Thunderbird sound from something other than a T-Bird

[klattman]

I gotta say, the Rascal angle is the one I've been most interested to hear about. I'm not like to use a T-bird tone so much I need to get something expensive, so the Rascal might scratch the itch. I know the ergonomics are controversial but short-scale is cool and as a Bass VI player--the Rascal basically has that same body minus the trem assembly--I think I could deal with its quirks.

It has its quirks but none I don’t get used to in a few minutes. No more neck dive than other FSOs I have.

 

[bassclef112]

That’s a very nice looking bass!

Thanks. They really tried to lure the P players. The neck is std B width but not chunky and it all falls into place. Maybe the pointy headstock was the turnoff.

 

[smatanovic]

Schecter's Ultra Bass actually has great ergonomics.

No neck dive. Good reach to first fret. Not heavy. Slim neck with flat fretboard. Slim body. Doesn't feel like a Thunderbird, at all.

Shape is a cool hybrid of Thunderbird and Telecaster.

@Toptube I assume you’ve spent time with the ultra? How does it sound? I’ve had my eye on a tbird to capture The Cure and Nirvana - like tones, but if the Schecter does the trick I may go that way.

 

[ElectricBass72]

Epiphone Embassy looks like it's comfortable... and has the T-bird pickups. Reviews for Embassy are mostly good on SW, AMS and MF. Good bang for the buck bass... like Ibanez Talman and Squire P's and J's.

 

[Toptube]

@Toptube I assume you’ve spent time with the ultra? How does it sound? I’ve had my eye on a tbird to capture The Cure and Nirvana - like tones, but if the Schecter does the trick I may go that way.

I own one.

The stock pickups have a pretty typical EMG HZ sound. I think it is technically a little different. But, its more/less that sound. Its serviceable. But, personally, I changed the pickups. As I don't use a lot of effects, and want my 'base' tone to be more interesting, etc.

 

[smatanovic]

I own one.

The stock pickups have a pretty typical EMG HZ sound. I think it is technically a little different. But, its more/less that sound. Its serviceable. But, personally, I changed the pickups. As I don't use a lot of effects, and want my 'base' tone to be more interesting, etc.

Great thanks. What did you install? I will admit I’m unfamiliar with the EMG hz sound; I own nothing but fenders at the moment (several precisions and one jazz).

 

[Jugghaid]

Brad Lowe @BTL at Lowe Custom Guitars has also built basses with Lollar Tbird pickups.

 

[GBassNorth]

This one was dirt cheap to make and totally delivers on the thunderbird sound…