Thunderbird Club

[godofthunder59]

That looks really good, Scott. While I'm not a fan of that on the Reverse, I think it works well on the NR.

What's the audio difference with the neck pickup positions?

A little boomier not quite as tight. Less noticeable with the 60's spec pickups, with black ceramics it's more noticeable. The change in neck pickup location occurred in the '87 reintroduction of the Thunderbird and has carried over to the 2013 and 2021 NR

 

[D.M.N.]

View attachment 4406385 View attachment 4406386 View attachment 4406387 View attachment 4406388 View attachment 4406389 View attachment 4406390 View attachment 4406391 View attachment 4406392 I finally got a little time with the NR in the shop. I've installed one of my repro tailpieces, and my preferred strap lock on the heel of the neck. I am considering a tug bar as well. For those interested when installing the tail piece it should be about 1/2" from the back end of the three point bridge. When locating the position for the tug bar I placed a 60's pickguard over the newer one and it clearly shows the difference in pickup locations, I much prefer the 60's location and I personally think the new NR neck pickup is to far forward. I really like the 60's tailpiece on the bass, balances out things quite nicely and introduces good string angle break. Also note the brass shim under the D string saddle, I have had to do this with virtually every three point since the 70's.

I always wondered what had moved around to widen the spacing, though never really took the time to pay attention, and always thought it was the rear pickup that had moved when looking at a standard reverse (it seems so close to the point on the three point bridge). While I suppose the wider spacing makes sense on a two pickup model in order to give a "wider variety" of tonal options, I don't think I'd care much for the new neck position on a one pickup TBII. Too far forward. And while the spacing looks pretty "normal" on a Reverse, the pickup swimming in the ocean of white on the NR just don't look right to me.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I always wondered what had moved around to widen the spacing, though never really took the time to pay attention, and always thought it was the rear pickup that had moved when looking at a standard reverse (it seems so close to the point on the three point bridge). While I suppose the wider spacing makes sense on a two pickup model in order to give a "wider variety" of tonal options, I don't think I'd care much for the new neck position on a one pickup TBII. Too far forward. And while the spacing looks pretty "normal" on a Reverse, the pickup swimming in the ocean of white on the NR just don't look right to me.

yep, for me it was ditch the guard or go clear..

 

[BklynKen]

A little boomier not quite as tight. Less noticeable with the 60's spec pickups, with black ceramics it's more noticeable. The change in neck pickup location occurred in the '87 reintroduction of the Thunderbird and has carried over to the 2013 and 2021 NR

Sorry, which is boomier and not as tight?

 

[godofthunder59]

Sorry, which is boomier and not as tight?

The modern location.

 

[Gaolee]

Sorry, which is boomier and not as tight?

Closer to the neck. As a person whose only bass was an EB-2 for about 20 years, that's just fine with me. It's not a universally welcome nuance. The location you play the strings makes a pretty big difference, too. After a while, we all get pretty specific about what we want to hear and what we don't want to hear. My brother is a dedicated J player. I am not a fan, but it's what he's played for decades, and what he wants to hear, played in a very specific way.

 

[WillyW]

I like the looks of a tug bar or thumbrest, but I dot use either...

maybe I'll put both on.

 

[WillyW]

While you're at it, are you gonna do bridge and pickup covers?

I tend to leave bridge covers on, especially since I vow never to change strings on any bass ever... unless they break.

 

[godofthunder59]

I tend to leave bridge covers on, especially since I vow never to change strings on any bass ever... unless they break.

Lol we are not the same

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I don't use a compressor, if I 'm getting louder and clunkier it's on porpoise.

Don't go blaming the poor sea critters!

 

[WillyW]

Don't go blaming the poor sea critters!

Try em on a cracker with a little bit of mayo and mustard.

 

[dagrev]

I was debating on the tug bar, in for a penny in for a pound. View attachment 4406720

I like it!

While you're at it, are you gonna do bridge and pickup covers?

Like that idea as well!

Wonder what Plaid would think?

 

[dagrev]

So it'll be a cheap mod... just put the holes in then.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I like it!

Like that idea as well!

Wonder what Plaid would think?

Shhh! GP's already planning a strike to recover the NR since GoT nixed the cover idea! Don't let anyone know.

 

[dagrev]

A little boomier not quite as tight. Less noticeable with the 60's spec pickups, with black ceramics it's more noticeable. The change in neck pickup location occurred in the '87 reintroduction of the Thunderbird and has carried over to the 2013 and 2021 NR

Good description of a result of moving the PU.

 

[dagrev]

These arrived. Some string time this evening!

 

[PillO]

It has been exactly 6 weeks since I had surgery. I saw the physiotherapist today; Motion and strength are coming back as expected. End of last week I started typing with two hands again. Endurance remains an issue (after a couple of paragraphs, left hand letters can go missing...) I am able to do some ADLs (activities of daily living) again.

And Monday, I picked up a bass just to see... I can play 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and octave in the major scale. 3 and 6 I just can't generate enough pressure to fret the note yet.

Next week I have my 8 week follow up with the surgeon (Canadian math).

Still waiting on my NR Thunderbird...

 

[dagrev]

It has been exactly 6 weeks since I had surgery. I saw the physiotherapist today; Motion and strength are coming back as expected. End of last week I started typing with two hands again. Endurance remains an issue (after a couple of paragraphs, left hand letters can go missing...) I am able to do some ADLs (activities of daily living) again.

And Monday, I picked up a bass just to see... I can play 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and octave in the major scale. 3 and 6 I just can't generate enough pressure to fret the note yet.

Next week I have my 8 week follow up with the surgeon (Canadian math).

Still waiting on my NR Thunderbird...

Glad to hear you are making steady progress. Hang in there.

 

[PillO]

Glad to hear you are making steady progress. Hang in there.

Improvements are starting to come more frequently. I am happy to see recovery accelerating.

I have ordered the next round of rehab supplies to be prepared.

And ordered one of those cheap wireless systems in anticipation of a new Green Thunderbird.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

It has been exactly 6 weeks since I had surgery. I saw the physiotherapist today; Motion and strength are coming back as expected. End of last week I started typing with two hands again. Endurance remains an issue (after a couple of paragraphs, left hand letters can go missing...) I am able to do some ADLs (activities of daily living) again.

And Monday, I picked up a bass just to see... I can play 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and octave in the major scale. 3 and 6 I just can't generate enough pressure to fret the note yet.

Next week I have my 8 week follow up with the surgeon (Canadian math).

Still waiting on my NR Thunderbird...

Huzzah for progress! You guys and your metric months...