Thunderbird Club

[PillO]

Healthy competition is good for kids. Studies have shown that kids (especially boys) fall behind when they aren't competing.
Not to mention that kid who was way better than everyone should really be getting praise for their work and it also gives the other kids something to strive for.
The trick is to make sure that the kids who don't "win" feel encouraged and want to continue to improve.

Failure analysis is something that functioning adults will have learned at some point. The self-criticism of "what would I have done differently" or "what I will do next time". Unfortunately it appears that fewer and fewer people are doing this. And worse, many of them end up in positions of great responsibility.

 

[PillO]

Really beginning to dislike kids.....

I used to say to a friend "your family is a great ad for birth control..."

 

[PillO]

Decided to do this....

View attachment 4028947

...and found out how much longer the VP really is...
(I'm sure most of you are already aware of this, but I'm at the back of the pack, playing catch-up )

This is the uncut G-string

View attachment 4028948

Looks like nearly 2 wraps around the post. Should be fine. Don't complain unless your g-string slips (ahem)

 

[KaraQ]

Looks like nearly 2 wraps around the post. Should be fine. Don't complain unless your g-string slips (ahem)

Yeah, it worked out fine. Just used to having to cut that string a bit too.
But it does look cool, having those red silks run the full length of the headstock

...but as high tension as these strings are, I had to completely adjust all the things

The sound though...totally worth it!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Not exactly what I'm used to play, nor to listen to ... but gotta say it's pretty cool indeed, plus the bird tone shines here.

Great work as usual, and yes, it shines here. Also, nice bolo!

 

[MCF]

Not exactly what I'm used to play, nor to listen to ... but gotta say it's pretty cool indeed, plus the bird tone shines here.

Great playing! Not my usual choice for listening either. There was a time when they were all over SoCal but I haven’t seen them.

 

[MCF]

Yeah, it worked out fine. Just used to having to cut that string a bit too.
But it does look cool, having those red silks run the full length of the headstock

View attachment 4029021

...but as high tension as these strings are, I had to completely adjust all the things

The sound though...totally worth it!

There’s something about a shiny new VP! Any issues intonating those?

 

[KaraQ]

There’s something about a shiny new VP! Any issues intimating those?

The E-string is just barely out, but the adjuster is maxed,, needs a bit more travel. Otherwise

(I really need to spend the time & do a proper clean-up, still a lot of dusty bits from the shipping )

 

[MCF]

The E-string is just barely out, but the adjuster is maxed,, needs a bit more travel. Otherwise

View attachment 4029052


(I really need to spend the time & do a proper clean-up, still a lot of dusty bits from the shipping )

Thanks Kara. Just making notes. My guess is that going with the lighter 40 -100 set on those 77s would intonate better. The relatively short travel of the saddles is my only pet peeve of the amazing VP (I’m getting used to the huge headstock). It is apparent that not all sets with 105s and higher will be a perfect match on the VP for those of us with intonation OCD.

 

[KaraQ]

Thanks Kara. Just making notes. My guess is that going with the lighter 40 -100 set on those 77s would intonate better. The relatively short travel of the saddles is my only pet peeve of the amazing VP (I’m getting used to the huge headstock). It is apparent that not all sets with 105s and higher will be a perfect match on the VP for those of us with intonation OCD.

I'm wondering if it won't get better after the strings age a bit. The older set on my bolt-on don't require nearly as much adjustment

 

[MCF]

I'm wondering if it won't get better after the strings age a bit. The older set on my bolt-on don't require nearly as much adjustment

View attachment 4029079

Yeah. Give ‘em time. Strings can change a bit as they settle in. I haven’t tried those, so it will be interesting to hear what you think after a few weeks. It’s fun to have a variety of Thunderbirds to experiment with.

 

[Engle]

Preparations are being made...

View attachment 4028886

...in the meantime, more wiring done!

View attachment 4028887


Doesn't fit?

View attachment 4028888

Doesn't matter!

Planning to make a new one from the same material for the pickguard & trc

Got any old vinyl around?

 

[Miles_ONeal]

The E-string is just barely out, but the adjuster is maxed,, needs a bit more travel. Otherwise

View attachment 4029052

same.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Thanks Kara. Just making notes. My guess is that going with the lighter 40 -100 set on those 77s would intonate better. The relatively short travel of the saddles is my only pet peeve of the amazing VP (I’m getting used to the huge headstock). It is apparent that not all sets with 105s and higher will be a perfect match on the VP for those of us with intonation OCD.

Agreed.

 

[MCF]

Got any old vinyl around?
View attachment 4029112

Huh. I wonder what would work best. RCA Dynaflex? That stuff had to be good for something.....it sucked for records.

 

[PillO]

The E-string is just barely out, but the adjuster is maxed,, needs a bit more travel. Otherwise

View attachment 4029052


(I really need to spend the time & do a proper clean-up, still a lot of dusty bits from the shipping )

same.

The proprietary PillO market research system tells me that there is a potential market for after market bridges with increased saddle travel of at least 2 units.

 

[TBird1958]

As you well know I'm a model airplane dork. One of my greatest joys in life is building and collecting them. When heading down to the basement I kid my wife I'm going to go play with my model, maybe the German one or the French, maybe English, depends on my mood. Always good for a swat on the way down the stairs View attachment 4028903

Model making is a daily therapeutic for me depending on the day I'm at my desk for 1-2 hours, it calms me and puts into a great frame of mind to go to work. My latest project is this 1966 built Southern Pacific box car, the kit is an interesting mix of parts, some from several different mfgs. plus several pieces of laser cut plastic that you layer to make up the car sides, a really cool way to get a model that would otherwise not be made due to the high tooling cost.

Here's the start

 

[Engle]

Thanks Kara. Just making notes. My guess is that going with the lighter 40 -100 set on those 77s would intonate better. The relatively short travel of the saddles is my only pet peeve of the amazing VP (I’m getting used to the huge headstock). It is apparent that not all sets with 105s and higher will be a perfect match on the VP for those of us with intonation OCD.

I’ve had RS-66s, Cobalt flats, Fender flats, and Black Beauties on mine. None had issues with intonation.

 

[KaraQ]

Some things I picked up from my mail drop this morning...

 

[MCF]

Some things I picked up from my mail drop this morning...

View attachment 4029179

You got a T-shirt? I’m jealous. Excellent choice. Who did you purchase the insert set from?