Thunderbirds by Mike Lull

[TBird1958]

I've been fortunate enough to be slightly involved in this "new" model bass from Mike Lull. It is of course a Fenderbird done his way. Accuracy and an incredilble attention to the orginal early 60's Gibson were the most important things, an original 1964 2 pick up 'Bird was graciously lent for the project. It was completely disassembled and copied for shape and components, this one will different from the original by having a four bolt mahogany neck/with maple as an option, and a shaped heel. The bodies will also be solid maho and have a Belly cut on the back of the upper 'bout and a very slight Arm carve too.
As you can see it'll have a two point bridge made by Hipshot as are the tuners, it balances perfectly!

The two side by side were shot 1/8/2009, and are the prototypes that will go to the NAMM show, the pic of the single pick up body is mine, its the #1 production bass

Perhaps the most exciting part is Mike's attention to the pick ups, first the new ones will have chrome plated stamped brass covers, made by the same supplier Gibson used for the original 1960's production!
The internal parts of the pickup will be just like the originals too, Mike paid great attention to the metals and plastics used and there will be both a bridge and neck version produced that will have 7k and 8k output, again just like the '64 prototype. The metal pickup rings are also being made.

 

[Darkstrike]

Oh my!

 

[tbone409]

thats cool, but i'd like to see the fenderbird lower bout cutout, or even a non-reverse

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[bazzanderson]

I've been fortunate enough to be slightly involved in this "new" model bass from Mike Lull. It is of course a Fenderbird done his way. Accuracy and an incredilble attention to the orginal early 60's Gibson were the most important things, an original 1964 2 pick up 'Bird was graciously lent for the project. It was completely disassembled and copied for shape and components, this one will different from the original by having a four bolt mahogany neck/with maple as an option, and a shaped heel. The bodies will also be solid maho and have a Belly cut on the back of the upper 'bout and a very slight Arm carve too.
As you can see it'll have a two point bridge made by Hipshot as are the tuners, it balances perfectly!

The two side by side were shot 1/8/2009, and are the prototypes that will go to the NAMM show, the pic of the single pick up body is mine, its the #1 production bass

Perhaps the most exciting part is Mike's attention to the pick ups, first the new ones will have chrome plated stamped brass covers, made by the same supplier Gibson used for the original 1960's production!
The internal parts of the pickup will be just like the originals too, Mike paid great attention to the metals and plastics used and there will be both a bridge and neck version produced that will have 7k and 8k output, again just like the '64 prototype. The metal pickup rings are also being made.

Damn!....those are effing bad@$$!

 

[TBird1958]

The JAE and NR versions are likely just a matter of time............the bass in the JAE pic you posted belongs to a buddy of mine

 

[smperry]

Very cool!

 

[NOLA Bass]

TBird1958,

Those are very cool, thanks for sharing!!!

I'm curious, how is the weight on them?

 

[steve21]

That's awesome. Fenderbirds have really been interesting to me lately

 

[dlmarquez]

I saw these same bodies in the Lull shop last weekend and they are gorgeous, as seems to be everything that Mr. Lull puts his name on!
I am very curious to see how they play, and even more curious to hear how they sound!
I wonder if Mike Lull would consider a "Lullesque" version of the original Gibson bass, the EB-1. I would really seriously have terminal gas if that were to happen!

 

[spade2you]

That's cool n' stuff, but hasn't Gibson gone after everyone that has done a T-bird and relative T-bird shape?

 

[TBird1958]

TBird1958,

Those are very cool, thanks for sharing!!!

I'm curious, how is the weight on them?

I should have strapped one those one when I was visiting yesterday, Mike offered! I did do that with the S/B finished one before it went to the painter, it was certainly lighter than my 70's era Gibsons, tho I don't find those heavy. I'd think maybe 9lbs? The Hipshot tuners and small headstock let it balance nicely - like any post '88 Gibson does.

I asked Mike about Gibson going after them..............turns out neither Gibson or Fender evr copyrighted those body shapes and while both companies have tried lawsuits over the years there is evidently little they can do about it.

 

[Thunderitter]

I've not played a Fenderbird, but I can't help noticing the location of the strap button on these guys.

You say the balance is perfect; does that mean there is no tendancy to the horizontal at all?

 

[NOLA Bass]

I should have strapped one those one when I was visiting yesterday, Mike offered! I did do that with the S/B finished one before it went to the painter, it was certainly lighter than my 70's era Gibsons, tho I don't find those heavy. I'd think maybe 9lbs? The Hipshot tuners and small headstock let it balance nicely - like any post '88 Gibson does.

Pretty cool!! Just what I needed, more GAS!!!

 

[NOLA Bass]

I should have strapped one those one when I was visiting yesterday, Mike offered! I did do that with the S/B finished one before it went to the painter, it was certainly lighter than my 70's era Gibsons, tho I don't find those heavy. I'd think maybe 9lbs? The Hipshot tuners and small headstock let it balance nicely - like any post '88 Gibson does.

I asked Mike about Gibson going after them..............turns out neither Gibson or Fender evr copyrighted those body shapes and while both companies have tried lawsuits over the years there is evidently little they can do about it.

What finish are you going with on your single pickup model?

 

[Thunder_Fingers]

oy! Nice.. This could be very tempting.

Lull's are somewhat expensive aint they? I need an excuse to NOT get one..

 

[B.C.]

oy! Nice.. This could be very tempting.

Lull's are somewhat expensive aint they? I need an excuse to NOT get one..

They are cheaper than competative builders

 

[TBird1958]

What finish are you going with on your single pickup model?

Mine will be Metallic Orange, I like non traditional finishes on 'Birds

 

[NOLA Bass]

Mine will be Metallic Orange, I like non traditional finishes on 'Birds

Killer, you better post some pics once it is done! I like the non traditional finishes on them too. Still love those Spector thunderbirds that they built for Nikki Sixx, wish you could order one like it.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Extremely cool, thanks for sharing TBird1958.

And I can't believe there was only one subtle inquiry about the "body balance" on the first page .
Usually it's the 5th post at latest...

Can't say that I'm a big fan of the headstock shape though. I know it would take it further from the Fenderbird looks, but it might look smoking if it was flipped.

Any chance of those pickups being offered separately?

Regards
Sam

 

[loonybob123]

Killer, you better post some pics once it is done! I like the non traditional finishes on them too. Still love those Spector thunderbirds that they built for Nikki Sixx, wish you could order one like it.

you mean like mine?