Thunderbird Fretless?

[Barkless Dog]

i would do it to a goth bird. I like the maple neck mahogany body construction, although the alder bodied epi might sound brighter once defretted.

 

[Benjamin Strange]

I would do it. I ain't skeered.

 

[TheWolf]

Should not be too hard to find sound samples of this project or wait for a "Shavo Signature Gibson" to come out...???

http://www.bassplayer.com/article/shavo-odadjian-system/jul-08/86193

What other basses are you playing with Achozen?
I’ve been playing with fretless T-Bird 5-strings from Gibson. I experimented with a fretless Larrivée 6 on several tracks, tuning the middle strings CGCF, and tuning the 1st and 6th strings to the frequency of the kick drum. That allowed me to use the middle strings the way I usually do, as well as hit notes on the top and bottom that were in tune with the kick when I wanted to match it.

 

[spade2you]

I think it would sound alright, but due to the neck divey nature, I don't know if I'd recommend them as a fretless. I won't address having to grab and hold the neck in terms of form, but having to hold the neck will greatly hinder vibrato and the wild slides that make fretless great.

 

[ojo]

Yes I know this is an old thread, but it's relevant to me.

I just picked up a de-fretted epi thunderbird, and it's compelling. I'm not sure if it's the midrangy pups or the this particular instrument, but the harmonics are ridiculous.

I'm primarily a fretless guy, and bought this to fenderbird it. However, I am seriously thinking of just cleaning up the de-fret job (dude yanked the frets and never got around to filling the slots - and he told me that he never put tension on the neck after pulling the frets), and playing it as is.

As much as I'd love a fenderbird, I've learned to not mess up an instrument with mojo.

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has gotten around to making a fretless thunderbird.

 

[stiles72]

I've been toying with the idea myself for a long time - was planning to use Nikki Sixx for the mahogany body and thinner nut. Post some pics if you clean it up and keep it fretless!

 

[hillerup]

Yes I know this is an old thread, but it's relevant to me.

I just picked up a de-fretted epi thunderbird, and it's compelling. I'm not sure if it's the midrangy pups or the this particular instrument, but the harmonics are ridiculous.

I'm primarily a fretless guy, and bought this to fenderbird it. However, I am seriously thinking of just cleaning up the de-fret job (dude yanked the frets and never got around to filling the slots - and he told me that he never put tension on the neck after pulling the frets), and playing it as is.

As much as I'd love a fenderbird, I've learned to not mess up an instrument with mojo.

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has gotten around to making a fretless thunderbird.

I would love to see some photos of your fretless T-bird!

 

[Marial]

PM Gaolee. He had his Epi TBird defretted. It's pretty cool.