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Thunderbird Club

#167,961
I was looking for a winter project the other day and thought I’d look around for a Thunderbird “build-a-bass” kit — specifically a non-reverse (since I’ve only owned my reverse ‘93 T-Bird). I can’t seem to find one; but there are plenty of reverse Thunderbird kits. Do any of my fellow Thunderbird enthusiasts know if one exists? I think it would be cool to build one from just the body and that way I could experiment with pickups that have always intrigued me like Bartolinni pickups, etc., but with the classic body style I know and love.
 
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#167,962
Keith Rawlings said:
I was looking for a winter project the other day and thought I’d look around for a Thunderbird “build-a-bass” kit — specifically a non-reverse (since I’ve only owned my reverse ‘93 T-Bird). I can’t seem to find one; but there are plenty of reverse Thunderbird kits. Do any of my fellow Thunderbird enthusiasts know if one exists? I think it would be cool to build one from just the body and that way I could experiment with pickups that have always intrigued me like Bartolinni pickups, etc., but with the classic body style I know and love.
Click to expand...


Here's a couple things from Fleabay
Bass Guitar Body, Unfinished, Ash, USA Made, FBB (Made to Order) Rosser Guitars | eBay

Bass Guitar Body, Unfinished, Ash, USA Made, NRB (Made to Order) Rosser Guitars | eBay
 
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#167,963
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#167,964
GonePlaid said:
Wonder if they can cut them in mahogany.
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I like fact that you could have him just do a single pup rout...... The world needs MOAR Thunderbird IIs.
 
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#167,965
Count Bassie said:
Ok question... hi everybody! Question... I've got the sweet-spot p'up from an Epiphone Blackbird. I remember quite liking the sound of it, deep and lowering, and had a nice growl in it.
I've got an Epi Classic Pro, and am thinking to put a different p'up in the sweet spot. I'm a little less than inspired lately from the sound I'm getting from it.
I'd have to rout a tad to get 'er in there. But the bass has a couple issues- that are fixable, and that I'm am ok with- and it's going to be a keeper. If this p'up doesn't work out, a DiMarzio Model One is going there, and that one I have experience with... I had a Schecter Stiletto Elite that I'd put that DiMarzio into, and it went onto a Plan 9 record. I really liked the sound.
Anyway, anyone have a thought on replacing the sweet spot p'up on my Classic with the Deep Sixx (Blackbird) p'up? Is it a horrible idea?
Asking for a friend. :)
Click to expand...
I vote do it if it really is a different pickup. The Classic Pro is a great mod platform.
 
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#167,966
Count Bassie said:
Ok question... hi everybody! Question... I've got the sweet-spot p'up from an Epiphone Blackbird. I remember quite liking the sound of it, deep and lowering, and had a nice growl in it.
I've got an Epi Classic Pro, and am thinking to put a different p'up in the sweet spot. I'm a little less than inspired lately from the sound I'm getting from it.
I'd have to rout a tad to get 'er in there. But the bass has a couple issues- that are fixable, and that I'm am ok with- and it's going to be a keeper. If this p'up doesn't work out, a DiMarzio Model One is going there, and that one I have experience with... I had a Schecter Stiletto Elite that I'd put that DiMarzio into, and it went onto a Plan 9 record. I really liked the sound.
Anyway, anyone have a thought on replacing the sweet spot p'up on my Classic with the Deep Sixx (Blackbird) p'up? Is it a horrible idea?
Asking for a friend. :)
Click to expand...

I say leave it alone because they don't make them any more, modify a bolt on model.
 
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#167,968
Count Bassie said:
Ok question... hi everybody! Question... I've got the sweet-spot p'up from an Epiphone Blackbird. I remember quite liking the sound of it, deep and lowering, and had a nice growl in it.
I've got an Epi Classic Pro, and am thinking to put a different p'up in the sweet spot. I'm a little less than inspired lately from the sound I'm getting from it.
I'd have to rout a tad to get 'er in there. But the bass has a couple issues- that are fixable, and that I'm am ok with- and it's going to be a keeper. If this p'up doesn't work out, a DiMarzio Model One is going there, and that one I have experience with... I had a Schecter Stiletto Elite that I'd put that DiMarzio into, and it went onto a Plan 9 record. I really liked the sound.
Anyway, anyone have a thought on replacing the sweet spot p'up on my Classic with the Deep Sixx (Blackbird) p'up? Is it a horrible idea?
Asking for a friend. :)
Click to expand...
Have you tried playing with the height of the pickups, and also the strings?
 
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#167,970
TBird1958 said:
Here's a couple things from Fleabay
Bass Guitar Body, Unfinished, Ash, USA Made, FBB (Made to Order) Rosser Guitars | eBay

Bass Guitar Body, Unfinished, Ash, USA Made, NRB (Made to Order) Rosser Guitars | eBay
Click to expand...

Can't beat that price with a stick. I imagine if you contact the hem they can do other pu routs, or just sell a body w/o pu routs so one could do that themself.

edit - just saw that they offer a variety of pu routs which is cool. Consider the exact location of those routs as that can make a big difference.
 
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#167,971
GonePlaid said:
Wonder if they can cut them in mahogany.
Click to expand...

I've found eBay sellers like this are willing to do things outside their box. You might have to send them the mahogany slab but it's definitely worth asking.
 
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#167,974
GonePlaid said:
Howzabout a VP(or ThunderBucker, or ??)pup in the sweet spot and a Mudbucker at the neck.:cool:
Click to expand...

Single Lull, or a Greco. P Bass simple but way cooler.
 
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#167,975
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#167,977
Keith Rawlings said:
Thank you Queen of the Almighty Thunderbird! I forgot about eBay.
Click to expand...

They look fun, I'm not a "project" kind of Queen all that often, but I could be swayed into it!
 
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#167,978
GonePlaid said:
I would try it if offered, keeping a beverage of some kind handy.
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GBassNorth said:
The first time I had marmite I nearly gagged on it. Super salty kinda smokey flavor IIRC. I spread several large dollops on toast which was apparently the wrong way to serve it.

Once done right it's not a bad thing, actually kinda good but you have to do it right to even tolerate it. It seems the proper way to eat it is to spread butter on the toast first then swipe an incredibly small amount of marmite (about 1/4 as much marmite as you use to butter your toast, maybe even less). I still prefer jam but marmite will do in a pinch.

Serve with a beaker (mug) of hot Builders Tea with cream and sugar for the win.
Click to expand...


 
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#167,979
KaraQ said:
Finally got around to putting up one of my wall hangers :cautious:

I discovered I may to have to get least 17 more, so I can have an 18...:whistle:


Thunderbirds!
View attachment 4130336
View attachment 4130337


Hoping to get a second one mounted later; still haven't decided where to put the third one...:thumbsdown:
Click to expand...
Well done! I have 3 Hercules hangers on the wall and a few stands scattered around.
 
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#167,980
Keith Rawlings said:
I was looking for a winter project the other day and thought I’d look around for a Thunderbird “build-a-bass” kit — specifically a non-reverse (since I’ve only owned my reverse ‘93 T-Bird). I can’t seem to find one; but there are plenty of reverse Thunderbird kits. Do any of my fellow Thunderbird enthusiasts know if one exists? I think it would be cool to build one from just the body and that way I could experiment with pickups that have always intrigued me like Bartolinni pickups, etc., but with the classic body style I know and love.
Click to expand...
I couldn’t even find a reverse kit a few years ago. But now that I have a CP and VP, I’m turning my bolt-on bird into a fun project. Doesn’t help, I know.

someone here had all the dimensions for a NR body, though. Just can’t recall who.
 
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