Thunderbird Club

[RedVee]

^ on mine it is the top right screw as looking from behind.
NB: I know not whether that is the optimum position, but that's where Epiphone put mine.

I've seen different screw positions used on the neck plate, which one is original. It would seem a bottom one would make the bass tip away?

 

[JIO]

Actually, looking at this, I'd be likely to tie the bridge mounting screws into a mass of some type of metal, steel, brass. The weight would help.

I have done body-embedded brass plates that the bridge mounts to (inspired by Bruce Johnson) - it dynamically grounds the bridge/strings to the body resulting in enhanced resonance - it works. It could be done on this body and still lead to a lightweight T-bird with good resonance.

 

[JKydd]

Yeah but if it's covered it doesn't look any different?

I removed the material from near the bridge because that's where I wanted my "sound hole" I thought it looked good there. To make up for it I left the area from the bridge pickup down to the lower end as thick as possible for weight. By the time I added the strap buttons the top was glued on. My options were: remove more material to add some metal as ballast or move a strap button a few inches.

I took the easier option, you've got to be standing very close and be at an awkward angle to see the plastic wood blemish while I'm playing. It really doesn't seem worth the effort to me just to balance it a little better.

 

[JIO]

How about the one on the Dingwall D-Bird? View attachment 2756094[/ATTACH]

I dig the D-bird back for sure and I see exactly what he did (and beautifully so) with the rear mounted strap-button scoop. I incorporate that same technology on my birds, including my Factorbird fretless but using the standard side-mounted peg. The lower strap connection is more-or-less in line with the rear mounted connection on the D-bird except my way pulls the body toward my body and helps assure no neck-diving.

 

[ThunderFox]

View attachment 2756287 ^ on mine it is the top right screw as looking from behind.
NB: I know not whether that is the optimum position, but that's where Epiphone put mine.

Seems the best place to put it on the bolt-on. The plate is blocking the way of where it is on a thru-neck, it's pretty much the next best place. Since they already made the hole, might as well use it, I don't think drilling a hole in the middle of the plate would look as nice...

 

[theFixer]

How about the one on the Dingwall D-Bird? View attachment 2756094

Or on other Dingwalls?
View attachment 2756096 View attachment 2756095

What a bizarre set of 'innovations'

 

[ubernator]

I dig the D-bird back for sure and I see exactly what he did (and beautifully so) with the rear mounted strap-button scoop. I incorporate that same technology on my birds, including my Factorbird fretless but using the standard side-mounted peg. The lower strap connection is exactly in-line with the rear mounted connection on the D-bird except my way pulls the body toward my body and helps assure no neck-diving.

View attachment 2756304

View attachment 2756311

Factor bird, wow! Ex-factor neck?

Makes me miss my steinberger spirit

 

[Showdown]

I have done T-bird weight reduction - the lower rout of this Epi Goth is covered by the pg and the upper a thin sheet of veneer or acrylic. I was happy to see it was solid mahogany. Can store (your favorite concealed whatever) in the lower one... will need to finish it eventually. Anyone interested pm me -

oh, and "thin line T-birds"? T-birds are pretty thin right now - much thinner and you're getting conceptual.
View attachment 2756234

My experience with my three Gibson Tbirds is that the body isn't heavy enough to balance the neck, even the short scale one. Are the Epis heavier or something? I use a weighted strap on my short scale, and Res-O-Lite tuners on one of my '76 birds, so I can't imagine wanting the body to be lighter. My back is extremely sensitive to unbalanced basses, this one hurts even thinking about it.

 

[theFixer]

The short scale neck is pretty close to the same as my Bicentennial birds, except shorter of course. Since I basically learned to play on a '76 bird it feels right at home to me. Having never played a newer Tbird I have no idea how it compares to them.

Not a major departure from the long-scale 'bird neck then. Pretty much what I figured. The thought had crossed my my that perhaps they might've used a profile more common on other short scaled basses like the EBO. I reckon ya don't know 'till ya ask

 

[theFixer]

On a neck heel with forward tilt. Put the strap from the tail pin across the front of the upper rear corner of the bird. Tilt Cured.

I tried that when I had the Goth. The strap interfered with my right arm. I found it awkward & uncomfortable. I was glad to see the button on the TB IV, was on the upper bout. It just works for me

 

[flashgod]

New entry: Epiphone Thunderbird Classic. This little piece looks porn from head to toe. Sounds killer and is a Big Bang for the buck. Am I allowed to enter the club?

 

[ubernator]

I tried that when I had the Goth. The strap interfered with my right arm. I found it awkward & uncomfortable. I was glad to see the button on the TB IV, was on the upper bout. It just works for me

Mine has both, the original upper bout, And one added to the neck bolt. Was modded by a previous owner, very well. I use the back of the neck bolt one, it works better for me, and the one on the heel on my classic pro is just the bees knees. Schaller style locks too.

Whoever gets my goth will have a choice.

View attachment 2756416 New entry: Epiphone Thunderbird Classic. This little piece looks porn from head to toe. Sounds killer and is a Big Bang for the buck. Am I allowed to enter the club?

Those are the best. I got mine with serious battle scars, but the price and trade was right.

You will be welcomed by the Queen soon. Queen likes white thunderbirds!

 

[PillO]

I tried that when I had the Goth. The strap interfered with my right arm. I found it awkward & uncomfortable. I was glad to see the button on the TB IV, was on the upper bout. It just works for me

Was your strap long enough? Birds are more comfortable sitting lower; lower than a 7ender shaped object.

 

[Nevada Bob]

How about the one on the Dingwall D-Bird? View attachment 2756094

I'd have no idea whether it works or not, and it certainly isn't traditional. That is pure sexy!

Am I allowed to enter the club?

Welcome! (Prepare for the ritual) You are in good company!

You will be welcomed by The Queen soon. Queen likes white Thunderbird's!

See? Told ya

Was your strap long enough? Birds are more comfortable sitting lower; lower than a 7ender shaped object.

I found that out yesterday! I learned from earlier posts and picked up a wide, suede-lined strap, so dive wasn't a problem. But at first I set it up the same length as the P and it was uncomfortably high.

I have an Explorer with similar strap peg positioning. I find that I tuck my forearm into that, which keeps it upright. Same on this, but I don't feel as conscious of it. In my feeble mind, it's like riding a sportbike with low handlebars - I dig-in and adopt a racy-er stance.

Being a student-level player helps, too. I don't have a enough experience to know any better.

 

[JJR58]

The wide strap makes all the difference.
My Epi has a great balance to begin with, and with the wide strap, just makes it all that much better.

 

[GBassNorth]

View attachment 2756416 New entry: Epiphone Thunderbird Classic. This little piece looks porn from head to toe. Sounds killer and is a Big Bang for the buck. Am I allowed to enter the club?

I'm sure that our Queen will be by soon to welcome you with a member number. BTW the price for club membership is steep here and frequently involves creative use of coconuts and palm fronds.

 

[JJR58]

I'm sure that our Queen will be by soon to welcome you with a member number. BTW the price for club membership is steep here and frequently involves creative use of coconuts and palm fronds.

I especially like the palm fronds. They are quite effective. More so then a wide strap for a Bird.

 

[GBassNorth]

I especially like the palm fronds. They are quite effective. More so then a wide strap for a Bird.

Yeah, but you really have to be careful with them, I'm still trying to get rid of that darn rash they caused. And don't get me started on the coconuts either, the chaffing took days to heal. In the end it was worth it though cause I get to hang out in the coolest club on TB!

 

[JJR58]

Yeah, but you really have to be careful with them, I'm still trying to get rid of that darn rash they caused. And don't get me started on the coconuts either, the chaffing took days to heal. In the end it was worth it though cause I get to hang out in the coolest club on TB!

It's the price we pay, but agreed, well worth it. Once healed, always ready to start over.

 

[theFixer]

Was your strap long enough? Birds are more comfortable sitting lower; lower than a 7ender shaped object.

I spent a great deal of time searching from my knees to my neck, finding what is most comfortable for me & my 'bird. At no point was it ever comfortable for me to have the strap in front of the bass. I'm not saying that it's "wrong" to do it, nor condemning those that do. I'm just saying it ain't for me. If/when I have another bass that has the button at the neck/body joint, perhaps I'll need to revisit the issue. For now, my problem is solved by having the button on the upper horn