Thunderbird Club

[Gaolee]

Just out of curiosity, do any of you know where to find chrome pickup covers and an ashtray to convert a recent Thunderbird so it looks like an early one? I like chrome better than black, and I also am probably one of the few people on the planet who would put ashtrays on everything. Chrome tuners are easier to find, and with an ashtray, the bridge doesn't matter so much.

 

[Mike A]

Just out of curiosity, do any of you know where to find chrome pickup covers and an ashtray to convert a recent Thunderbird so it looks like an early one? I like chrome better than black, and I also am probably one of the few people on the planet who would put ashtrays on everything. Chrome tuners are easier to find, and with an ashtray, the bridge doesn't matter so much.

I believe someone here makes some NICE ones, but don't recall the username. Someone will be along shortly!

 

[Off-Beat]

Indeed they did...

The active Pro-IV and Pro-V were originally both available in Trans Black - Very cool color which unfortunately isn't available anymore...

View attachment 694127

There's a guy trying to sell one 300km from here. 260€ with an Epi case. It's been up for sale for a few months now, always thought it was refinished.

 

[Larry V]

Just out of curiosity, do any of you know where to find chrome pickup covers and an ashtray to convert a recent Thunderbird so it looks like an early one? I like chrome better than black, and I also am probably one of the few people on the planet who would put ashtrays on everything. Chrome tuners are easier to find, and with an ashtray, the bridge doesn't matter so much.

godofthunder59 on eBay

 

[Gaolee]

That looks like what I'm after. On to the pickup covers. The black plastic soapbars are just a little ugly in comparison to the original chrome covers with rings.

 

[mistergoats]

Shipped this AR MAX52 to Italy Tuesday. Arrived safely this morning. Let's hear it for the US Post Office!

Carlo, is that pick guard glued on? Or just mocked-up in this version?

 

[Larry V]

That looks like what I'm after. On to the pickup covers. The black plastic soapbars are just a little ugly in comparison to the original chrome covers with rings.

Those are available on eBay as well. I bought a pair of the chrome covers not too long ago.

Try here: Chrome Plated Metal bass pickup cover for Gibson Thunderbird bass guitar | eBay

 

[TBird1958]

Will,
You can PM Scott here and avoid the usual ebay fees. I just got a super nice Nickel bridge cover and tail piece for my Greco from him, they look fantastic!

Just out of curiosity, do any of you know where to find chrome pickup covers and an ashtray to convert a recent Thunderbird so it looks like an early one? I like chrome better than black, and I also am probably one of the few people on the planet who would put ashtrays on everything. Chrome tuners are easier to find, and with an ashtray, the bridge doesn't matter so much.

 

[Dadagoboi]

Carlo, is that pick guard glued on? Or just mocked-up in this version?

3M 950 .005 double stick medium bond for the pickguard. Rings are taped to ABS spacers with 3M 9469 VHB (Very High Bond) double stick. Then the ABS attached to body with 3M 950.

The 9469 VHB stuff is automotive trim grade. Once it grabs it isn't going anywhere. The 950 really holds but you can remove it. I just used two strips the size of the ring under the pickguard and one 1/2 square at each horn. That way the customer can remove the guard and ring and just use the ring. I sent him another ring spacer for that. You can see a ring and spacer below the headstock.

 

[hillerup]

That looks like what I'm after. On to the pickup covers. The black plastic soapbars are just a little ugly in comparison to the original chrome covers with rings.

Try this:

Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies, LLC - Search Results for "Thunderbird"

 

[Mike A]

Try this:

Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies, LLC - Search Results for "Thunderbird"

Nice!! Those would look good on Pelham Blue...

 

[DonovanJM]

Can I join? I picked up this Epi Pro-IV off Craigslist today. I don't think it has a scratch on it.

 

[TBird1958]

Where's that confounded list!

Welcome R.Livingston #541 and DonoanJM #542, lovely Thunderbirds you both have!
We welcome questions, pics, video and general silliness - Best club on Talkbass!
TBird1958 #1
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lowend1 #69 Mopar or no car!
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R.Livingston #541
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Can I join the Thunderbird Club..

"The Fury Road"

• R. Livingston
• Sep 20, 2015

Phase One

"The Fury Road"

• R. Livingston
• Sep 20, 2015

Phase One

"The Fury Road"

• R. Livingston
• Sep 20, 2015

Phase One

Can I join? I picked up this Epi Pro-IV off Craigslist today. I don't think it has a scratch on it.

 

[hillerup]

Can I join? I picked up this Epi Pro-IV off Craigslist today. I don't think it has a scratch on it.

Welcome to the Club, and congratulations on your new Thunderbird!

 

[DonovanJM]

Thanks guys! A little about myself. I tried to take lessons a few years ago. I only made a couple before family and life got in the way. Fast forward a few years and life has settled a bit and I started lessons again. I'm a about 3 months in. My instructor says I'm doing well but I don't see it. I've started learning a few songs. My instructor was a bit amused and impressed I wanted to start with Money by Pink Floyd. It's been quite the struggle but I think I'm finally starting to get it. I'm not sure why I'm babbling here so I'll stop. Thanks for letting me in the club. I hope to get better and maybe join a band or at least feel comfortable jamming with other.
Donovan

 

[Haji]

I've decided to really sink some time into learning more songs. It does a couple things for ya: it gives you tunes to jam on, and it helps you to see how somebody else wrote a part and stretches your field of view on playing.

 

[Gaolee]

The discussion of regretting selling a Ric has me thinking about what I would regret selling. The P won't go anywhere. It's a 7ender, but it's the perfect 7ender. So it stays. The EB-2 has been around so long that picking it up is a little like picking up a body part. So, it stays. The fretless 'Bird stays. If you had a fretless 'Bird, would there be any question? The newer EB makes all kinds of sounds and it's got a wonderful weirdness that makes no obvious sense outside 1960s Japan. Even thought it was made here in the USA in 2013. I like playing it, but if one had to go, it could go very reluctantly. The one I miss is the bolt-on Thunderbird I gave my son. Everything else I ever sold or gave away went to somebody else who might think it was a keeper, but I didn't and don't miss any of it. So, that's that. The Rics won't be missed much.

 

[Gaolee]

Can I join? I picked up this Epi Pro-IV off Craigslist today. I don't think it has a scratch on it.

That one looks great! My fretless 'Bird started out looking like that, except it had a lot of scratches on it before I even got it. Yours looks completely pristine. Congratulations, and welcome to the club.

 

[DonovanJM]

That one looks great! My fretless 'Bird started out looking like that, except it had a lot of scratches on it before I even got it. Yours looks completely pristine. Congratulations, and welcome to the club.

Thanks! Yeah, it's pretty pristine. The only thing is the screws on the pick guard could use being painted again. I'm really happy with it so far.

 

[TBird1958]

Thanks guys! A little about myself. I tried to take lessons a few years ago. I only made a couple before family and life got in the way. Fast forward a few years and life has settled a bit and I started lessons again. I'm a about 3 months in. My instructor says I'm doing well but I don't see it. I've started learning a few songs. My instructor was a bit amused and impressed I wanted to start with Money by Pink Floyd. It's been quite the struggle but I think I'm finally starting to get it. I'm not sure why I'm babbling here so I'll stop. Thanks for letting me in the club. I hope to get better and maybe join a band or at least feel comfortable jamming with other.
Donovan

Yay Washougal! I was down near you in Portland a few weeks back for a quick visit, I really nned to make a road trip up the north bank of the Columbia sometime soon.

Lessons are a great idea, plenty of good stuff online as well - I'd second the great idea of learning from a song that you really like as Haji said, it let's you get in that player's head - a good thing when you're starting out. We enjoy all good questions so please feel welcome here, the guys are all very nice, and there is vast knowledge about Thunderbirds, playing the bass and just about everything else too! Some Off Topic fun is always encouraged.