Thunderbird Club

[Haji]

I really wish Kiesel would do a TBird shape. That pointy headstock shape they have would go well with it, and their finish options would make that bad boy pretty wild.

 

[JIO]

They're both '64s. Yes, middle is a '77, second white one I've owned. The first I bought new in July 77. I had a black one on layaway when the store got one and immediately switched my deposit to it. Traded it in '83 for a '77 Sting Ray I still have.
I modded a quick release bridge in about half an hour to replace the original 3 point. Now the action is super low and no E string silk on the saddle. No modification to the 'bird.

Wow! That bridge looks great! Is it you're own design? Do you sell them? Way nicer than the 3-point. And that '77 is a beaut - love the creme colour! I own a '64 II that I bought in VGC in '78. What did you use to plug the top bridge pole hole?

 

[veebass]

I might just have seen that particular bass IRL played by Steve Kilbey back in '81/'82 when The Church played in Denmark promoting their first album.

Great show, btw...

Yes I saw them a number of times playing the pubs around Sydney in the 80s. They always put on a good show and it was always amusing to see some of the female followers of the band dressed as nuns.

 

[veebass]

That pickup will produce THUNDER... no doubt.

Yes it does- literally a window rattler. Incredibly loud pickup- not big on top end- lots of lows and good mids. It goes really well with my GK rig.

 

[Dadagoboi]

Wow! That bridge looks great! Is it you're own design? Do you sell them? Way nicer than the 3-point. And that '77 is a beaut - love the creme colour! I own a '64 II that I bought in VGC in '78. What did you use to plug the top bridge pole hole?

Thanks, it's a $30 list Allparts bridge with notches cut into it to fit into the studs. The 'plug' is a circle cut from a manila folder.
Here's the thread on how to make one:
NEVERTILT BRIDGE HOW TO 3 Point Upgrade

I did the mod in June 2012, it's still working fine with no problems. I have no plans to sell them, just wanted one for myself.

 

[JIO]

Thanks, it's a $30 list Allparts bridge with notches cut into it to fit into the studs. The 'plug' is a circle cut from a manila folder.
Here's the thread on how to make one:
NEVERTILT BRIDGE HOW TO 3 Point Upgrade
I did the mod in June 2012, it's still working fine with no problems. I have no plans to sell them, just wanted one for myself.

Thanks for that - I have seen those bridges from Allparts & on eBay. $30 is a nice price for a good bridge. It looks like the slots you cut are close to 1/2 the length of the bridge. I'll have to mod one for myself!

 

[Larry V]

Thanks for that - I have seen those bridges from Allparts & on eBay. $30 is a nice price for a good bridge. It looks like the slots you cut are close to 1/2 the length of the bridge. I'll have to mod one for myself!

If you're able to mill the screw slots at an angle, a little set up will be needed, you could better the break angle for the strings across the saddles. Maybe 3 to 5 degrees.

 

[JIO]

If you're able to mill the screw slots at an angle, a little set up will be needed, you could better the break angle for the strings across the saddles. Maybe 3 to 5 degrees.

Do you mean so it is parallel to the body? That probably would be ideal. It could be done using an (industrial) drill press (and a sharp bit) with the bridge secured in a form-fitting brace (and clamped down) w/a 3-5 degree wedge under it. Once the jig was made (and proven to work) it would make doing the mod pretty easy.

 

[Larry V]

A mill coming in from the side would be ideal.

 

[JIO]

A mill coming in from the side would be ideal.

Using a table mounted router?

 

[Larry V]

Using a table mounted router?

As long as you could set up a side guide and a stop for depth, sure it could work.

 

[Dadagoboi]

If you're able to mill the screw slots at an angle, a little set up will be needed, you could better the break angle for the strings across the saddles. Maybe 3 to 5 degrees.

Do you mean so it is parallel to the body? That probably would be ideal. It could be done using an (industrial) drill press (and a sharp bit) with the bridge secured in a form-fitting brace (and clamped down) w/a 3-5 degree wedge under it. Once the jig was made (and proven to work) it would make doing the mod pretty easy.

Why complicate matters? IMO the break angle is more than sufficient, I've used that bridge for many applications. I suggest you take another look at the side view...OTOH, knock yourselves out!

If I were doing more than one I'd have ThunderBucker mill them. I wouldn't use an underpowered router. It's much easier (and safer) to nibble the slots with a portaband and finish with a rat tail file.

 

[Larry V]

What is another look going to show me that I'm not seeing the first time? The bridge isnt parallel and in just about every 3 point setup I've read about here in this forum, the recommendations have been to raise the forward screw to raise the front of the bridge for an even better break angle than parallel will give you. I guess different strokes for different folks.

Anyways, the mod wouldn't be worth it to me since I think the 3 point is good enough. And yes, I did add a Supertone to my Goth but that was only for aesthetics. I think they look bad ass!

 

[Klondike]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Just found this Blackbird on Fleabay. Not sure if it comes from our community or not. I would hate to see it go outside our community.

 

[hillerup]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Just found this Blackbird on Fleabay. Not sure if it comes from our community or not. I would hate to see it go outside our community.

Wow! That seems to be in a fairly good condition, and the case as well...

A shame I don't have the money for it - Hopefully somebody else from the Club gets it...

 

[Bent77]

Finally got the strap sorted out. You guys werent joking about how Tbirds are low riders.
I finally started on the floor and worked my way up!

 

[JIO]

What is another look going to show me that I'm not seeing the first time? The bridge isnt parallel and in just about every 3 point setup I've read about here in this forum, the recommendations have been to raise the forward screw to raise the front of the bridge for an even better break angle than parallel will give you. I guess different strokes for different folks.

Anyways, the mod wouldn't be worth it to me since I think the 3 point is good enough. And yes, I did add a Supertone to my Goth but that was only for aesthetics. I think they look bad ass!

I have a Supertone on an Epi T-bird because I wanted string-thru but if top mount is good and dealing w/the 3 posts - I like Carlo's bridge mod more, aesthetically speaking. And unless I was producing them, Carlo's less complicated method is the way to go.

 

[BTL]

What's a realistic price to ask for a virtually new, pre-owned TKL 'Bird case?

The owner of the goldtop I built has a surplus of cases and is looking to unload one.

The brass is showing a little tarnish, but that's about it.

 

[veebass]

As promised here's some more pics of the new Bird for your viewing pleasure.
Been busy today. New strings, straplocks, full service and set up completed today. Off to use it tonight.
Truss rod cover had been sanded to remove the word "Greco"- I sprayed it gloss black to match the headstock better. A few bumps but nothing serious for a 38 year old bass.
Frets very good, truss works, neck arrow straight and it set up nicely. Similar to some P Bass necks really.
As The Queen so rightly advised, this does sound like a monster! What a rock bass! As I said, ran it through the old Bassman to check it over- quicker than setting the GK rig up. I was blown away- it was overdriving the Bassman the way my 73 Tele and my Ibanez V do. Haven't run it through the GK rig yet, but it is going to be good. Incredibly powerful for a passive pickup. Loud and very solid, but with quite a nice tone. Yes, kinda like an angry P Bass on steroids.
I'll update with my thoughts on it in a band context in due course, but I think I know how it is going to go.

 

[BTL]

Very nice!