Thunderbird Club

[Haji]

I used Rotos for years before changing to Blue Steels. When I joined my current band I needed a string designed for drop tuning, so I tried Dunlop Heavy Core. Like all strings they lose the high end sparkle in a short time, but I've been able to get about 3 months out of a set. I'm happy with 'em, since I get 'em from NAP with VIP pricing. They're the only Dunlop strings I've used.

 

[Mike A]

It'll be a Firebird when he's finished!

Or a Phoenix!

 

[vdub75]

anybody put a Thunderbird pup in the mudbucker Position at the neck heel? I think carlo Cataldo did?

What does it Sound?

 

[godofthunder59]

Ah, that makes more sense. The song sounded somewhat power-pop-esque and I remember my parents had a Bram album with a song by that title on it that struck me as in that genre. Swing and a miss

Correct! The songs were very power pop.

 

[Count Bassie]

EB0 and EB3s had rosewood tug bars, Thunderbirds had ebony.

Fair enough. But it's just a tug bar, and it's a mod, by definition.

But hey. There are certainly less constructive uses for a nice stick of wood. And I dig your integrity in this context.

You may pass.

 

[JIO]

EB0 and EB3s had rosewood tug bars, Thunderbirds had ebony.

yep

 

[Dadagoboi]

anybody put a Thunderbird pup in the mudbucker Position at the neck heel? I think carlo Cataldo did?

What does it Sound?

Most recent was this one. Tone was usable soloed or mixed with the other two.

Tug bar is 'ebonized' alder. In other words, stained.

 

[godofthunder59]

yep

Man that looks just like the tug bar from my Cardinal Red 66! Fat with the big screws identical to tail piece screws. I was thinking mine was a home made replacement but I sure doesn't look like it!

 

[Dadagoboi]

Man that looks just like the tug bar from my Cardinal Red 66! Fat with the big screws identical to tail piece screws. I was thinking mine was a home made replacement but I sure doesn't look like it!

The original Gibby screws are #4 (like Fender pickguard screws) only longer. That's what I use on my repros. They're just long enough to grab a pick guard with small holes. Check out your siggy, Scott. I used my '64 IV tug bar for the template.

 

[godofthunder59]

The tug bar on my 66 Cardinal Red, and the NOS from greatdealz1967 off ebay. I was perplexed at the beefy-ness and large screws. But the shadow on the pg matches perfectly. Gibson was really just pushing them out the door

 

[godofthunder59]

I am going to check my other birds with known original tug bars.

 

[JIO]

View attachment 953443 The tug bar on my 66 Cardinal Red, and the NOS from greatdealz1967 off ebay. I was perplexed at the beefy-ness and large screws. But the shadow on the pg matches perfectly. Gibson was really just pushing them out the door

They all look so different from each other - most likely hand cut and shaped

 

[JIO]

5/16" thick

 

[Dadagoboi]

I am going to check my other birds with known original tug bars.

All of mine vary but they look closer to your NR one.

 

[D.M.N.]

Hey guys I just ordered up some ebony and am going to do a run of Thunderbird tug bars.

Well I guess I'll be ordering some of those too.

 

[godofthunder59]

They all look so different from each other - most likely hand cut and shaped

Definitely hand cut!

 

[Dadagoboi]

Definitely hand cut!

That's why I cut mine out of a 1-1/2" block of whatever, drill the 2 holes all the way through and slice them off like bread from a loaf. Still more of a PITA than I care to do except for my use.

My '65 EBO with original bar and screws. Note they're about the same size head as P/g screws

looks like mac ebony on this one but who knows, could be rosewood.

 

[EdO.]

Hey guys I just ordered up some ebony and am going to do a run of Thunderbird tug bars.

I'll take 3 please. Just let me know when they are available and how much.

 

[TBird1958]

It'll be a Firebird when he's finished!

Must resist urge to...............

 

[EdO.]

I'll take 3 please. Just let me know when they are available and how much.

I'm assuming they'll double as a thumb rest as well?