Thunderbird Club

[Dadagoboi]

I've said this before; A great restoration job - But had it been mine I would probably have kept it in black - Maybe even in a black satin finish and with the added gold hardware...

Sometimes I actually honor customer requests....I'd previously built/modded four basses for this one so I cut him some slack on the Dakota (Cardinal) Red. It was a popular JAE color.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Oh man I hate dragging the string off the fretboard. The one big issue with a Thunderbird neck is just that, usually happens on the bottom string during finger taps. Never experienced that with any other bass but the Thunderbird. Neck is so damned thin.

I don't really experience that with my TBird, happens more on my Jazz. For me it's when I do pull-offs, I slide my finger off the string to give it a little more kick I guess you can call it, and my finger drags the string down a bit too far on my Jazz from time to time.

 

[Gaolee]

I thought that was officially KatBird red now.

As far as big necks, if you like size, an upright is the way to go. That's what I was playing this weekend, and I caught myself wrapping my thumb around the neck to mute the E string. That's officially bad techniqe, but when you are amplified on a hollow stage, it's sometimes necessary. Apparently my fingers and thumb are long enough to do that.

 

[BklynKen]

As you do all your fancy cipherin be sure to take into account your preference on string spacing. Just evenly dividing up the width of the neck for the four strings might not look or feel right to you. I know when I've set nut grooves in the past my personal preference is to have a constant size gap between each string vs the same distance from string centerline to string centerline. It might not make a huge deal on a four string layout but on a five string layout it's a show stopper for me. I'd suggest you look at trying to match a P bass string spacing to see if that leaves you too much real estate outside the G and E strings. As a final note, within reason, I'd rather have a tad too much fretboard outside the G and D strings than not enough, I hate it when a G string rolls off the fret end.

I think the real answer here is to just save up money and go custom, to get exactly what he wants.

 

[ProgressiveDoom]

I don't really experience that with my TBird, happens more on my Jazz. For me it's when I do pull-offs, I slide my finger off the string to give it a little more kick I guess you can call it, and my finger drags the string down a bit too far on my Jazz from time to time.

Im still looking at my lefty P neck just laying there, whole purpose of buying it was to put it on the bird. I think its time is approaching.

 

[GBassNorth]

I think the real answer here is to just save up money and go custom, to get exactly what he wants.

Agree. Everything I've read that has been posted about preferred neck fatness points to a Fenderbird build by Carlo using a Precision neck. I think the only thing in the way is the cost of a custom build, which isn't a small thing. I know the last bass I built for myself cost me about $2000 when all was said and done and that didn't even include my labor. Carlo is about the best deal going right now, if I were looking for a custom I'd absoutly start there.

 

[theFixer]

Until I get the measurements, here's a picture of the Pro-IV and Pro-V side by side for comparison - The neck of the Pro-IV has a 1.5" nut like the Classic Pro.

View attachment 1184854

You, Sir... are well equipped!

 

[Mike.C.]

Sometimes I actually honor customer requests....I'd previously built/modded four basses for this one so I cut him some slack on the Dakota (Cardinal) Red. It was a popular JAE color.

Why not give a paying customer what they want?

 

[bylar13]

Why not give a paying customer what they want?

I believe the phrase "Tongue in Cheek" applies here....in case you have not read the previous 300+ pages....Carlo gets "feisty" sometimes and lets his opinions be known. Other folks don't like/agree with his opinions or his way of expressing them...welcome to the internet.....

 

[theFixer]

I've done 5 to 12, 5 to 4 is no big deal.

With all due respect... it doesn't hafta be a big deal to be something people haven't seen before

You turn boards into basses... and beautiful, unique ones at that! I hope you'll take it in the intended context when I say I won't be trying to impress you anytime soon

 

[theFixer]

I'm at Cedar Point with the kids right now but I can get you some measurements on my 5 string NR.



Yes, they are and especially in such great condition such as mine. I could be convinced to let it go if the price is right.



No need to dig that deep, every bass I own is for sale.

... and you live in Michigan??? You & me's gonna hafta talk!

Enjoy your time with your family

 

[theFixer]

Hi Fix,

I won't be able to do the measurements until a couple of days, as both my Pro's apparently are at the storage depot and not at home as I thought. Won't be going down there until the end of the week/weekend...

No worries man! I wouldn't ask you to make a trip like that just to grab a couple measurements. Sounds like there are a couple people that might be able to grab those numbers a bit more conveniently...

 

[theFixer]

As you do all your fancy cipherin be sure to take into account your preference on string spacing. Just evenly dividing up the width of the neck for the four strings might not look or feel right to you. I know when I've set nut grooves in the past my personal preference is to have a constant size gap between each string vs the same distance from string centerline to string centerline. It might not make a huge deal on a four string layout but on a five string layout it's a show stopper for me. I'd suggest you look at trying to match a P bass string spacing to see if that leaves you too much real estate outside the G and E strings. As a final note, within reason, I'd rather have a tad too much fretboard outside the G and D strings than not enough, I hate it when a G string rolls off the fret end.

If this happens, I may just get a few nut blanks & play around with the string spacing to see what feels best. I'm right there with ya on the fretboard edge thang. I used to have a Strat that would slip off the edges. It's a sensation similar to thinking that you're at the bottom of a set of stairs, when you actually have one more to go! It's an abrupt vibe train derailment!

 

[theFixer]

Im still looking at my lefty P neck just laying there, whole purpose of buying it was to put it on the bird. I think its time is approaching.

"Never put off until tomorrow, what you can put off altogether"

Wait... that ain't right...

 

[bylar13]

If this happens, I may just get a few nut blanks & play around with the string spacing to see what feels best. I'm right there with ya on the fretboard edge thang. I used to have a Strat that would slip off the edges. It's a sensation similar to thinking that you're at the bottom of a set of stairs, when you actually have one more to go! It's an abrupt vibe train derailment!

OK, someone has to say it..."slow your roll, playa'!" You have been through 5 or more basses ( I think)in a very short time frame. 4 string to 5 string back to 4 string now 5 string conversion.....Rickenbacker, Fender, Gibson etc. Me thinks your are suffering from an information/sensory overload! Now your on to customizing your nutz?!!!

It is almost time for the TB trust Circle and Intervention group chat!!

 

[theFixer]

OK, someone has to say it..."slow your roll, playa'!" You have been through 5 or more basses ( I think)in a very short time frame. 4 string to 5 string back to 4 string now 5 string conversion.....Rickenbacker, Fender, Gibson etc. Me thinks your are suffering from an information/sensory overload! Now your on to customizing your nutz?!!!

It is almost time for the TB trust Circle and Intervention group chat!!

If ya go back a few pages, you'll find similar advice from hillerup, which was discussed at length.

 

[bylar13]

If ya go back a few pages, you'll find similar advice from hillerup, which was discussed at length.

I never go back...only forward!

 

[Dadagoboi]

Why not give a paying customer what they want?

My response was slightly tongue in cheek. But I prefer doing what I enjoy and am very fortunate there have been enough customers to allow me to do that. When it isn't I'll start selling off my bass collection and whatever body parts I have left.

 

[PillO]

Like this only with the proper number of strings?

Extrashort-scale 6 string bass?

 

[Gaolee]

My response was slightly tongue in cheek. But I prefer doing what I enjoy and am very fortunate there have been enough customers to allow me to do that. When it isn't I'll start selling off my bass collection and whatever body parts I have left.

The goal is to leave no good parts behind. And besides, we take everything you say very, very seriously around here.