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Fenderbird?
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Author:  Rodent [ March 19th, 2008, 11:23 am ]
Post subject:  Fenderbird?
Most of us know the T-bird and can imagine what it looks like in a lefty

Image

Since the original Gibson pickups are basically extinct, what would be considered as acceptable substitutes for the original? Same goes for the bridge configuration - what would you recommend that is easily purchased new? Would this kind of bridge work?

Image

or would you prefer something more user friendly like a Hipshot Type A or Vintage bent plate?


One last question: how important is the raised center panel ... is it a deal killer requirement?

For a Fenderbird, this is what seems appropriate IMO:

* Mahogany body
* Maple/Maple bolt-on 20-fret neck, 34" scale
* two pickups with passive electronics

thoughts?

all the best,

R
Author:  andrew [ March 19th, 2008, 11:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
Hey Rod,
There are a couple of the regulars on the 'Pit Gibson forum (now likely at the Last Bass Outpost) who have addressed the bridge/pickups issue.

Scott Dasson makes a direct replacement for the Gibson T-Bird bridge that apparently works better than the original, and another pitter also makes an aftermarket Gibson T-Bird bridge.
Someone else is making replacement chrome p.u. covers that can be loaded with guts from Duncan (that I believe can be custom wound to your specs if you want) or stock Gibson p.u. guts.

I'll try to find the guys in question for you and see if we can't round up contact info for them.

A mahogany body with a maple/maple neck and passive are all on my checklist for a fenderbird.
Author:  Rodent [ March 19th, 2008, 11:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
thanks Andrew!

for pickups - if I can locate a reasonable looking cover, I could always have something custom wound by Nordstrand to fit the covers. going this route would give me a load of flexibility in exactly what pickups were hidden under the hood

another option would be Darkstar pickups. thoughts?

all the best,

R
Author:  andrew [ March 19th, 2008, 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
You can buy the covers from the Pitter in question (wish I could remember his name) without guts too, so if you could get a Nordy wound humbucker with a chrome cover you'd probably have a pretty hot pickup on your hands.

I think Darkstars would look cool, but the Fenderbird purists would scoff at using single coils in place of humbuckers. I believe someone once suggested using Darkstars in a fenderbird on the Pit and it wasn't seen favorably.
Author:  Rodent [ March 19th, 2008, 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
thanks again!

if I were to follow the custom Nordy route, would you like to see -

- a split-coil type pickup (think P-bass but in a single bar)
- a stacked type pickup like a Fat Stack (which could have a coil tap switch)
- a side-by-side humbucker (which could have a coil tap switch)

to hide any 'offending' tap switches, I could always utilize push/pull pots


If we are able to get a tracing, I would also like to know

- the approximate body thickness
- the centerline distance for each pickup from the 12th fret
- the raised center block width
- a tracing of the control cavity cover

thanks again for all your assistance!

all the best,

R
Author:  Matt R. [ March 19th, 2008, 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
I'm going to have an un-used Fiesta Red Warmoth Thunderbird body for sale. I was going to do a Fenderbird project but I lack funds so I'm going to sell the body. Has no pickup or bridge routs. I'll post in the appropriate section soon.
Author:  andrew [ March 19th, 2008, 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
What wood is the body made from Matt?
Author:  Matt R. [ March 19th, 2008, 10:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Fenderbird?
andrew wrote:
What wood is the body made from Matt?


Mahogany. I will post pics too

Edit:
Forgot I had one crappy pic:

Image
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