?... I’d like to correct the neck but know I will have to make adujustments once done. I think it’s bad maintenance to leave your neck up bowed... I believe it can go too far beyond the point that it come back from.
That's probably a fair concern over a very long period of time. I'm guessing you want the high action set high to allow for lower tension down tuned strings. I don't play downtuned very often so I'm no expert on the topic, but you could always alternate the tunings once or twice a year with another bass. Of course, you know what this means - You get to buy another bird! And what a coincidence, it's Christmas, you now have the perfect excuse to add to the flock! Make the best of it.
I've been making plans for a new build project.
It is going to be a TeleBird.
With the following specs:
It is going to look like this:
View attachment 3258477
I like it! That's really a fresh take on the FenderBird concept. I personally have never been a fan of a blonde swamp ash body with a maple/maple neck - too many competing grains and shades of wood. But that see through pale white finish Fender used (Mary Kay white?) on the body with a vintage tint maple/maple neck would be way cool if you still wanted to see the wood grain on the body.
Another very cool look for that design would be the typical Telecaster butterscotch blond body with a black pickguard.
It is now 8pm Christmas Eve Sydney time in the land of Oz.
Carols by Candlelight just kicking off on the TV.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Carlo - tell us more about that unique lever knob on your awesome vox tribute!
How would one slightly raise the action on the E String? I have Fret buzz at Fret 1.
That's typically the symptom of a nut cut too deep. That said, which model Thunderbird?
I suspect you're spot on Carlo. Zero could take it to a luthier to have a new nut installed or if he's handy with dyi things he can raise the slot with some crazy glue and baking powder.
However, before doing anything with the nut I'd confirm there isn't a raised fret somewhere.
Zero - try fretting the E string at the fourth fret. While holding it down there, use your other hand to depress the E string right on top of the 3rd fret, you should find that there is virtually no gap between the 3rd fret and the string while fretting at the 4th fret. Now while continuing to hold down the E string in the 4th fret position, move your other hand down to the top of the 2nd fret and depress the string there, you should feel a very slight air gap close between the string and 2nd fret. Continue to fret the E string at the 4th fret and again using your other hand depress the E string right on top of the first fret. You should very easily notice an air gap close between the string and the first fret. If you don't see or feel that air gap at the first fret in all likelihood your nut slot is cut too deep.
Lastly, now fret the E string as you normally would at the first fret. As you play the string in that position do you hear any fret buzz?
If so, it's likely coming from the second or third fret which may be raised and can be easily corrected with some minor file work on the offending fret. Assuming it's not a loose fret (that's a bigger job and should be corrected by a luthier unless you know what you're doing).
If not, you have confirmed that your nut slot is cut too deep.
View attachment 3258649 Merry Christmas fellow T-Birders...Cheers!
Wishing everyone a very happy holiday and hope you all find a shiny new TBird (or a vintage NR) under your tree on Christmas morning, or Boxing Day, or whatever other holiday you may celebrate.
It contained a BC Rich Beast. Buddy said he had to get the case custom made.
