone base cut with automotive lacquer, it flashes off quickly and you can apply a second coat or gloss finish shortly after painting. Masking time, about a hour, painting time maybe 5 minutes for the color and the gloss coats.

The trains can be very challenging to mask, this model was primed in silver, then the black areas were painted without being masked, I then spent a few hours cutting little bits of tape to mask the black before shooting the yellow. The lettering is all water slide, most of it one letter at a time, including the oddly shaped letter "O" based on prototype photography.

TL;DR I'm certiafible

Yep..Masking is everything.
Cheers!

 

[Gaolee]

Waiting for V to confirm...

I stand corrected.

 

[GBassNorth]

My first "gig" tomorrow, using my Epi T-Bird and I'm really excited even though I'm basically playing with a bunch of strangers, and I'm using my T-Bird to play a chill religious song. But, first time ever performing in front of an audience, so it's big for me.

I’m sure you’ll do fine, and I have no doubts about the Thunderbird fitting in perfectly as well. Here’s one I modded for my nephew to use in his worship band…

 

[BuddhaFingas]

Happy Bandcamp Friday! Any other "users" here besides me and @BklynKen ?

... this one time....

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

a little Friday FSO Fun.....THUNDERBIRD taking a break....

 

[GonePlaid]

Wear pants. It is always more comfortable when you are wearing pants.

Kilts are acceptable.

 

[dagrev]

My first "gig" tomorrow, using my Epi T-Bird and I'm really excited even though I'm basically playing with a bunch of strangers, and I'm using my T-Bird to play a chill religious song. But, first time ever performing in front of an audience, so it's big for me.

That's great! Try to relax and enjoy playing. First time(s) I had gigs I was nervous all day and eating was a challenge. I found the times I/we had to set up helped as opposed to showing up with a backline provided. The Thunderbird will handle the religious song just fine. After all, they do have wings--just like angels.
Be sure and report how it went.

 

[dagrev]

Cool! Just remember, everyone watches the bass player, so be sure to nail it!

I used to believe everything you said.

 

[dagrev]

Wear pants. It is always more comfortable when you are wearing pants.

Good point. If you learned this the hard way we'll take your word for it. No pics needed.

 

[dagrev]

My first "gig" tomorrow, using my Epi T-Bird and I'm really excited even though I'm basically playing with a bunch of strangers, and I'm using my T-Bird to play a chill religious song. But, first time ever performing in front of an audience, so it's big for me.

A Thunderbird going to church.

 

[Stealth57]

Nothing that was published, but it was straight forward. Start with an Indonesian built VP and move the bridge pickup 1/2" closer to the neck and install the SD Custom Shop Thunderbird pickups. Irv made a special spacer for the bridge pickup so the extra 1/2" of open route was covered. The spacer was a matte finish, so I painted it gloss black to match the ebony finish of the bass. That makes the larger spacer almost invisible.

Thunderbird Bass

Oops, forgot. Have Irv make the Willbird PG and TRC. It ain't a Willbird '64 without those.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I’m sure you’ll do fine, and I have no doubts about the Thunderbird fitting in perfectly as well. Here’s one I modded for my nephew to use in his worship band…
View attachment 7447109
View attachment 7447110View attachment 7447112

For @paxkryptonia and anyone else new who wonders: Most of my playing outside my house is with our church worship team, at least for now. All I play are Thunderbirds (Epi Classic Pro, Epi Vintage Pro, Epi "64" (newer Vintage Pro/"60s" bird), two Grecos, and a 1964 Gibson). They all have at least somewhat different tonal ranges and strengths (the Grecos match each other), but they all work great.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Kilts are acceptable.

We need a photo of you in a kilt, Mike.

 

[dagrev]

We need a photo of you in a kilt, Mike.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

A Thunderbird going to church.
View attachment 7447147

drool.... something about red NRs.... what red did you end up going with?.....

 

[dagrev]

drool.... something about red NRs.... what red did you end up going with?.....
View attachment 7447338

Thanks. It's a Ford color: Ruby Red (Metallic).
I kept going over a few colors and walked by the truck one day and thought, that would sure look good and is kind of a Gibson color (not from that time). Mentioned it to the wife and she agreed and said the gold hardware would look great with it. Never regretted it. When I first started using it I got plenty of complements on it.

 

[paxkryptonia]

That's great! Try to relax and enjoy playing. First time(s) I had gigs I was nervous all day and eating was a challenge. I found the times I/we had to set up helped as opposed to showing up with a backline provided. The Thunderbird will handle the religious song just fine. After all, they do have wings--just like angels.
Be sure and report how it went.

Thank you, and I will

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Thanks. It's a Ford color: Ruby Red (Metallic).
I kept going over a few colors and walked by the truck one day and thought, that would sure look good and is kind of a Gibson color (not from that time). Mentioned it to the wife and she agreed and said the gold hardware would look great with it. Never regretted it. When I first started using it I got plenty of complements on it.

View attachment 7447347

View attachment 7447350

7ord never disappoints.....