Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Thunderbird style basses on the market
- Thread starter mooreon131
- Start date
that is a super attractive bass. can't wait to see the finished pics!
I had a few PMs, so as requested, here's an update on the 'bird:
hillerup
There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!
Here's where my Thunderbird/Fenderbird design exercises have taken me, a combination of Reverse and Non Reverse elements:
See the build here:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f57/fiftieth-cataldo-bass-build-g8r-41-a-1016823/
And something a little more traditional...
You really do make some beautiful basses, Carlo!
hillerup
There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!
I had a few PMs, so as requested, here's an update on the 'bird:
Really nice contours on that body
How did you make the faux binding?
- Jul 1, 2005
- 4,291
- 21,932
- 79
- Disclosures
- CataldoBasses: Designer/Builder ThunderBuckerPickups:Consultant
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,059
- 38,443
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
Wait a minute, did you build two of these or are you just teasing me with picture of the bass with a Thunderbucker?
- Jul 1, 2005
- 4,291
- 21,932
- 79
- Disclosures
- CataldoBasses: Designer/Builder ThunderBuckerPickups:Consultant
That is a sweet looking bass. I actually prefer the 2X2 headstock... 
It would be interesting to hear one like that with the Mudbucker in the typical T-bird spot then the Lollar nearer the bridge. I guess it would be like a less tonally extreme EB-3, but I am no expert when it comes to Gibson basses.
It would be interesting to hear one like that with the Mudbucker in the typical T-bird spot then the Lollar nearer the bridge. I guess it would be like a less tonally extreme EB-3, but I am no expert when it comes to Gibson basses.
- Jul 1, 2005
- 4,291
- 21,932
- 79
- Disclosures
- CataldoBasses: Designer/Builder ThunderBuckerPickups:Consultant
That is a sweet looking bass. I actually prefer the 2X2 headstock...
It would be interesting to hear one like that with the Mudbucker in the typical T-bird spot then the Lollar nearer the bridge. I guess it would be like a less tonally extreme EB-3, but I am no expert when it comes to Gibson basses.
The 2+2 helps the bass balance really well on a strap as well as fitting in a standard bass case.
The Lollar pickup is the one that looks like a mudbucker, I used it by customer request. It seems to have mostly low mids. No 'mud' but not enough lows or highs for me.
ThunderBuckers from Steve Soar have a wider frequency response and more output, typical of a vintage 60's Thunderbird pickup. They're made to exactly the same specs.
Schecter also makes the Ultra bass which looks to be T-Bird inspired: mahogany with raised center and maple/walnut neck thru.
(pic found on the web)
The Schecters might be on the lower end of the price range. They also make two sig versions for Simon Gallup and Sixx.
Those Cataldos are sure pretty. The trans red one looks like it's made of sweet candy.
For these, I would either try before you by (good luck finding one in store) or buy with a good return policy.
I have one. Its ok. First I will detail the problems:
The headstock is not angled enough. It needs a string tree. As is, the strings vibrate at the nut.
The bridge does not have individually adjustable saddle height, which is magnified by the fact that the fixed heights are not perfectly matched to the radius of the fretboard.
the intonation screws on the bridge vibrate/make noise.
Now the good:
Looks cool. it's a cool mix of a Telecaster and a Thunderbird. I like it, anyway. I'm not normally a fan of tobacco bursts and 3 tone burst, but I think it is really cool on this bass. It looks especially cool with Rotosound Nexus bass strings. (black strings, with different color silks on each string, for some flair).
As someone who usually dislikes EMGs (due to their typical, highly colored tone). These pickups are pretty good! They don't sound like any EMG I have ever played. They sound more like 'regular' pickups, if you know what I mean. Also, these HZ passive Thunderbird pickups are exclusively made for the Ultra bass. they sound pretty good. A nice full sound. a bit shy on the highs. decent punch. They are good pickups and if you bought an Ultra, its possible you wouldn't need to change them right away.
balances really well.
Things I could take or leave + plus other peculiarites:
the neck is really slim. Combined with a pretty flat fretboard radius, that to me feels like it might be a 15 inch. (schecters site doesn't even say). I wish the neck was thicker. It's totally playable, but just my preference. On the plus side, the 5 piece construction feels really solid. the neck never moves.
The frets seem unfinished. They are squared instead of rounded. They are pretty level, however. It doesn't play too bad, but it definitely feels different.
I bought mine in good condition, used. I wouldn't pay full price, unless you find one better than mine. Thing is, the one I bought was used as a demo to retailers...
