The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: Highlander on August 27, 2009, 10:53:12 AM

Title: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on August 27, 2009, 10:53:12 AM
Thought I'd take this a bit more seriously than my "LuFear" posting...

As there are some newbies appearing, lets give you a bit of a history lesson, in brief... This is a Peter Cook Custom, estimated to have been built in 1972, possibly earlier, not been able to find out... I've owned her since the late 70's; 3rd owner. This is a rather obscure instrument made by a now "retired" English Luthier, best known for being John Entwistle's roadie/set-up specialist, and maker of a significant number of custom basses (the Fenderbirds were all his, AFAIK, and a rather exotic instrument stylised for the cover of "The Who By Numbers", which was built and used prior to the cover being created) for JAE... apart from JAE's customs, I have never seen or heard of another bass made by him, but have seen 2 differing Firebird doublenecks from the same era... as I said, a rather rare-bird... ps I have not been the most careful of owners...  :vader:

EDIT
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/1979RDPC.jpg)
Thought it would be beneficial for some to see what she looked like in 1979, shortly after I got my RD...

Well, it's done... the "Tequila-Bird" is dead... post the opening of the shed for business, I stripped her down, everything off, bar the nut and post inserts... Unlike Joe (with access to aviation stripper - presume that is tolulene based? What do you do for a living Joe...?) I've gone for Nitromors...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip001.jpg)
first coat, plus some scoring to start the ingress...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip002.jpg)
a good start, but not really touched the original fin, except for some crackling...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip003.jpg)
post second coat... the damage to the control area is now becoming more apparent...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip005.jpg)
an inset of the broken area... the original damage (some equipment fell on her in a studio) caused a cave-in of the area, whereupon I fitted a strat-type input, to fill in the hole, repaired the remainder and backed this with an epoxy based wood filler, to support the remaining structure...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip006.jpg)
post the 3rd coat and some wire-wool... some of you will be wondering why I went to the fin I had from this original cherry fin... You could probably make a good living as a shrink if you could find that answer...  ;)

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip007.jpg)
some parts of the binding had loosened, and started to split as soon as I tried to ease it away, so stripped the lot; lots of little bits, even nice little dot markers on the edge... :sad: I regret this had to be done as it was wonderfully finished and edged up to the top of each of the frets... Can anyone recognise what the bodywork wood is yet, and I presume the facing on the neck is ebony...?

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip008.jpg)
The head has started to be stripped off too - this undercoat is quite a pig to remove... cracles-up but not easily loosening...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip009.jpg)
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip010.jpg)
This is my greatest area of concern... I have started on the back of the neck at the head to check the "crack" and now I've found 2 surface cracks, which I still hope are the fin; I will only know for sure once I have finished stripping the area - there is a small "dint" which is visible in both shots, where the line originates from and up to the right; the other is roughly the same direction, closer to the head... the neck is a three-part laminate...

Well, that's the start... gonna be in Cornwall (working) and Devon (drinking), which is not near here, for part of the weekend, so see you next week... (just gonna check the remainder of the new posts, and then gone...)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on August 27, 2009, 11:55:55 AM
From what I can see so far, looks like mahogany body and ebony board.

If I were facing a job like this, I think I'd go to Devon to drink too. Still, you should be pleased when you're all done restoring it.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on August 27, 2009, 02:18:00 PM
Unlike Joe (with access to aviation stripper - presume that is tolulene based? What do you do for a living Joe...?)

Kill brain cells.   ;D


Now that's a project! :o   What do you have planned for this?

Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: godofthunder on August 27, 2009, 05:42:30 PM
Looks good Ken ! Just go carefully and slowly.  If you are going to refinish the bass natural like original you may have to make the consession of making a control plate for the control and input area. Now that I am thinking about it the input area could be filled with new wood or epoxy, false grained and the input jack moved to the edge of the body. Lots to think about, no rush right ? I bet there will be lots of input on this bass, and many good ideas.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: godofthunder on August 27, 2009, 05:50:16 PM
Ken here is my Phoenix named by Uwe years ago  looks like this now(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/75J003.jpg) started out as a shard (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/100_1979.jpg)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on August 27, 2009, 07:51:24 PM
Damn, what an improvement! ;D  I wonder what the original finish was?  Thinking that was early to mid 70's and that it was not a production build you would think laquer or some type of spray varnish.  Regradless it looking great!

I'm not sure what's in aircraft stripper but it failry easy to find over here  - I've seen it the big box home improvement places.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on August 28, 2009, 08:51:28 AM
I'm not sure what's in aircraft stripper but it failry easy to find over here  - I've seen it the big box home improvement places.

I went and looked at the container, and it says it contains Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane), ethyl alcohol, and methanol - all the things a growing boy needs!  Like Lightyear says, you can just walk in anywhere here and buy it.  You might not be able to get it across the pond...  seem to remember talk of that at the Reranch forum.  If you want me to package some in preserves/jelly jars and send you a care parcel from "your loving granny in the 'States" just let me know.  (kidding, of course.. we don't want to end up in the Phil Spector thread  ;D)

I started out by slathering it on, wrapping the result in plastic garbage bags (a tip by those more experienced than I), and letting it cook, sizzle, blister, and pop outside (really ornery stuff - quite a sight to watch and listen to it attack!).  Most of the finish gave up the ghost quickly, but there are a couple stubborn patches I still have to work at.  To quote my project manager friend: the first 90% of the job takes 90% of the time, and the final 10% of the job takes the other 90%...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on August 28, 2009, 12:15:27 PM
They carry it here at the Auto Zone store.  Works well.

That bass looks pretty ragged right now with some of the finish off and some still on!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on August 28, 2009, 01:46:51 PM
Not sure what's in Nitromors but it's a heavy duty paint and varnish remover with the usual hazard warnings about the nasty stuff it contains.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on August 29, 2009, 08:30:30 AM
Nasty stuff for sure.  It also roughs up the wood a bit, so I think it's best to get it off as soon its done its work.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on August 31, 2009, 02:03:19 PM
Well, the Nitromorsing's done...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip2007.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip2005.jpg)
spent the day sanding... yep, beards finally gone...  ;D

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip2008.jpg)
yep... whatta mess;  a little work with my fret-saw and now fully removed pre my timber hunt... it is just visible in the front shot where you can see evidence of where I previously repaired the body where a chunk near to controls was smashed out...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip2011.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip2012.jpg)
pretty much ready for routing and preping... you can now clearly see the construction methods - 3 part thru-neck with a 1/4" backing section to the rear - the head has an approx 10 degree angle...

I've wetted down the surface to get an idea of what she would look au-naturalé, but not sure if good enough timber (grain-pattern wise)... will post for opinions...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/strip2013.jpg)
Now then Gentlemen, with a case like this, what is going to look cool  filling it...? got this real itch for something left-field and out in the car-park in the next State... er, excuse US-isms; got all over excited just thinking of the possibilities...  :o

Ps neck not cracked at headstock... once the original fin was fully removed there is no trace of a crack, but there is some ingress of material into the timber, presumably from the crack in the fin over the years...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on August 31, 2009, 03:50:25 PM
Looking good, Ken!

Now then Gentlemen, with a case like this, what is going to look cool filling it...? got this real itch for something left-field and out in the car-park in the next State... er, excuse US-isms; got all over excited just thinking of the possibilities...

Man with that case, I'm thinking some iridescent flip pearl kandy metalflake craziness with pinstripes, dingle balls and a chandelier!   :o  ;D

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/sucp_0602_18_zchicagosuperchevyshow.jpg)

(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/428902841_nXUUT-L.jpg)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7KRVA6_0U4


I'd probably avoid the cherry and natural finish (due to the upcoming repair at the control cavity) and go for something opaque, vivid, and fun!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on August 31, 2009, 04:40:54 PM
Perhaps the "Mystic" metallic paint that changes color depending on how the light hits it?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on August 31, 2009, 09:56:19 PM
If you really want to finish it natural or transparent, you might consider an inlaid panel of a contrasting hardwood as a control cavity front cover. Like 1/4" ebony. Just a thought.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 01, 2009, 11:41:19 AM
Love it Joe...! love the colour on that top car (yes, I know, a heathan Brit that wouldn't recognise a classic if it drove right over him...!) ... gonna wander over to the "peelings" now...

Al... been thinking along those lines... the issue will be what mix of colours... my down-home country-lovin' Kentuckian wife has a guilty-sin - she would like a car in this type of paint... totally out of character... nearly fell over (daughter AND me - Roshina's ideal car is a beetle-bus - split-screen T1 variant, upper section painted sky-blue with fluffy sheep like clouds and the lower section like some fields with cows and flowers; I digress; what's new ;)) when she told us a few years back when they started to become more visible on the streets... but a utility van (Zafira to the Euro crew) ...?

Dave... nice idea - had some thoughts over facing the front with something exotic - the three sections and the head -  but still a thought in transit...

Scott... seriously impressed with that rebuild... what a Phoenix...  8)  8)  8) to the max...!

I keep coming over surrealist, though... gotta start doing some serious eBaying to generate funds...  ;)

Where would I hang the chandelier...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on September 01, 2009, 12:24:40 PM
love the colour on that top car

I think that is House of Kolor brandywine sprayed over their "shimrin" silver base.  Those are three stage urethane paints - base, tinted color coat, and clear.  In my younger days I used to watch my friends uncle paint cars with that stuff.  Looked tricky to apply in that context, but would probably be a bit easier on a small surface like a guitar- you have to spray the tint coats very evenly so you don't get darker streaks in the final color.  That stuff is pricey, but the colors are out of this world.  Here's a site I found with some samples:

https://www.phoenixcustompaints.com/store/index.php?cPath=0_28_24&page=2


Re: Dave's idea for that transparent cherry - look up the Alembic Bat Bass.  Maybe you could do some artistic inlays along those lines.  Another option might be a metal control panel with engraving, or even metal panels over the wings, ala Zematis.  I have to admit, it did look elegant in cherry.

Where would I hang the chandelier...?

Boy is that a loaded question!   ;D


Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 01, 2009, 12:50:48 PM
COUGH...!

Ta for that link Joe...

My "art" has always been a bit "out-there"... as a kid (about 11) one summer, the art teacher set a variety of projects; I chose art with polystyrene... forgot all about it (my story, and I'm sticking to it!) until the weekend before we ent back... PANIC...! well, I got a box of old patterned ceiling tiles (v.pop. in the 60's), some glue, some solvent, and my buddies dads BIG soldering iron, and went to work... about 20 minutes later, I was done...
Well, came the big day, and there were all these sniggering kids, looking at this "thing" that was around 3x2 and a couple of inches thick, all burnt and dripping where the solvent went to work, whilst they had bas-relief works, and painted beauties... If the ground had opened up and swallowed me whole, it would not have been enough to hide my shame...

Won first prize in the overall competion against all the other works that year...  :mrgreen:

I do regular stuff, too...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on September 01, 2009, 02:02:34 PM
Ta for that link Joe...

Hey I just noticed the text on that link I gave you.  Those samples are not of the traditional 3-stage kandy paints, but rather a new(er) paint that has the kandy tint mixed right into the basecoat.  Sounds like you just clearcoat that and you're done:

SHIMRIN KANDY BASE COATS KBC Kandy Base Coats are a mixture of Kandy and select Pearls into a SHIMRIN? Universal Base Coat that mimics a Kandy finish. They feature low build, fewer coats, are easy to apply, and touchups are easier than ever. Available in the same great 20 colors as our regular kandys. Due to their unique chemical make-up they may be top coated with either an acrylic lacquer or urethane enamel.


Anyway- just fyi.  Easier is better!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Barklessdog on September 01, 2009, 02:36:41 PM
I cant see doing clear with all the damage & filling.

Just keep it simple. I like the House Of Kolor idea. You would need a air compressor & air gun for that though, or you could take it to a car shop for the final paint?

Hopefully they do not have to "bake" the paint.




Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 01, 2009, 07:05:02 PM
I'm no expert but I think that some of the baking is done at low temps and mainly it's more of a UV cure thing?  Not sure if they have chopper shops in the UK but here in Houston there are probalby 25 top end shops that paint custom bikes, low riders, hot rods, rice burners and the like - might be pricey though :o

I guess there's somebody in the UK pimpin' out scooters :)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 04, 2009, 01:29:02 PM
Well, "Flip" paint is a pro job, but still tempted to enquire on cost...

No "Orange Counties" local to me, Buzz & John, but there are numerous customisers... I do like those colours Joe posted the link for...  8)

I don't think the natural finish is on, but still researching veneers...

This is not going to be a rush job...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on September 04, 2009, 06:05:10 PM
That's nicely stripped now!  I think a seafoam green would be really cool!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 05, 2009, 02:39:36 PM
Nice idea, Bill... my daughter has the same radical sentiments as me, though... dangerous...  and 16 next month... :o

as per my post on your most recent in the luthier pages, Bill...
Gotta ask... should I leave her bare wood or "sand and seal" now, even pre the body repairs, as I've still got to source my timber...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 05, 2009, 06:59:13 PM
I'm not Bill but, I say make your repairs then seal, etc
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on September 05, 2009, 07:14:17 PM
Always repair completely before sealing.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: SKATE RAT on September 05, 2009, 07:21:13 PM
whats "flip paint"?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on September 05, 2009, 09:15:59 PM
It's that color shifting metallic auto paint.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: nofi on September 06, 2009, 06:03:29 AM
  plug the hole, paint it black and call it a day. of course i say that about everything. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: SKATE RAT on September 06, 2009, 06:20:40 AM
  plug the hole, paint it black and call it a day. of course i say that about everything. :mrgreen:
do this.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on September 08, 2009, 04:44:44 AM
After I do a patch like this Kenny,  I wait a week and then run superglue around then entire seem, let it dry and sand it down.  This is fine as long as you go with a solid color as it will leave a visible stain on the wood.  I think it helps keep the seem together over time as the wood shifts with temperature changes, etc.  Just something that makes me feel better about those kinds of fixes.   :)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 08, 2009, 11:18:55 AM
I think that the best way to keep your patch from showing is to veneer, with the thin 1mm stuff, the entire lower wing after the patch is in place.  Then if you are a nit picking perfectionsist like myself you will veneer the upper wing as well so as to have a perfect match in thickness 8) God only know how this would through off the sound if the top didn't match the bottom ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 08, 2009, 12:41:51 PM
Bryan and Nofi are definitely anarchists at heart, which must be black...  ;D

Bryan... "Flip Paint" is a patented finish, but there are several (patented) ways around it to produce similar effects... it involves a multiple layered fin that has a liquid crystal layer (which has to be sprayed at a specified angle?), which is where you get the refraction of the light... one of the best versions I have seen is an electric green with purple... really quite startling... common over here with the trendier "pimp-my-ride" and "EVO" brigade... never seen a guitar in this type of fin, yet... as Buzz, mentioned, possibly a "chopper-shop" job, of which there are several in London...

Bill and Buzz... both points noted... still may be tempted to go for an exotic wood veneer, but...

"Cherry Resurection" is making a late run on the inside...  ;D

Gentlemen... any other sites other than Reranch for fin ideas or examples...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on September 08, 2009, 12:57:22 PM
You might try Project Guitar forum.  I don't go there much, but they might have some stuff to look at....................
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on September 08, 2009, 01:34:52 PM
It's that color shifting metallic auto paint.

Also known as "Mystic".  It comes in various base colors, but all of them change depending on the angle of the light.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 08, 2009, 01:39:30 PM
paint it black and go for the edge to edge "hob-nailed" effect! :vader: - This would hide the patch ;)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.spectorbass.com/images/genespector.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.spectorbass.com/NewFiles/gall5.html&usg=__Wj89cxNOJt1BVkOiEiZyij7WItQ=&h=500&w=237&sz=14&hl=en&start=13&um=1&tbnid=bQcJIi3V0M2YPM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=62&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgene%2Bsimmons%2Bbass%2Bpictures%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7DKUS%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 08, 2009, 02:15:34 PM
Ta for that Bill...

Not heard of that variant of the name before, Al...

I'll add you to the heart-of-darkness club then Buzz, with chrome highlights...  ;D
seriously though, that fin looks quite interesting...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 08, 2009, 06:09:22 PM
That fin would certainly hide a defect or two ;D 
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: SKATE RAT on September 08, 2009, 06:36:01 PM
with black you don't have to worry about what shirt your wearing. i went to practice with a green shirt one day not thinking that i was playing my cherry red LPB1.i  looked like a x-mas tree.not cool.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on September 09, 2009, 12:08:37 AM
I prefer my girls natural, and my basses solid. Pelham blue maybe?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 09, 2009, 01:21:31 PM
Bryan... if you consider that I played live with the previous scheme...!!!

Exiled in sunny Greece... a type of blue has been high on my list... prefer my ladies un-enhanced, too...  ;)

Buzz... and there are several of those...  ;D

btw... merry Xmas Bryan...  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  :mrgreen: (you can use these for decs...)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on September 10, 2009, 03:55:05 AM
Wow!!! Both the naked chin and the naked bass! I hope it turns out well!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 10, 2009, 01:30:24 PM
I intend to to her proud, Chris...  ;)

As an outside bet I thought I'd contact the original "Peter Cook" shop, just in case he was contactable...

To: petercooks@
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 11:22 PM
Subject: Peter Cook Custom Thunderbird Bass - researching history

To whom it may concern…

I am trying to find out who the original owner of the Peter Cook built bass that I have owned since the 70’s was, bought 3rd hand in ’77 or so, also how old she is, estimate is 1972, but no way of knowing…

I am presently putting her back into a semblance of order after years of abuse (details can be found on the “Last Bass Outpost” site where I am presently running a repair thread)

I regret not asking him about her when he did some minor repairs at the original workshop…

If you have no records, is Peter contactable, even if not directly…? Please pass this on if you are unable to assist directly…

The bass is in the Thunderbird/Firebird body style, with an “early Precision style profile” (so I’m told – never owned one) through neck, and a flying-V style head, with the truss-rod cover bearing the name “Peter Cook Custom”. The Bridge and end-piece are early Gibson Thunderbird parts (or a very good copy) and she originally had PC designed pick-ups, similar to a red/yellow bass he made for John Entwistle, gold plated covers; one died years back and the other is presently missing – the present pups are a mudbucker from an early 70’s EBO and an RD active (run passively) from my own RD Artist bass. – the (original) fitted case is mock snow-leopard fur lined…! Mahogany body with ebony board/ big oblong MOP inlays; neck did have cream binding – gold Schallers. Original fin was cherry.

The bass is presently back to bare wood with me searching for a variety of things, including a piece of timber to be fitted over (within the surface after routing the body to suit) the control bay, which was caved-in in an accident…

As I said, a major overhaul…!

Yours faithfully

Ken Stewart

I would also like to make it quite clear that this is for my own curiosity and for insurance valuation purposes only – a number of people have pointed out that she is effectively irreplaceable – I never intend to sell this instrument; just means too much to me…



This was the reply...  :sad:

From: Peter Cook's Guitar World
Sent: 10 September 2009 12:39
To: KJ&R Stewart
Subject: Re: Peter Cook Custom Thunderbird Bass - researching history

Hi Ken,
 
I regret that we have no records of Peter's old instruments.
 
Peter left the industry in 1990 and we don't have contact with him. The business was sold in 2008, so any residual records were lost during this period.
 
I wish you luck with your refurbishment!
 
Regards,
 
Paul,   PCGW


Oh well...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on September 10, 2009, 03:11:10 PM
That's really too bad. Sounds like it might be very hard to locate him, common name and no presence in the business for years.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 11, 2009, 12:04:01 PM
Dave, I believe the American terminology is "bummer"...  :-\
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on September 11, 2009, 12:15:02 PM
I always thought he died... But I'm wrong... But he must be somewhere?!? Maybe people like Tony Bacon (writer of a lot of guitar books) knows where he is?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 11, 2009, 12:18:27 PM
I believe he was into martial-arts, as well as his lutherian pursuits... would be an interesting person for you to interview... hmm, Chris...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 16, 2009, 03:49:42 PM
(http://www.specialistpaints.com/image_uploads/large/Silver_Holo_flake_over_black_and_Blue.jpg)
This is a silver holographic metalflake lacquer finish over left - blue base, and right - black base...

Views...?

ps... not mine...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on September 17, 2009, 03:20:57 AM
Hmm... a bit eighties space movie...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: nofi on September 17, 2009, 07:27:07 AM
too mardi gras...don't.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 17, 2009, 01:27:28 PM
I like Alien...  :vader:  but we haven't got a chest-burster emoticon... Dave....? Dave...?  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 24, 2009, 04:22:47 AM
Sourced the timber... picking it up Saturday...
Title: Peter Cook Custom Thunderbird - restoration project
Post by: Highlander on September 26, 2009, 03:11:36 PM
Met a wonderful chap by the name of David Dyers today...

This is his site...
http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/ (http://www.luthierssupplies.co.uk/)

Doesn't look much of a site, but looks can be deceiving... I had a discussion with him earlier in the week and he suggested bringing down the PC so I could "offer up" some laminates... so I did... I walked into his workshop (all wood piles and saws and stuff) and the smell just hits you... he had been cutting up some black walnut "planted in Kew Gardens by Queen Victoria" (acquired a sample for "shavings") for an Irish acoustic luthier and the smell of "overheated balck walnut" from the saw blades is just... something... else...

He dug out some laminates, a few burls and some plains, and the first one just struck me as the favourite, and his quote, "If you really want to go mad..." so that is what I went for...

For the the body control bay insert he found a suitable piece of South American Mahogany with grain to match the pattern on the body, and of he went to cut it...

On a recommendation I went for black binding (ABS) and white pin for the markers... also got a couple of black switches for potential playing with the "Mud", and a 1/2 litre of Titebond...

David is the kind of person I thoroughly enjoy meeting: dedicated and highly knowledgable, with a hint of ecentricity... Thank you Mr Dyers...

(Oh yes, and he knew Peter Cook, but as everyone seems to say, not his present whereabouts... he has also supplies materials to Andy Manson, who appears to have made several instruments for a certain John Paul Jones...)

So, what did I get...?

Oregon Myrtle Burl... bookended...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20090926LS1.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20090926LS2.jpg)
I don't think a picture can do justice to how beautiful Oregon Myrtle Burl is, the way the sun catches the wood is simply stunning, but when you colour it...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20090926LS3.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20090926LS4.jpg)
The colours are for an idea of how much of a difference can be made with simple dyes... and the overlay of my 'bird gives you the size...

The burl is not a perfect piece, but it has more than a large enough section to cover her, and then some... then it is time to play with fins... as long as I get it all right...

The next question...

How do I fix ABS binding to ebony...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on September 26, 2009, 03:37:20 PM
It's always nice to meet someone in the business who will give you honest advice when you need it.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 26, 2009, 06:04:51 PM
Dang, son, you'se going whole hog!! ;D

That will be a fantastic top ol' bean!

The binding is typically attached with super glue - there are myriad of types, viscosities, and dry times.  I've not done binding but others here have and I suspect that the good Doctor will chime in shortly ;)  Like all other precision type endeavors - do your homework and practice in advance - you don't want to learn on a valuable piece :o
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on September 27, 2009, 02:08:58 PM
Love this thread! You're doing well, Kenny!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 27, 2009, 02:29:17 PM
Might as well show everyone that I can be taken seriously... not...  ;D

Jus' kiddin'...  ;)

As we both know, Chris, she deserves a little TLC in her elder years and at least a decent set of clothes...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on September 27, 2009, 08:17:03 PM
very nice.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on September 27, 2009, 08:30:47 PM
That's a pretty piece of burl, and it looks nice dyed.  Are you back onto the cherry finish then? 

Keep them photos coming - love seeing it progress.   8)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on September 28, 2009, 12:47:21 PM
That really is a beautiful piece of wood, should look super nice on there!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: birdie on September 28, 2009, 07:52:58 PM
drbassman, any news on the tailpieces? i've got everything together but that.

sorry for the hijack.... :-[

back to our regularly scheduled show!!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 29, 2009, 02:10:13 PM
No problemo, Birdie; quite a regular occurence here; at least we haven't gone military, anal, aircraft, tranny... automobiles have already slipped in tho...  ;D

Probably not going to go cherry, Joe, but not closing the door on that either, yet... I will have to experiment with what will work on the maho... the blue and green both work really well on the burl... the way it changes colour in sunlight is awesome...

Trying to figure out the clamping at the mo... presently own 4 G-clamps, but have a "workmate" which could be a full length clamp... gonna ask friends/family if I can borrow some, if not...

Busy week so not much time to play...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on September 29, 2009, 07:25:28 PM
Ken, you will need lots of clamps and a way to distribute pressure evenly to the veneer.  There's s lot of info to be found on veneering if you look.  One article that intrigued me was rolling a thin coat of PVA, yellow, wood glue onto the veneer and the substrate, letting the glue dry on the seperate pieces and then ironing, with a household clothes iron, the veneer to substrate.  This was in Fine Woodworking about 15 years back.  Most of my veneer projects have been small and I just go for lots of clamps ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Barklessdog on September 30, 2009, 05:26:53 AM
Clamping it properly with equal pressure will be vital.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 30, 2009, 10:55:48 AM
I know, John... I remember Bill's Ricky build and all the clamps he used...  :o
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on September 30, 2009, 11:05:11 AM
If you don't have a lot of clamps available, it can be done with wood cauls which are clamped on the ends.

Here are a couple of videos for products which show what I'm talking about, just to give you some ideas. With your limited budget, I'm not suggesting buying these, it wouldn't be cost effective for one job anyway. This is just to show the principle. You can accomplish the same with shop-made wood cauls (slightly crowned) and platens.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibjna46w6pk


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jh8N2JyNBE
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on September 30, 2009, 12:55:51 PM
drbassman, any news on the tailpieces? i've got everything together but that.

sorry for the hijack.... :-[

back to our regularly scheduled show!!!

Still only half done, but I'm pushing him to finish them.............
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 30, 2009, 01:46:54 PM
That's a useful post, Dave... thanks... it's confirmed lines I have been thinking on...

This is a direct link to the tutorials on the "Shop-Smith" site... hours of stuff, by the looks...
http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Academy_Home.htm (http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Academy_Home.htm)

The handy thing (who am I kidding this time...!?!) with the Thunderbird profile is the three seperate sections of the body... the fun for me is going to be the "book-end" match in the raised centre section of the body, further complicated by the "Mud-hole" and the RD pup hole, which span the centre, so I will probably have to affix 6 seperate pieces, plus the 2 wings. The 1st video showed something I was thinking of with the workmate, as it is effectively a "large clamp"; this, with appropriate cleats (like in the 2nd video), may do the trick... but I will practice first...

Birdie... ya got your answer...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on September 30, 2009, 02:49:10 PM
Forgot to ask... anyone on board know about old Precision necks, and their profiles...?

I was told that the PC's neck was based on a "pre CBS" profile, and knowing the JAE link I have often wondered if this beastie was built as an experiment, a "Fenderbird" in a "Thunderbird" guise, a Fender Precision neck built through the body. She has Thunderbird hardware, and the original pups "mirrored" 60's style T'bird IV (?) pups... probably no way now of finding out...

If anyone knows the profiles the knowledge passed on would be appreciated...

Would it be easier for me to post dimensions and profiles at various points of the neck...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on September 30, 2009, 10:10:36 PM
There's not just one pre-CBS profile. Things changed over those years and with no CNC and lots more hand finishing back then, there was a lot of variation from the standards. I don't know of any way to match your neck to a particular profile.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on September 30, 2009, 10:13:15 PM
Back to clamping: I had a Workmate for years, unless things have changed I don't think it's capable of generating enough clamping force to evenly spread the pressure across the cauls.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on September 30, 2009, 11:37:43 PM
I believe JAE always used the very wide 44 or 44,5 mm necks. My '50s P has a 44,5mm neck and so has my Buzzard. The only Warwick with this wide neck available.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 01, 2009, 01:24:46 PM
How I was thinking of using the workmate was towards the body join, Dave, and use clamps below...

I'll post some profile measurements at a later point and see if it means anything to anyone... I know very little of Fender's history, and only ever played one once...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on October 01, 2009, 01:30:57 PM
44.5mm = 1.75 in. That's a D neck, which most pre-CBS Fenders have. But that only tells you the width at the nut, not the profile of the neck. Look here (http://edenhaus.com/Necks.htm) at the cross sections for an idea of different profiles. Almost all those variations can be found on pre-CBS Fenders.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 01, 2009, 06:03:12 PM
Lots more research... ta Dave... my wife won't thank you, though...  ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 03, 2009, 06:21:30 AM
The neck profile and dimensions matches the "D neck"... cheers for that Dave and Chris... one "myth" busted...

Off down the "shed" to do some routing...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 03, 2009, 02:35:58 PM
Well, this is an exercise in honesty... how not to do some routing...

I needed to work out a pattern, also to match-up something to bring the "wing" height level with the centre... this would also give me a template, post cutting, for the insert...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910031.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910033.jpg)
secured her to the workmate, and made up a template from an old draw base... so far so good...

Whilst setting up the router I made my first mistake, a stupid, stupid, stupid mistake... measured up the depth and forgot to take into account the depth of the "template"... anyway, the initial cutting took place, then I spotted my mistake; also had some trouble maintaining the templates position (secured with double-sided take, borrowed from the "Craft Department" aka Jackie & Roshina).

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910035.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910036.jpg)
it was here that I discovered my first gross error...  :sad:

I also decided to put in a 10mm bit, in place of the 6mm bit, to make the cutting easier, prior to making the deeper cut, proving that Rod Stewart was wrong...  :-\

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910038.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910039.jpg)
the deeper cut and the insert in place...

Well, this is where it went wrong, again... the insert did not sit in, fully... bugger, bugger, bugger, damn and blast... I do not know where this went wrong, so I checked, and double checked my measurements; oh yeah, I had also fitted 2 small screws to secure the template; I had no more movement on the adjuztment on the router so had to re-locate the cutter... you guessed it, I got it wrong, but this somehow compounded as the depth of cut ended up 1mm too deep, also it somehow ended up deeper towards the outer edge than the inner, by about 0.5mm, and I also slipped whilst cutting, gouging out a small section of body at the left hand side of the lower part of the cut...

"And then, depression set in..." where did I leave my Stanley-knife...?

Well, the veneer came in handy... I cut off the test area and used it to build up beneath the insert: one complete piece, and a partial section towards the lower edge... Titebond on the body, the first partial piece of veneer, the complete piece, then the insert... then clamped in place...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2009100310.jpg)
misery loves company... any of the brethern screwed up this badly...?

Well, that's it for today... I'll see what she's like in the morning... family's round tomorrow to see Roshina (prezzies, but she doesn't hit 16 until Tuesday) so may not post until late... If no posting, I'll probably be found hanging (around) in the shed...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on October 03, 2009, 02:39:23 PM
Too bad, but with the veneer underneath as a shim, maybe the damage is repairable. Let's hope.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 03, 2009, 02:54:17 PM
I don't think it will be so bad, Dave, as it will all disapear beneath the top piece of veneer... I am just p*ssed at myself for making so many basic mistakes, especially for someone that tends to be methodical in his work... as Scott said, "just go carefully and slowly...", so I did, and I still f*cked up...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.......................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


That felt good... can't even have a drink... on call today and tomorrow, managed to get yesterday and Tuesday covered, and those were the most important days, so all's well with the world...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on October 03, 2009, 04:26:23 PM
Looks good - it'll all be hidden beneath the veneer ;)

After having several episodes similar to the one you've just experienced I bit the bullet and bought a router with a micro depth adjustment.  Meaning I could turn a graduated knob on the top of the router and adjust the depth of cut by fractions of a millimeter - for me it was a good investment.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on October 04, 2009, 03:20:36 AM
Some mistakes, but shit happens. She will be gorgeous in the end!! Keep that in mind!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 04, 2009, 01:21:40 PM
Thanks for that reminder, boys... Well, a quick bit of work this morning, nipped out to the shops and got some Ronseal wood filler, did some filling, then left 'til this evening...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20091004.jpg)
... and this is the present state of play...

Having some difficulty in tracing "sand-and-seal"... any other name it goes by...? still looking... recommended that this should be my next step prior to putting on the veneer...

I am having a quandry over the "bookend"... there is a distinct pattern within the wood that looks like a "hillside woodland scene" and a crazier side of me is thinking along the lines of the top 2 sections having the "mountain scene", and the lower fin, the "lake reflection", but I think it would be lost on most people... opinions...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on October 04, 2009, 03:57:51 PM
Sand-and-seal is just the common name here, the correct name is Sanding Sealer. It must be available in the UK, I know it's available from Briwax and Rustins. Just make sure the type you pick is compatible with the topcoat.

Looks like you're making progress.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on October 04, 2009, 07:17:04 PM
Yes, Dave is right - sanding sealer is what you're after.  I don't think that I would put sanding sealer on the top prior to setting the veneer - you'll want use the sealer on the mahagony only - unless your veneer is very porous.

As for the veneer I had always assumed that you were just covering the wings and leaving the raised portion natural.  If you want it to match I would think that you are looking at three pieces of veneer - top wing, center and bottom wing.  I know that you have two pieces and so lies the problem.  You will need to seam the veneer in the middle and that will require very precise straight edge and a veneer knife.  I'm fairly certain that the knife is single bevel with the flat side against the straight edge so as not to drift.  You mentioned covering the center section with several individual pieces - I think it would be easier to cover as one strip and then carefully open up your cavites.

Keep up the good work and the pictures - I'm jealous that you get to work on a bass - I'm off for the week building bookcases in wife's library :sad:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 05, 2009, 04:11:29 PM
Found Rustins straight away... most common one is "shellac" based... some further research to find which is best for the top-coats and the staining... cheers Dave...

The reference to the "sealing" under the veneer, Buzz,  was referenced on the "reranch" forum... I'll try and find the links... the "Seam is made more complex because there will require to be two cuts... there is no useable "edge" on the raw material, and it is quite porous; the test sample (now used as shimming material) bled through to the second piece straight away...

I'll probably have to make up a "pattern" to go round the neck area when affixing the centre section, too...

Buzz... I might get jealous... I used to dreeeeeeam of book-cases... (just got my 1st one after 20 years of patience - Jackie's not so keen on my "clutter"...) I'd love my own library...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on October 05, 2009, 06:28:14 PM
The good wife has waited 27 years for these things.  The first installation will be 6' wide and 11' tall - with three other walls to follow :sad:  The first wall will keep the wolves at bay for maybe a year - then it'll be 12' of cases to the ceiling :o

Keep up the good fight on the 'bird ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: shadowcastaz on October 05, 2009, 06:46:06 PM
The good wife has waited 27 years for these things.  The first installation will be 6' wide and 11' tall - with three other walls to follow :sad:  The first wall will keep the wolves at bay for maybe a year - then it'll be 12' of cases to the ceiling :o

Keep up the good fight on the 'bird ;)


 If you use the  2 piece with the centerline in the middle, line up the edges in the open book fashion(side by side)the way you want the top to look when finished. .put tape across the the seam to keep lined up  & fold like a book . On the end where the tape is holding  the 2 pieces together, place the straight edge firmly over the seam & make your cut . gently remove the straight edge &  pick up the 2 veneers  pinching them together . Now you have an exact mirror edge where the tape was /& cut was made . re open the veneers like a book and slide them together . they should fit like a puzzle piece.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on October 05, 2009, 07:07:45 PM
Wow, just sat down at the computer and look at what I missed!  Don't worry,  I've got at least 4 significant errors as bad as or worse than yours in my 4005 clone.  It's all part of the learning curve!  You've recovered quite nicely.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 06, 2009, 03:45:43 PM
Cheers for that, Bill... still going slowly... 2 late ones and off on Friday, maybe... so maybe some work to do, then...

Nice tip, Shadow... how's that Gibbie clone of yours...?

Buzz... Twenty... seven... years...? Life on the edge (of the shelf, that is) ...  ;) It'll look good when it's done, then she should be good until 2036...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on October 07, 2009, 06:45:17 PM
Nice job plugin' the hole, despite the complications.  I've been using the router fairly regularly with my synth projects (enclosures and stuff), and even still... every time I plug it in seems to yield a new learning experience  ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 10, 2009, 12:58:38 PM
The veneer is (mostly) cut...

Today was a nice sunny Autumn (Fall) day, so settled down to some work...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910102.jpg)
a nice cup of tea, some Foo Fighters' for company, and some "pattern-making"...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910107.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910108.jpg)
... the pattern for the body and head was made with stiff paper...

Her head is not truly symetrical, being slightly wider on the lower edge, also with a greater cut-away from the nut...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2009101010.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2009101011.jpg)
... views along the body...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/200910109.jpg)(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2009101012.jpg)
... and the top view, one against a dark surface for a better contrast...

I followed Buzz'  and Shadow' (Mike?) advice and left the central section as complete and "book-ended" as I could... I used a piece of folded steel from an old-wardrobe sliding door, so one edge was folded round on itself and the other an edge to clamp down on the veneer - worked quite successfully... the burl is quite brittle and as you can see, I had one defect on the cut (where it crumbled), so positioned this where the string-tail fits, so not too much of a problem... there is quite a nice pattern starting to show through, although a "bird's face", resplendant with wings, that has appeared will be partially lost as it co-incides with the position of the Mudbucker's inset position... I will cut the head veneer on Sunday, probably book-ended too... spotted a couple of possible "book-end" patterns for her head, which may work...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on October 10, 2009, 07:25:55 PM
This is going to be a beauty!

You've probably already thought of this but, just in case, make yourself a template, tracing maybe?, of all of you pickup locations screw holes etc - I could swear that I've never ever covered something like this up only to be stumped at locating the locations later - but that would be a lie  :-[
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on October 11, 2009, 07:59:39 AM
That looks great!  Wish I had the talent to take on such a task.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 11, 2009, 08:43:00 AM
Cheers for that gentlemen...

Measured out all distances and things already, Buzz, but definitely appreciate any tips whatsoever...

Well, the head is on and clamped (single piece), but also experimenting with the "iron-on" technique that Buzz mentioned earlier... been trawling about that - definitely a "hot" subject in the "wood-working fraternity", with the "jury-out"... experimenting is NOT being done on the 'Bird...

There is a reason for this, well 2, actually, possibly several... I am not going to be able to lay my hands on anywhere near enough clamps (the several) aaaaand the burl has a curl... when flattening (this morning) after cutting the shape I found that there was a central "twist" in the raw veneer which just did-not show prior to cutting... I may resolve this with a cut (back to the "piece-by-piece" puzzle for the centre) near the centre of the "wing" sections and removing a sliver on a "pattern-line"... As Robert/Hornisse said in his posting ("talent"), I am now approaching the edge of my "envelope" and hoping I don't burn up on re-entry...  :o
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 12, 2009, 01:46:37 PM
Heads on...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20091012002.jpg)
this is the raw article, no cleaning or trimming...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20091012003.jpg)
... and this is the (partially) cleaned and trimmed version, with some fittings to give an idea of what's to come...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on October 12, 2009, 05:23:26 PM
looking good!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on October 12, 2009, 06:18:14 PM
Wow, very nice Kenny.  Keep it rolling!!!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: OldManC on October 12, 2009, 08:48:20 PM
That's gonna be beautiful...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Daniel_J on October 12, 2009, 10:40:54 PM
Looking great, Kenny! Looks like you did a fine job gluing that veneer to the head.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 13, 2009, 12:02:54 PM
Thanks Gents... Unlikely that I will be home early enough to do any more work until the weekend...

With this much variation in the look of the veneer, from raw to basic cleaning, the decision over the final colour, or colours, is really a struggle...

Anyone know what colours dyes work well on natural mahogany... ? Got to admit that blues and greens are very much in the forefront of my mind...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: uwe on October 14, 2009, 04:08:26 AM
Just like rebuilding Sellafield without - ooops! - the technical glitches.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on October 14, 2009, 09:02:03 AM
I've never seen blue or green dyes on mahogany,either solids or veneers. Just shades ranging from cherries to browns. That doesn't mean it can't be done if that's what you want.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 14, 2009, 12:47:21 PM
This is one of my major quandries, Dave... Dave (the supplier) tried both blue and green on a sample of the veneer while I was there, and it immeadiately stood out, but once I cleaned up the affixed veneer, it looks really good too...

I have a sample piece affixed to the leftover piece of mahogany to play with, but not rushing the work...

I may post on the ReRanch to get an opinion, as suggested earlier...

Uwe... Sellafield...? Hmmm... anyone know of any "glow-in-the-dark" fins...?

... and on that subject... while researching for a move in 2002/3 (that didn't happen) we looked into relocating to the Lake District and a real "dream location" showed up, an old mill that also doubled up as a station on the Ravenglass and Eskdale minature steam railway line... the question we kept asking was "why is it so cheap?"... 3 miles from Sellafield was the answer... another place we looked into was a small hotel in North Wales, not too far from Porthmeirion ("I Am Not A Number...!")... similar problem... We stayed put...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 17, 2009, 11:29:44 AM
Veneer's on the body...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20091017001.jpg)
... jigsaw puzzle pieces laid on...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20091017004.jpg)
... with some hardware in their approximate places...

The pup-ring that George sent over with his Mudbucker is going on as well... gotta try and make a pup-ring for the RD pup before long...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20091017005.jpg)
... a bit of finishing and cleaning later... this veneer looks pretty good just as it is...

The sample piece of mahogany turns green with blue dye, so I think blue is out... cherry is starting to look tempting, but that natural fin...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on October 17, 2009, 11:33:49 AM
Even if you haven't decided on the dye or stain, it still looks like everything's coming together nicely.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: OldManC on October 17, 2009, 01:29:48 PM
Wow, it's looking really good. That's gonna be a winner!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 17, 2009, 04:00:51 PM
Thanks George (and Dave), I've managed to make use of all the goodies you've sent over (Jules is the recipient of those I couldn't use, and he is most grateful, too)... that pup ring will make an excelent thumb rest...

I don't know if you remember when I routed out the 'Bird to fit your MB in, but there was a small edge of wood left over, and once the veneer was in place, it just looked odd, so a quick rout (which showed up a difference between the way the fins were fitted, but not a problem) and it just works..

On a more serious note, George, I am still having trouble locating a suitable token of thanks in a confectionary vein, to send over to your fair State, but I am happy to report that it is "suitable for vegetarians..."  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on October 17, 2009, 04:09:46 PM
Man that is gonna be a looker!  That's a gorgeous veneer.  I especially like the pics where you've cleared it and its takes on that amber hue.  Alembic Exploiter meets Thunderbird  8)

Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 17, 2009, 04:16:22 PM
That's my biggest dilema now, Joe... gonna be cherry or a natural/amber fin... just has to be... may end up with a cherry body and an amber top...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on October 17, 2009, 06:49:21 PM
I vote cherry with perhaps a slightly lighter cherry top.  The reason being is that once you've put a chemical stripper on wood it never looks "completely" natural again - at least in my eyes.  Add to it that mahogany naturally lends itself to a red hue.  Just my .02 cents worth ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 18, 2009, 09:05:49 AM
Sand and seal day - presently hanging up and drying... the stuff I used is more related to furniture making, by a UK supplier called Liberon... shake it up and brush it on... tried a sample piece yesterday, then tried on her head today.. ending up with a velvety finish after sanding with 320...

That sounds like a good idea, Buzz...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on October 18, 2009, 09:43:54 AM
Liberon is a name I recognize and a lot of what is used in wood prep for this type of guitar work is easily used in furniture finishing and vice versa.

Not to be a downer or anything but if you have put the sanding sealer on you are now limited to spay dyes and tinted top coats but, this is the common practice on most production and many custom finishes anyway ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 18, 2009, 03:35:04 PM
I was probably going down that route anyway, Buzz, but will have to now  I guess...  :o (tsk... tsk... amateurs...)

The veneer sucks up anything that goes near it...!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on October 19, 2009, 05:11:32 AM
Wow, it'll turn out great!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Daniel_J on October 19, 2009, 06:22:30 PM
So, it's already glued to the body in that pic? Looks great! Really good job, Kenny!
I'm not a fan of veneers, I'm against using it for new projects build from scratch, but it works great for restoration and refins like that.

Great job, it sure looks like you're having fun!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 20, 2009, 01:43:26 PM
Glued indeed... I understand your feelings, Daniel... when you are doing a "scratch" project, if you want something "exotic" you can go for some "exotic" timber... whilst I was picking up my veneer there was a luthier picking up some "spalted" wood for a "Strat" body... looked beautiful...

Chris and Daniel (et al) ... definitely having fun... and the odd nightmare... and she is looking very good for her age...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on October 23, 2009, 09:07:15 AM
It is going to look fantastic.  Plus it is a very rare beast.  How many do you figure still exist?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 23, 2009, 02:58:42 PM
There is a strong possibility that she is a one-off, Robert...

Peter Cook specialised in customs and was not a prolific maker of instruments, but so little is written up on him, and as he dropped-off the radar so many years ago...

Everyone here knows of his "FenderBirds", some may possibly know of the "Lightning" bass he made which was the model for the "dot-to-dot" on "The Who By Numbers" cover, and he made an early "active" instrument called an "Axis" which I have found someone on Jules' site who has one; other than "Hard Rock", who owns one...?

But who would have had a case made this flamboyant to go with this instrument...? Couldn't have been many of these made in the 70's, could there...?

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/feb118.jpg)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 30, 2009, 07:02:59 PM
"School's out" this week past so have been away most of it... RnR... a "drinking session" with my West-Country friend...

Came home to find a couple of bubbles on the veneer near the string attachment area...

Well, today I popped into a chemists to try and get hold of a syringe and some needles... I got a "look". from the ladies and people waiting for their prescriptions... They are not widely available in the UK, without being a "registered user", or diabeetic... eventually, the chemist accepted my explanation and gave me some "time-ex" items he kept "for special occasions"... Heaven only knows what he meant by that...!

So... a bit of 2 to 1 titebond and water, a little squirt in each, a clean and clamp, and I'll check in the morning...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: nofi on December 02, 2009, 03:54:34 PM
hey ken, what's going on with the t bird project. ???
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on December 02, 2009, 04:28:37 PM
Stalled by weather and Christmas outgoings I'm afraid, Nofi... also, we have had a run of poor weather and dampness...

Not been slacking on my research though...

Posted on the ReRanch site to source some UK paint suppliers (No ReRanch products available to the UK) and I am almost certainly finalising on an amber and cherry burst... something John posted the other day about a Guild has given me an idea about the neck, giving a lighter "spine" and a cherry edge...

The problem will be that the only place I can spray is within the shed and as there is no heating I will have to store within the garage (where our CH boiler lives, so stays reasonably warm but not "house" warm), so I can only work in dry conditions...

I am still studying details over at the ReRanch... I may re-fret due to a binding issue - the frets did not have their edges beveled; this was part of the binding; this will be a fiddly job if I recreate the original binding... still have to source the binding...

Work has been busy leading up to Christmas too... I have three nights next week to re-cable some cameras in a big shopping mall so that is complicating things, too...

As soon as I have some real news of ongoing work I'll be posting here first...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on February 01, 2010, 03:24:58 PM
Just bringing things up-to-date...

No works as yet, but just completed ordering some goodies...
As per a recommendation from a UK ReRancher I went to Tonetech and ordered some amber, cherry and clear nitro aerosols, ivory (with black dot rod) binding for the neck and a bunch of finishing gear...

Going to spray amber over the burl on the body and head, and edge with cherry - rear and neck will be cherry... may run a stripe down the neck, too...

Also, a little T'birdie in Seattle (little...? - she's taller than me...! ;)) had a spare '76 T'bird pup cover which she's sending over (which will be used to cover the stripped RD Artist pup) ... the plan is to gold-plate the cover for this and the mudbucker cover...

That's all for now... sorry it's slow going but the weather and work has been against me...

Dave... I don't know if you can but can the poll be removed from the thread now...? I probably should have not narrowed it down - just looks odd now... pm'd

Oh yeah, last but not least, courtesy of our very own Sniper Doggie Bill, I have acquired a Mallory 4 position rotary switch for the controls...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on February 02, 2010, 05:38:01 AM
I tried to remove the poll for you Kenny, but my moderator rights don't give that power!  And I thought I was king of this sub-forum.   ;)  Oh well, Dave will have to spring into action for us!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on February 02, 2010, 09:31:15 AM
Uwe, you do have the power, and so does Ken. It's just not working. I'll have to see if there's a fix, but right now I have more than enough on my plate.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on February 02, 2010, 03:56:11 PM
I've altered it to show it's closed off which'll do for now... thanks for the advice and checking too...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on February 10, 2010, 05:25:14 PM
Mark's '76 pup cover arrived this morning (ta again) so I think I pretty well have everything I need but I'll be certain once I work out the wiring I intend to use...

First decent day and the fin begins...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 03, 2010, 04:12:09 AM
First update for a while...

Don't recommend this without taking great care... the potting compound used on RD pups is S... O... L... I... D... cutting the edges and peeling was not an option... out came the chisel... I careful (read nervously) cut away a section at a time, and this is what was underneath...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100301RDpup1.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100301RDpup2-1.jpg)

and fitted neatly within Mark's spare '76 T'bird cover...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100301RDpup3-1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on March 03, 2010, 04:30:00 AM
Seems like the pickup is covered in copper foil?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on March 03, 2010, 05:26:27 AM
Wow, interesting build on those pups.  Nice job stripping them!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on March 05, 2010, 04:20:27 AM
well done.dont forget to put some wax under the cover so it doesnt become microphonic.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 05, 2010, 12:18:05 PM
I do a lot of work with security at courier companies and one prides itself with being on-time... might be possible to let me put it through the x-ray machines to see the internal structure...

I routed the body late a little earlier to allow for the T'bird cover... the centre section is "slimmer" than on Gibbies as the surround overhangs the edges... I "rounded" these but not finished yet... will post a pic at a later point...

... and got the "wax" tip in hand, Tony...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on March 05, 2010, 08:11:26 PM
What kinda wax?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on March 05, 2010, 09:01:20 PM
The usual formula given for potting pickups is 80% paraffin and 20% beeswax. I've never done it though.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on March 06, 2010, 05:51:00 AM
The usual formula given for potting pickups is 80% paraffin and 20% beeswax. I've never done it though.

Thanks Dave.  I usually use peat and loam for potting.   :P
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 13, 2010, 12:50:23 PM
And now for something completely different...?

George and Mark... brace yourselves...  ;)

Hmm... I was planning to have the covers gold-plated, once the cash-flow permitted, but I remembered something in my wife's crafting stores...

This is experimental, very much so, and not complete as I have to do some careful polishing and lacquering...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100313pups2.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100313pups3.jpg)
This material is gold leaf, and other metal materials in "leaf" form... a sticky compound is painted on first, allowed to dry, and then cover or dip...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100313pups7.jpg)
Once dry, you remove excess product and "buff" the finish... not fully polished up yet...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100313pups4.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100313pups6.jpg)
Laid out on the body to show how it all looks... The chrome T'bird pup ring ( :o sorry Ma'am) has been sprayed black to match the MB's ring...

I intend to spray them with the amber tint nitro (which should give them a closer fin to the existing hardware), so any opinions would be welcomed, one way or the other...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: saltymonkey on March 13, 2010, 01:51:29 PM
That looks amazing! The veneer is beautiful and the covers blend right in.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: OldManC on March 13, 2010, 05:09:35 PM
That works surprisingly well. I like it!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Nocturnal on March 13, 2010, 06:48:01 PM
Now that's an original idea!! I kinda like it!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on March 13, 2010, 08:23:20 PM
A unique look...and it works great!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on March 13, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
thats cool, i like it a lot.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on March 13, 2010, 09:20:46 PM
It is different, I'll grant you that.  :)  It blends very well with the top.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Basshappi on March 13, 2010, 10:01:16 PM
Wow, I really like that, very creative!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: SKATE RAT on March 13, 2010, 10:23:29 PM
ha. there's still some Tequilla left in that bird after all.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on March 13, 2010, 10:52:27 PM
I love that bass!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on March 13, 2010, 10:57:25 PM
Awesome- the lizard-skin mudbucker!  You should dub it the Pterodactyl..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I40f9-6e5QM

(no relevance with the vid; it just made me think of the band)


It's looking pretty sweet with just the natural finish, btw
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on March 14, 2010, 02:09:56 PM
Well, I have to admit, it looked really weird just laying the bowl.  But after you got them mounted on the body,  I have to say they look great.  I didn't think I'd like them, but they work here Kenny.  Nice call on your part.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 14, 2010, 02:33:43 PM
(PHEW... got away with it... ;D)

ha. there's still some Tequilla left in that bird after all.

It's that rebel that lurks within us all, Bryan...  ;)

As I said, experimental... the material comes in a variety of styles... if anyone wants to find out more I'll post a link...

All I really want is a few decent days so I can get started on the fin, proper...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 14, 2010, 02:36:44 PM
(afterthought... hmm... a guitar coverd in the stuff...?)  :popcorn:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: sniper on March 14, 2010, 02:45:50 PM
It looks fantastic as it is Kenny.

Asking from experience did you perhaps injest or smoke too much "happy shit" back in the 60's? lol

Alice B Tokless lives on!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 14, 2010, 02:48:37 PM
She-it...! the 60's...? when did they leave...?   ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Freuds_Cat on March 14, 2010, 06:08:24 PM
That is definitely a one of a kind bass. I really like what you've done with it.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on March 14, 2010, 07:53:07 PM
I like it.  I would perhaps consider something a touch more durable than nitro for the top coat though - nitro will will wear pretty fast on those pickup edges me thinks ;)

Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 15, 2010, 09:32:30 AM
Any sugestions, Buzz (or anyone else)...? Poly...? (I know it's a dirty word in some quarters, but...)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: godofthunder on March 15, 2010, 09:40:05 AM
I can't believe how good those pups look ! Any finish will wear, but poly should work fine.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 15, 2010, 09:53:20 AM
Cheers Scott... anything tougher...? if not, that'll be what I get...

Today has been a good day, weather wise, and I'm off work for the day (on-call over the weekend) so I was hoping to get the nitro out and get started,; just waiting until the sun got round and onto the shed roof, to take the edge off the day...

Jackie came home from dropping Roshina at school... someone clipped her drivers mirror... took out the mirror, and the window...!
The only plus on the day has been the fact that I was home, so I could deal with it (clear up the mess in the car - luckily she was unhurt - needless to say, in rush-hour traffic, the other driver did not stop...)
They first told us (insurance glass co.) that the earliest we could get the window done was SUNDAY...!!!
We (politely) went ballistic, advising the insurers that, "how do you expect us to secure our vehicle until then...?" (our garage has been a storage area since we moved in... in '92...)
Present ETA is now b4 2000 today (crossed fingers)

Needless to say, not a lot of spraying done... in fact, none... oh well...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: saltymonkey on March 15, 2010, 02:15:38 PM
Any sugestions, Buzz (or anyone else)...? Poly...? (I know it's a dirty word in some quarters, but...)

What about a clear liquid epoxy resin like what is used in airplane and boat building. It would be a lot tougher than a standard poly or nitro finish.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on March 15, 2010, 07:16:26 PM
I would think that solvent based poly might be a good compromise (solvent will give you some ambering).  I too thought about the two part epoxy stuff but it tends to be thick - like congealed snot and perhaps difficult to get a good thin/smooth coat.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: n!k on March 16, 2010, 07:54:04 AM
Man, this project is CRAZY. Awesome work so far though.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: saltymonkey on March 16, 2010, 08:10:41 AM
I would think that solvent based poly might be a good compromise (solvent will give you some ambering).  I too thought about the two part epoxy stuff but it tends to be thick - like congealed snot and perhaps difficult to get a good thin/smooth coat.

They make epoxy resins now that are crystal clear and do not congeal like that. i have seen both clear and tinted epoxies over large photo prints. clear and smooth as glass. i'm no expert but i think it's worth looking into as they will not wear off.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on March 16, 2010, 10:08:51 AM
First thing I thought was: 'WTF!?!' but it looks gorgeous! I'm proud of you:D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 16, 2010, 03:29:53 PM
Well Chris, you did say she needed a nice refin...

I'll look into the epoxy, Salty, but that may present other issues, as the T'bird pup's surround will not leave me with a lot of room for maneouver...

One of the nice things about this stuff is that it is easy to apply, and/or re-apply... time yet...

I had some parts in for my cab this morning so got busy with that... weather looking good for this week so the nitros made it's way to the shed...

Fingers crossed...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 28, 2010, 01:51:22 PM
Well, the shed was open for business today...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328012.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328011.jpg)
... started the "poly" coats on the pups and the TBpup ring, also highlighted the "Gibson" on the MB cover prior to spraying - reasonably happy with that...

Next up was the binding... I was not looking forward to this but it was a lot easier than I expected...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding1.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding4.jpg)
... I carefully trimmed the veneer to allow the binding to "sit" on the body then out came the CA... I found that it melted the gloves I was using... oops...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding2.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding3.jpg)
... reasonably pleased with this... next came the trimming down...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding5.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding6.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100328binding7.jpg)
... first I chamfered off to each side to form an approx 45 degree edge for the frets, then I used a sharp blade and trimmed away as required... I will "finish-off" when I clean up the neck

I have a long weekend off over Easter so am hoping for a sunny weekend... It's time this old bird got her fin...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on March 28, 2010, 02:04:28 PM
Good job Kenny! Hope for some sunshine for you, I've got plenty of this stuff here.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on March 28, 2010, 02:16:57 PM
Nice job on the binding.  Starting to look like her old self again.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 28, 2010, 02:29:46 PM
There are some folks round here that would definitely be horrified by that idea, Robert...!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXBLHTq390k
(what's Skunk Baxter doing in this video...?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r189E0SnpsM
(sad but true... I like this for the F86 background shot...)

I must admit that I had a moment of weakness whilst draining the ink out of my wifes old CISS system for our Epson - a splat-fest on the veneer - the moment passed...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on March 28, 2010, 02:37:23 PM
I must admit that I had a moment of weakness whilst draining the ink out of my wifes old CISS system for our Epson - a splat-fest on the veneer - the moment passed...

I know that feeling, my wife has that system for her printer too, its a NIGHTMARE to set this stuff up.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 28, 2010, 02:54:00 PM
Ours is an R285 - we use one supplied by a UK firm and have had reasonabe success with it - I bought a new one as I did not want to risk tubing failure, and technology improves - newest chipset seems pretty good, time will tell though...

Price ratio is staggering - at least 10x cheaper...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on March 28, 2010, 06:37:50 PM
Nice job, looks like the project is finally starting to come together.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: birdie on March 28, 2010, 07:18:36 PM
looks great. My limited exposure to binding left my fingers bleedin'....
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on March 28, 2010, 08:59:31 PM
Nicely done Kenny!

Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: FlatEric on March 29, 2010, 10:06:21 AM
Kenny. WOW.

I have been slack on my attendance of your latest posts, sorry.
I have been having a look round today and seen the progress.
Looking Good!  8)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on March 29, 2010, 12:38:51 PM
Cheers Gents, the work goes on...

I had to strip the Tbird pup this evening as post poly the "leaf" had not taken to the surface properly, so now sprayed with a type of "primer" before I re-coat... the MB looks fine...

... and Birdie, if I could work to the quality I've seen in your efforts, I should be so lucky...!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 03, 2010, 12:35:34 PM
Okay... so the weather's not been perfect, but on with the show...

A lesson on "how to screw things up" first... I said "amateur" at the start of this thread (on the ReRanch version) so this is what I meant...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403001.jpg)
... the "eagle-eyes" will spot the dot marking now on the binding... just holes at the moment waiting to be filled with something or other - products from "Tonetech"...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403002.jpg)
I wanted to highlight the edges of the centre section, so I masked off as required, not realising quite how "wet" nitro is... and paid for it...!

After a clean up I am left with some "cherry" staining where I don't want it, but I can live with that...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403003.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403004.jpg)
... a couple of passes of the amber...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403010.jpg)
... a bit of wet-and-dry and a bit more amber...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403011.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403012.jpg)
... more wet-and-dry... more amber, and again...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 03, 2010, 12:56:15 PM
A couple of pics Jackie took whilst I was at work...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403017.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403019.jpg)
... on a meat-hook in the shed... yes, a meat hook... preping for some 'burst work...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403021.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100403022.jpg)
... first pass for the cherry on the amber... the body has also now had her first coat...

There have been a couple more passes of cherry this afternoon but will post a pic once I've done a bit of sanding...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on April 03, 2010, 08:39:33 PM
Looking good Ken!  The veneer is awesome with some color on it!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on April 04, 2010, 08:38:19 AM
Wow Kenny,  you certainly are creating something totally unique!  Looking fantastic so far!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: OldManC on April 04, 2010, 09:10:59 AM
Wow Kenny, that's going to be beautiful! I love how different it's going to be from it's previous look! Talk about a new set of clothes...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on April 04, 2010, 09:52:38 AM
You have a pretty impressive finish going there - it really brings out the character of the wood - looks GREAT!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 04, 2010, 12:21:03 PM
Thanks gentlemen (although there is one Lady round the site that is "gunning" (ME109 style) for me for the descration of her spare "ring"... :o ;D ;))

Anyway, todays work...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100404001.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100404002.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100404003.jpg)
... post some W&D, the body with the 3rd coat, a bit more amber and the "burst" starting to show through...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100404005.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100404006.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100404007.jpg)
... the bodies 4th pass, and I think that will be enough amber... a bit more "burst" and then the clear...

The body will need a few more passes of the cherry and the edge of the sunburst will need some, but I will need to be careful here as the top of the "fin" and near the neck are darker - this was "mirrored" below, but is not as noticeable as the majority of the "mirror" is not on show...
The Thunderbird pup "leaf" took on the second attempt and has now had a few coats of poly, as has the ring, which is now black (much to someones disgust - can I come out of hiding yet...?)

More to follow if this weather holds...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on April 04, 2010, 12:21:36 PM
Looking wonderful Ken!  That bass looks tiny compared to you.  You must be well over 6 foot tall I take it?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 04, 2010, 12:38:24 PM
6' 1", but I have never laid this beastie next to "the real thing"  and I've always had a suspicion that she's slightly scaled down - the centre section is definitely smaller (as I discovered with the pup cover that Mark sent over - I've had to "roll" the edges of the ring to overcome the difference...

Can someone measure the "fin to horn" and the opposite and I'll compare notes, also the distance from the neck in a straight line to the end of the body and I'll see if my suspicions bear scrutiny...

I recently found this pic of me with her in a much more original condition, probably taken in '81... still with the original controls (2 vol/2 tone gold "witch's hats", straight jack, and pup selector), and the addition of the MB1's coil tap switch... the #1 Badass had been fitted and the original tailpieces screwholes are still visible...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/1981PeterCookBass.jpg)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on April 04, 2010, 09:07:26 PM
Perspective in photos can fool you, but to my eyes that definitely looks scaled down.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Daniel_J on April 04, 2010, 09:34:28 PM
Great job on that burst, Kenny! Looking really tasty!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: godofthunder on April 05, 2010, 04:41:03 AM
That looks fantastic !
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on April 05, 2010, 09:35:27 AM
That needs to be re-named the KC bass....for Kenny Custom.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on April 05, 2010, 11:04:32 AM
Wow the finish came out great!!   8)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on April 05, 2010, 04:12:28 PM
That needs to be re-named the KC bass....for Kenny Custom.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/mvrshy.jpg)

This has a logo with colors similar to what the old Tequila Bird looked like.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Freuds_Cat on April 05, 2010, 05:46:39 PM
Looking good Ken!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on April 06, 2010, 01:42:31 PM
sweet as.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 06, 2010, 04:26:34 PM
I like the "KennyKustomBass" idea, Robert... ;D

Burst done... top-coat next...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100405053.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100405061.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100405063.jpg)
these were taken yesterday evening... the flash pics show how different light levels can make her look...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100405064.jpg)
... and with some of the components...

In the above shot you can clearly see a defect in the veneer, to the left of the tailpiece... some of this will be lost in the topcoating, but I am deliberately not making this a "perfect" job... just different... I want some of her "wounds" left showing... As I said earlier in the postings - this veneer was a "raw-cut" and I went for the "looks"...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100406002-1.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100406003-1.jpg)
these were taken under daylight conditions this afternoon... err, yesterday now... the head really looks beautiful...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: ramone57 on April 07, 2010, 03:57:56 AM
beautiful work! 
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Basshappi on April 07, 2010, 09:47:31 AM
WooHoo, awesome!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: godofthunder on April 09, 2010, 04:44:09 AM
Wow ! Looks great Kenny ! It's going to sound great with that mudbucker /Tbird combo !
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: FlatEric on April 09, 2010, 04:47:20 AM
Mmm, coming on nicely.
Look forward to more pics.

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on April 11, 2010, 10:04:32 AM
I loves cherry.................... :P
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 20, 2010, 11:43:30 AM
"Cherry, Wild-Wild Cherry..."  :lol:

Final coats of nitro done...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100420005-1.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100420006-1.jpg)
These were taken last night after removal of the fretboard masking... "eagle-eyes" will spot the RD already on the "butchers-block"...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100420008-1.jpg)
... and this was taken of her in her "original" rather over-extravagant case this late afternoons sunshine...

Now back hanging up on the "butchers-hook" to cure...

The rebuild will be body/neck hardware and pups first, but as I intend to experiment with the wiring I'll not be deciding on the final circuitry until I sort out what works best - going to wire up externally and play...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on April 20, 2010, 03:29:05 PM
very nice indeed.where are going to find gold polepiece bolts to go in the mudbucker.what pidgeons?(meow) 
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: ramone57 on April 21, 2010, 04:35:36 AM
lookin' good, Kenny!  great job on everything!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 21, 2010, 12:17:27 PM
where are going to find gold polepiece bolts to go in the mudbucker

Damn...! hadn't thought of that... back to the drawing board...  :sad:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: ramone57 on April 22, 2010, 09:16:40 AM
use black, it will match the Gibson script on the pup.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 23, 2010, 10:37:34 AM
A thought I had was to "blue" them (red heat and oil quench)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: shadowcastaz on April 23, 2010, 01:44:56 PM
I had not looked at this since page 10 or so. When I saw the bowl of flakes I was ...huh???. That is an incredible job . Thanks for posting the progress. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: FlatEric on April 24, 2010, 12:24:04 AM
Kenny, Hi.

Looking very nice.
The anticipation is building up. What is your ETC??
Have you got a band lined up to use all this "Re-born" gear??

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Daniel_J on April 24, 2010, 09:43:05 AM
I'll quote myself:

Great job on that burst, Kenny! Looking really tasty!

Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 24, 2010, 01:14:29 PM
After seeing some of your work, Daniel, that is truly appreciated...

... and Eric... between gigs but intend to do some serious looking once finished this beastie...

And Shadow... Special K...?  ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on April 27, 2010, 08:56:14 AM
It's getting better, each time I'm around here!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: n!k on May 16, 2010, 02:51:48 PM
This bass is so gaudy for all the right reasons! I hope you plan on using some bright gold colored strings (or even flashier!) to complete the package.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 17, 2010, 01:24:13 AM
That is something I have not truly thought of... always used Rotosounds on her...

Any other suggestions, considering she is Mudbucker and Mahogany...

Gotta do some spares ordering this week as the month is almost up - new machines required as one of the original gold ones has a damaged gear (not the chrome/gold mixtures) so only have three of the original four - probably gonna go for amber controls to complement the fin - still thinking on them...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on May 17, 2010, 02:26:17 PM
None of the color coated rounds will be as bright as uncoated stainless rounds. If Rotos work for you, stick with them.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 17, 2010, 04:03:53 PM
I guess I will - The spares were ordered this evening...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Funkster on May 21, 2010, 09:22:38 AM
Wow Kenny I just read through this whole thread and I got to say what an amazing ressurection.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on May 21, 2010, 11:27:00 AM
...she is Mudbucker and Mahogany...


That's quite a name for color!  It speaks to me!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 23, 2010, 04:27:59 AM
Posting some pics later... polishing done... new gold machines are fitted, as is the original gold bridge and tail... mudbucker has been split and has belden coming out of her for the wiring games... still trying to figure out how I'm going to secure the T'bird pup cover... what's left of the TRC is back in place... I opted for black straplocks as they look less obtrusive... The amber controls look spot on for the body... I may have obtained a gold (that looked amber in the pic) chicken-head for the four pos. switch but am awaiting delivery... some of the switches, if fitted, will be black...

... and yes, I've managed to damage the fin :o not once, but twice... :o :o
(nothing critical, thankfully...)

Henry... did I say welcome before now...? I presume you are one of the "old" crew as most of the guys know you, so hi from the UK... this rebuild is penance for years of abuse and neglect to the old girl but she's looking good now...

Al... Bucker-Burst...!  ;D the more I look at the fin, the more she looks like she's FLAME-ON...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 23, 2010, 03:06:51 PM
Well, I was sad enough to want to know what was inside the sealed RD pup, so I put it through an x-ray machine and found two coils and a blade in the middle...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100514xray3.jpg)

Anyway, assembly started yesterday...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly001.jpg)

... with me stripping the Mudbucker down to split the coils...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly003.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly010.jpg)
... using four-core screened twisted pair Belden (thanks to Chromium Joe for the tip) for the connections I soldered the earth at the normal position and looped the remainder on one of the lower fixings... 2 x 15.3k coils...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly006.jpg)
... and did the final checks re pup heights... the usual chaos of my workbench is apparent...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly009.jpg)
... Ramone mentioned about the pole pieces, so I "blued" them...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: sniper on May 23, 2010, 03:22:56 PM
Kenny, That T-Bird is looking soooooooo nice!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 23, 2010, 03:56:28 PM
Cheers Bill...

The T'bird pup cover presented me with a number of complications due to the depth (not as deep as an RD pup, even when stripped), the lack of anything to support it, and how to secure, so the temporary fixings are old pole-pieces from the original (RIP) Peter Cook pup...

So... the state of play at the end of the 2nd day...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly014.jpg)
... strings are D'Addario's for the moment - Rotosound 66's being my prefered choice for this 'bird...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly016.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly017.jpg)

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100523assembly018-1.jpg)
... the repaired TRC...

Tuned up and ready for her sound tests... better shots when I can...

ah... just remembered... haven't finished the cab...  :sad:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: sniper on May 23, 2010, 04:00:44 PM
is this wired direct or are you using the new invisible type kanobs?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 23, 2010, 04:05:54 PM
Nope... I've fitted a black XLR in the lower edge and intend to play with the potential sound configuration before fitting your 4 position switch; also 2, or maybe 3, pots for volume control (maybe 2 seperate controls for the Mudbucker now with split coils), and possibly a variety of other switch-gear - this is fluid at the moment - what works will get wired in, what does not is history...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: sniper on May 23, 2010, 04:21:39 PM
this last batch of plates is so much better than the first batch ...  wish i made gold letter ones!!!! i'll check into it and see if Sandy can get some black painted over gold anodized aluminum blanks or could make some. i'll almost bet a buck she has some .020 material!!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on May 23, 2010, 08:26:41 PM
That looks fantastic! 

Please tell me you're bringing her in for the evening and not keeping her in the shed! :o
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Funkster on May 24, 2010, 05:54:29 AM


Henry... did I say welcome before now...? I presume you are one of the "old" crew as most of the guys know you, so hi from the UK... this rebuild is penance for years of abuse and neglect to the old girl but she's looking good now...

Al... Bucker-Burst...!  ;D the more I look at the fin, the more she looks like she's FLAME-ON...

Yes sir Kenny been around longer than Dirt,, It's good to be here, You guy's have a great sense of humor, Don't mind a little fowl langauge, Don't mind some bad grammer and hijacked threads this is my kinda place!!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Hornisse on May 24, 2010, 06:44:56 AM
The old gal looks great Kenny!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on May 24, 2010, 10:50:33 AM
Looking lovely!  Nice colors on that veneer!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 24, 2010, 02:49:14 PM
wish i made gold letter ones!!!! i'll check into it and see if Sandy can get some black painted over gold anodized aluminum blanks or could make some. i'll almost bet a buck she has some .020 material!!!

Now that may be of interest, "SD" Bill...

The gold "amber ish" chicken-head turned out to be dull gold and I'm not sure I'll go with that; splined shaft fitting - could have converted, but the colour doesn't go... anyone know of tru amber type - no luck finding yet...

Still work to be done, Robert... and yes, Buzz, she's back in her (mock) fur home, not in the shed... ;)

"Doc" Bill... the veneer is as much a curse as a thing of beauty - there are areas that look almost scaly at some points, but to me, not in a bad way; I may get this out by further polishing, or by further top coats... not sure... one of our new guys (Dadagoboi) commented on the "two-foot rule", which she would pass with ease, but this is one of those "flaws" that I think I like, sort of "organic" for want of a better word... I pointed out months back that the veneer was "raw" so would not pass a "QC" check for a pro - it would get passed over as too much like hard work, to get "just... so..."

There is a part of me that remembers that birds are descended from reptiles, and with the colours looking so flame-like in sunlight, Phoenix kinda fits...

I'll post pics of this issue...

... and Henry, this is an eccentric kinda place, and the Brit's and eccentricity...? ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: chromium on May 24, 2010, 02:54:34 PM
Kenny that came out great.  Nice work!

...and another USB-compatible mudbucker is born!  ;D    (that was the source of my shielded quad cable)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 24, 2010, 03:15:15 PM
Recognised it as soon as I saw it in your original pictures, Joe... commonly in use in the alarm industry, so I had access to a few hundred thousand kilometres of the stuff...  ;D

Forgot to note - the fin on the pups is not going to go the distance with the covering I have used - the screws securing the MB twisted the top-coat, somewhat it was like a "plastic" of some sort... I like the effect so intend to experiment with a tougher top-coat...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on May 24, 2010, 08:23:04 PM
Much coolness, and loveliness!  It's looking wonderful.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on May 24, 2010, 09:11:56 PM
vey nice indeed.there are many wiring options for sure.what works for me is pickups in series,i find that in parallel with both on they seem to cancel a little.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: PeterB on May 25, 2010, 11:26:17 PM
Wow Kenny, that Bird looks beautiful, very nice and deep color!  8) Interesting idea to split the mudbucker.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Chris P. on May 26, 2010, 01:08:41 AM
Great, Kenny!!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 26, 2010, 09:27:37 AM
Thank Joe for the idea, Peter...  ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: PeterB on May 26, 2010, 01:06:09 PM
Thank's Joe!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: FlatEric on May 31, 2010, 12:11:20 AM
Kenny, Hi.

Still waiting for "more shots". ;D
I'd hoped you would have done a couple of shows with this already!! ;D

How's it coming along? Nearly finished?


Cheers. :)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 31, 2010, 04:11:35 AM
Waiting for a couple of parts to arrive at the moment and trying to figure out how to post some vids/sound clips at the moment... hope the warm, flat beer goes down well...  ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on May 31, 2010, 12:00:58 PM
Posted this in our "post your music" section but thought I'd drop it in here too...

Something I'd completely forgotten about until I put this together - the Tequilabird not only had the MB1 at the time, but also a skinned Dimarzio P replacement by the bridge - no original Peter Cook pup and prior to fitting the EMG Select in that position... recorded directly into the board, so this is as clean a sound of her from that period that I have...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qshm6Al4kK8

Three of us from this line-up were the bunch that got together for a few gigs last year; this tune is all very eighties but I still like it; one of the best we did...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: FlatEric on May 31, 2010, 11:42:19 PM
VERY impressed.

Nice bass sound - good 80's sounding track.

Nice. ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on June 06, 2010, 12:24:54 PM
First sound tests today...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/CARD004.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/CARD005.jpg)

Used some chocolate-block to temp link the pups to and ran a bunch of tests - the thing that surprised me the most was the difference in output between in-phase/out-of-phase with both the coils of the Mudbucker and with the RD pup... also noted that the sound of the two coils on the MB differed enough to be of interest to me... lots of quite interesting sounds to play with... now got to confirm wiring and start fitting the switchgear...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: shadowcastaz on June 06, 2010, 01:05:55 PM
That came out real nice. Im not a gold fan but the pup treatment on that rockz!!! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 18, 2010, 04:12:04 PM
I've been rather pre-occupied with some things of late to concentrate on this, or anything constructive, but I managed to sit down and work out how I want her wired - I'll post a diagram in the next day or so but this is the basics...

2 x 500k volume pots, the original pup selector, Bill's (Sniper) original EB3 rotary switch and a double pole single throw switch with an XLR socket wired with stereo capability...

Rotary switch positions with an output to the pot...
1 - Reverse phase MB
2 - Normal MB
3 - Parallel coil MB
4 - Bridge side single coil MB

RD Artist pup out to 2nd pot

Both pups wired through a fairly standard pickup selector with output straight to one pin on the XLR - the double pole single throw switch will bypass the volume pots and each side will go straight to 2 pins on the XLR for straight to the board or running two amps... I have the ability to blend the sound on the Hiwatt as the inputs both produce differing sounds to the pre-amp circuitry and the balance control blends these two inputs...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: sniper on July 18, 2010, 04:33:20 PM
looking mighty fine :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 19, 2010, 02:59:26 PM
I think this is about it...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/PC2010.jpg)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on July 20, 2010, 05:46:09 AM
Wow, Kenny, she's a beauty!  Nice work on this one.  Wish I could understand your wiring diagram!  I need a crash course in guitar electronics!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on July 20, 2010, 07:36:39 PM
Yeah Kenny, she down right pretty! 

And, Doc, God help me, it's finally happened!  I understand Kenny's schematic!  ;D  Please send help :P
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 21, 2010, 07:15:40 AM
My son, that's seven hail Mary's and fifteen how's ya father's... ;D

Might get on with it... early finish due to lack of work today... now home and just gone 3pm
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 25, 2010, 03:23:06 PM
Well, finally got the charcoal up to a high enough temperature to heat the soldering iron up... wiring all done... no new strings around so I slung the old set back on for now to do some testing late afternoon and all operational... got some nice sounds out of the old girl... now on the home-straight...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Lightyear on July 25, 2010, 07:09:09 PM
Well, finally got the charcoal up to a high enough temperature to heat the soldering iron up... wiring all done... no new strings around so I slung the old set back on for now to do some testing late afternoon and all operational... got some nice sounds out of the old girl... now on the home-straight...

Just in time too!  What with winter being just a couple of weeks away - your shed will be uninhabitable ;) :P

You know the drill - post the pics with knobs and such in place ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 27, 2010, 01:45:02 PM
There you go... a switch... ;D

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100721cavity1.jpg)

Just kidding... this is what I meant by a slight thickness issue...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100721cavity2.jpg)
... I ended up routing down the entire cavity and nearly lost it with the router...

Anyway... this is the back...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100727fittings1.jpg)

... and this is the front...
(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/20100727fittings2.jpg)

I was doing some sound-testing when I took this shot, and the camera went flat, with all the spares flat too... anyway, I was planning to wait for a sunny day to get some decent shots...

I have a few issues as when you turn either of the pots off everything shuts off and if both pups are running and I turn down the RD's pot there is an increase in output from the MB before it all shuts down... whatever, I rarely ever use a pot unless it is to shut the instrument off anyway, but... something to check on... overall, the range of sounds I'm getting a excellent... the RD is a peautiful sound in that body, and the Mudbucker is everything (and more) that I expected to get in a mahogany body... yes, I intend to post some samples at some point, but I need to finalise the wiring issues and get a new set of strings...

There are some cracks appearing in the cover of the Mudbucker, so expansion/contraction is causing an issue... it was only a temporary thing until I could arrange plating anyway... I may well need to create a black and gold plate for the 4 pos selector switch - I like the idea of the black switches (may change the pup selector for a black pin, too) but I may go for different knobs - black (with white, speeds) just don't look right, either...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on July 28, 2010, 12:16:00 AM
Maybe those knobs would fit better.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/23/!BuFHnvgCGk~$%28KGrHqYOKkQEvOw%29j%28vHBL-yqn48TQ~~_3.JPG)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 28, 2010, 08:17:51 AM
Not going to worry too much at the moment... I'm tempted to do something highly out of character as I suspect the differing outputs between the pups may be causing a feedback issue between the pots, so I may settle for a single overall volume and fit a tone control... any recommendations for a capacitor...?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on July 28, 2010, 06:12:48 PM
I have a few issues as when you turn either of the pots off everything shuts off and if both pups are running and I turn down the RD's pot there is an increase in output from the MB before it all shuts down... whatever, I rarely ever use a pot unless it is to shut the instrument off anyway, but... something to check on...

You have one or both pickups grounding through the pots AND each other. You need to ditch the inidividual wires and use a coaxial shielded wire for all the connections. You CAN make it work with separate lines for the hot and ground connections, but using a single shielded wire makes it much easier to make sure that all your connections are correct.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on July 29, 2010, 12:29:59 AM
I always do star grounding on my wirings and never had any noise problems, maybe you should think to try it Kenny.
Here's some info. http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/shielding/shield3.php

BTW, tone control? You? It's a joke, right? :D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 29, 2010, 09:31:46 AM
I always do star grounding on my wirings and never had any noise problems, maybe you should think to try it Kenny.
Here's some info. http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/shielding/shield3.php
BTW, tone control? You? It's a joke, right? :D

Noise is not the issue and everything is grounded, it's the lack of any noise... The only reason I thought about the tone control is using the hole in the body as it's there now... ;D

Now, PBG and Exiled...
1 - the RD pup screen grounds directly on the pot, the signal on one side of the pot with the output to the selector on the centre and to screen on the other side...
2 - the MB has a screen on the Belden which goes to the 4 way switch - the equivalent of the screen (black on the Belden) goes to a common screen point but the red (bridge side coil) changes how it connects, as do the other pair...
3 - the issue is common only when the pup selector is on both as the pots work as part of an individual circuit...
4 - the three green wires you can see running through to the common on the 4 way are all screen conns - it was just a convenient position to connect them...
5 - the choice of individual wires from the two coils on the MB was to enable the multiple options, and hopefully it should work, but it did not...?

PBG - you probably have the best circuitry knowledge round here - if you have a moment to take a look at my schematic and see if you can figure why it's doing what it's doing, I'd be obliged... I'll have a more in depth look as-soon-as...

Ultimately, this 'bird ran with one pup and one pot since 1988, so If I revert I'll still be happy - the sound-range I have right now is pretty phenomenal, and yes, I do intend to post, once I'm happy with the finished work...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on July 29, 2010, 11:03:07 AM
Maybe if you add a resistor to the mudbucker output to lower its output? That may work.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Iome on July 29, 2010, 11:09:42 AM
You can check this link to see how to fix the different output from the pickups. If you scroll down you have the schematic http://www.lindersson.se/BASS/Flowerpower.htm (http://www.lindersson.se/BASS/Flowerpower.htm)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: exiledarchangel on July 29, 2010, 11:51:24 AM
That's clever, install a low pass filter. But I would try a resistor anyway. :D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 29, 2010, 12:33:15 PM
... but I don't want to lower the MUD-level... ;D
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on July 29, 2010, 01:39:14 PM
... but I don't want to lower the MUD-level... ;D

That's why you have a mudbucker, right?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 30, 2010, 03:15:20 PM
Mud and Mahogany, Al, Mud and Mahogany, through a gloriously warm valve amp... all lovingly wrapped up in a Thunderbird body... ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on July 30, 2010, 03:59:34 PM
Mud and Mahogany, Al, Mud and Mahogany, through a gloriously warm valve amp... all lovingly wrapped up in a Thunderbird body... ;)

I'm getting there (minus the tube amp, although my 1967 Bassman qualifies)....don't rush me.  Gotta get the mudbucker yet.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on July 30, 2010, 04:31:53 PM
All things come to he who waits... ;)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Pilgrim on July 30, 2010, 08:15:45 PM
All things come to he who waits... ;)

As Mad magazine once quoted Confucius, "He who hee hoo hee hee hee hoo hoo hoo hoo!"
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 25, 2015, 06:10:11 PM
Well, I finally fitted the Lollar pup today (only took me aout 5 years) and took her to a rehearsal where she performed admirably...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2015-10-25%2017.02.28_zpskhtga6xp.jpg) (http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2015-10-25%2017.06.19_zpsttufcps8.jpg)

Just need to get the Mudbucker gold-plated, then she's pretty much done, ish... the amber knobs have gone and I'm still pending a permanent decision on what I'll use...
Oh yes... a bit of an issue with the lamination can be spotted...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: slinkp on October 25, 2015, 07:35:06 PM
This and the RD are both really pretty!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: dadagoboi on October 25, 2015, 11:57:51 PM
Looking good!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: drbassman on October 26, 2015, 03:18:57 AM
Speaking of zombies!  It lives!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 26, 2015, 02:36:25 PM
Ah Bill, here we are, breathing life into the dead and resurrecting the Zombies... :mrgreen:

Played really well last night...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on October 26, 2015, 02:42:16 PM
Peter Cook will be proud of you.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 26, 2015, 02:52:43 PM
She's getting there DW, she's getting there... giving her the bit of grace she more than deserves... ;)

Got a truly awesome sound...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Alanko on October 26, 2015, 03:39:32 PM
Rehearsal means you have a band on the go up here already? Envious of your degree of organisation.  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on October 26, 2015, 04:55:38 PM
Band's called Black Dog... guitarist is working on his second blues release...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 04, 2017, 11:55:45 PM
Another update... well, that band came and went without a gig... the drummer went on to form a band with his brother and already have an album...
Presently working with a lady called Susanna Wolfe, a former session singer, in a band called The Susanna Wolfe Band, originally enough... and last weekend found me back in the studio laying down the bass on eleven tracks for a future release with just over half of the songs being recorded with this beastie... the remainder with the fretless RD...
DI recording, all the way for both days... apart from some drop ins nothing was more than two takes and a few were one takes only... :mrgreen:

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2017%200401%20Unity%2042_zps6ehilmyc.jpg)

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2017%200401%20Unity%2043_zpso6nabdnl.jpg)

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/Peter%20Cook%20Custom/2017%200402%20Unity%202_zpszhjxpcy7.jpg)
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Basshappi on April 05, 2017, 08:48:33 PM
Very cool to see the Bird in action!
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: clankenstein on April 06, 2017, 02:06:03 PM
Nice Kennny! did you mix the pickups or use 2 d.i.s?
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: godofthunder on April 06, 2017, 03:55:26 PM
   We would love to hear a bit !
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Basvarken on April 07, 2017, 12:22:19 PM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on April 07, 2017, 03:41:20 PM
Used the Mud (out of phase mode) and the Lollar together on a single track, Tony... I believe a rough mix of the bass and drums will be sent through and hope to get a copy soon... Susanna and Garry will be back in the studio last weekend of month (present schedule) to lay down vocal and guitars, then some final stuff and backing vocals... not sure of final plans yet...
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Dave W on August 08, 2020, 12:30:47 PM
Bump.
Title: Re: The Phoenix... the restoration of a rare custom-made "Thunderbird"
Post by: Highlander on August 09, 2020, 02:07:30 PM
Nothing new, at present... just discussing if it is possible to replace the old photobasket links with alternate, direct images...?
As it stands the old pages appear to have no editing rights...
Just an irritant in part of my partly OCD nature...