Thunderbird style basses on the market

[mooreon131]

Hey guys. I wanted to know if there are any companies out there making basses with T bird style bodies, but without the conventional T bird features like a thru neck, sunburst, and Soapbars. Basically I want to have a bass that is a throwback to the 80's T Bird copies. It seems like a lot of companies like Spector, and Jackson were making T bird style basses back then, but that market seems to have dried up. I understand why Jackson wouldn't do it after the Gibson buyout, but you would think that someone would be making them. Does anyone have any ideas about who may still be making them? Otherwise, It's just a matter of cruising eBay looking for one the the 80s copies. FWIW, if I can't find a reasonably priced one I plan on taking an Ibanez Gio, using the neck and hardware, and putting it onto my own T bird style body, and doing an electronics upgrade, and using that as my go to metal bass. Thanks a lot for your input guys!

 

[IAmACrocodile]

Doug Kauer, of Kauer Guitars (http://kauerguitars.com/), is a HUGE fan of Firebird-style guitars, and builds them in the way that you describe, with set necks, scarfed headstocks, various different colours for the finishes, and using cedar rather than mahogany to reduce the weight a little bit. He doesn't have a Thunderbird-style bass on his website, but if I was in your position, I would definitely try emailing him and seeing what he says. He is an extremely friendly and helpful person, his guitars are second-to-none, and, as I say, he genuinely loves the Firebird design, so he may well be tempted to take on a custom bass build for you!

Good luck in finding the right bass for you!

 

[mooreon131]

Thanks so much for the reply, but the Kauer stuff is actually a bit out of my price range. I was looking to top out somewhere around 700, maybe 1000 if it's something I really like. Those are pretty, but too rich for my blood. I also tend to prefer bolts ons, and solid colors,as opposed to thru/set necks, and sunbursts. The daylighter bass, was tempting though.

 

[thisSNsucks]

Spector still makes a few. There's the LegendX and the Rex Signature, both are in your price range.

 

[uOpt]

Gibson has set-neck thunderbird, too. The ultraheavy pickups are a problem, though.

 

[mooreon131]

I kinda like the spector legend X, since it is a bolt on, though I wish it came in solid colors. I'm not too keen on Set, and thru necks, since I like the flexibility of being able to remove/shim the neck.

 

[jaibeau]

Mike Lull is WAY out of the op price range, but way worth it. I think cataldo makes cheap stuff tho-

 

[mcarp555]

I have a Gaskell [This invalid link has been removed] currently on order; it should be in my hands next month. I know Tokai also makes a T-bird model as well.

 

[giantbaba]

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[BTL]

What's your budget for a complete instrument?

 

[Nocturnal]

Hey guys. I wanted to know if there are any companies out there making basses with T bird style bodies, but without the conventional T bird features like a thru neck, sunburst, and Soapbars. Basically I want to have a bass that is a throwback to the 80's T Bird copies. It seems like a lot of companies like Spector, and Jackson were making T bird style basses back then, but that market seems to have dried up. I understand why Jackson wouldn't do it after the Gibson buyout, but you would think that someone would be making them. Does anyone have any ideas about who may still be making them? Otherwise, It's just a matter of cruising eBay looking for one the the 80s copies. FWIW, if I can't find a reasonably priced one I plan on taking an Ibanez Gio, using the neck and hardware, and putting it onto my own T bird style body, and doing an electronics upgrade, and using that as my go to metal bass. Thanks a lot for your input guys!

I had similar thoughts when I bought this body here on TB:

I used a Carvin "Jazz" neck and had my own headstock made the way I wanted (Not exactly what I wanted but what worked with the blank paddle headstock size). The body reminds me of the 80's Hamer model.

I was also planning on using this to make a dual P pickup model but might just sell the body instead of building another.

Looks cool with the white binding.

 

[Musiclogic]

You should build that T bird up with a P MM setup and one of the newer Carvin 22 fret necks

 

[Nocturnal]

I like the contours you have added. Nice touch.

 

[mbelue]

I like the contours you have added. Nice touch.

Ditto.

 

[BTL]

I like the contours you have added. Nice touch.

Ditto.

THANKS...I'm pretty excited about this one!

It will be the first completed instrument that incorporates ALL of the custom shop design features I've been compiling for the last year or so:

- Swamp ash body featuring universal "Phoenix" pickup routs and faux binding
- Stainless steel string-through bridge and hardware by Hipshot
- Headstock "inlet decal" by Oudensha America
- "Dry transfer" serial number decal by Scary Creative
- Quick disconnect electronics for easy hot-rodding

Probably a few more things I'm forgetting...

 

[Mastermold]

What about the new Epiphone birds?

 

[dukeisdog]

Spector still makes a few. There's the LegendX and the Rex Signature, both are in your price range.

I really like the neck on my Rex 5 compared to my Euro 5LX and would really consider the bass if you're looking for something in that price range but can be okay with the thru neck. I really prefer neck thrus so I don't have anything bad to say but the neck is very comfortable.

 

[russpurdy]

Check out the first act Delgado (I think that's the name). They are hard to find but not too pricey.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

I've always wanted a 5-string Thunderbird, but the Gibson Studios don't pop up often; so I'm always interested in people who make quality Thunderbird copies.

Those Cataldo's look awesome. Here's a video of someone playing one. It sounds awesome (and the player ain't too shabby either):

 

[vegas532]

Check out the first act Delgado (I think that's the name). They are hard to find but not too pricey.

Delgadas are AMAZING basses and frequently show up cheap on the used market. The ONLY reason I sold the one I had was the neck was a little too wide for me. EVERYTHING about the bass was awesome, however!