The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: TBird1958 on November 21, 2008, 02:17:12 PM
-
It's been hard to keep this quiet over the past month or so...
I've been fortunate enough to be slightly involved in this "new" model bass from Mike Lull. It is of course a Fenderbird done his way. Accuracy and an incredilble attention to the orginal early 60's Gibson were the most important things, an original 1964 2 pick up 'Bird was graciously lent for the project. It was completely disassembled and copied for shape and components, this one will different from the original by having a four bolt mahogany neck/with maple as an option, and a shaped heel. The bodies will also be solid maho and have a Belly cut on the back of the upper 'bout and a very slight Arm carve too.
As you can see it'll have a two point bridge made by Hipshot as are the tuners, it balances perfectly!
Perhaps the most exciting part is Mike's attention the pick ups, first the new ones will have chrome plated stamped brass covers, made by the same supplier Gibson used for the original 1960's production!
The internal parts of the pickup will be just like the originals too, Mike paid great attention to the metals and plastics used and there will be both a bridge and neck version produced that will have 7k and 8k output, again just like the '64 prototype. The metal pickup rings are also being made.
;D As an outgrowth of the project the pick ups and the rings will be available as separate parts very soon, likely before the end of the year. So we can all upgrade our BaCH NR's with a nice new pickup, and not have to try and outbid each other for the piddly few that come up on E bay occasionally.
For now, be patient I'll let you guys that are interested know more details ASAP, it shouldn't be too long.
I'd like to suggest that when they are available those of us that are interested could chip in and get one for Rob as a small token of appreciation for his great effeorts on the BaCH NR.
I toast your work Rob :toast:
Anyway this is THE ONLY TIME you guys get to see what I look like when I'm not dressed up like a woman, here I am holding the first prototype two pick up version on 11/21/2008, there's also a shot from a week ago of the body/neck before the bridge had been added. These basses will premier at the Winter NAMM show mid January, there will be one more prototype made after this one, it'll be a single pick up version that will be Mike's.
The very first production line bass will be mine ;D
It will be a single pick up version, I'm still waffling on the color, either Metallic Orange or Mango Pink.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Hiils1.jpg)
As a matter of fact, I am a Dork!
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/hills2.jpg)
Cheers Guys!
-
That's really cool! I almost didn't recognize you, either.
-
Great news! Any idea on the prices for those pickups?
-
That looks really nice! That's a Hipshot bridge/tailpiece???? Good news on the pickups too.
-
Good work, Mark. :toast:
I think your involvement was probably more important than you're letting on.
-
most excellent Mark... good work.
-
You mean you're a DUDE!! ;D ;D :o
Kind of like a five year old whose father has always had a beard and shaves it off only to startle the poor kiddo have to death ;D
This looks great! Howinthehell could you have kept this under your hat for so long? I would have probably blabbed the first day :sad:
-
Sorry Buzz......... :-[
Anyway, yeah that bridge and tail piece is made by Hipshot for this bass, so it's new. I PROMISE to let you guys know about the pick ups when there is news, I doubt they'll be cheap, but what part of Thunderbird is? .............Mike says they're due around the second week of December.
Anyway this is more like it, and likely how I'll be dressed when I go pick mine up ;D
Rock on!
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/steeles16.jpg)
-
Ahhhhh, things are now back to normal!! ;D ;) No need to apologize, I'm just very sensitive :P
It's just , I mean, we've only ever seen you in a skirt - I guess your alter ego couldn't show up at work :o
Seriously, I think that Mike should work up a special model and incorporate the "Fraulien" into the ad campaign 8)
It's too bad I'm way broke as this is yet another bass that gets added to to the list of "have to wait"
-
Wow! Can't wait to see the single pickup version. Are you getting a mahogany or maple neck on yours?
Is Lull (or Hipshot) possibly going to offer that bridge/TP as spares as well? I don't know what the BaCH's hardware will be like, and it was cool they went out of their way to mimic the TB bridge, but I'd bet that Hipshot is a lot nicer piece.
-
Mark!
I don't know which image makes me more speechless, you in guy drag or the Lull 'bird. Awsome work! and CRAP!!!!! as if I don't have enough projects already!
Keep Me/Us posted!
Scott ( BassVI )
-
Wow. I am in awe. I want one bad!
-
I'd like to suggest that when they are available those of us that are interested could chip in and get one for Rob as a small token of appreciation for his great effeorts on the BaCH NR.
I toast your work Rob :toast:
Cool project Mark! That looks really promising.
As for the BaCH project, remember it's really a group effort. If it weren't for you guys joining in it wouldn't have happened.
Thanx again for making it possible.
Cheers to all of you :toast:
Rob
-
Great bass Mark. The peopke here do amazing things that Gibson never does.
It's been hard to keep this quiet over the past month or so...
Anyway this is THE ONLY TIME you guys get to see what I look like when I'm not dressed up like a woman, here I am holding the first prototype two pick up version on 11/21/2008, there's also a shot from a week ago of the body/neck before the bridge had been added. These basses will premier at the Winter NAMM show mid January, there will be one more prototype made after this one, it'll be a single pick up version that will be Mike's.
The very first production line bass will be mine ;D
It will be a single pick up version, I'm still waffling on the color, either Metallic Orange or Mango Pink.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Hiils1.jpg)
As a matter of fact, I am a Dork!
Cheers Guys!
I can't believe it, are you related to the Dude?
Are the Dude's alter ego?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Musicians/dec.jpg)
-
what color were you thinking for the new bass?
-
Well.........No, I'm not related to The Dude ;)
Sorry all, once again for the shocking image of my geekly self :-[
As it stands right now mine will likely be a little bit custom from what would be considered a "stock" bass.
Mine will have a maho neck with a rosewood fretboard and I'm really thinking about having block inlays, at this point I'm leaning towards Metallic Orange.....but a shade of Pink would be cool too.
And if it's possible I'll use Scott's bridge on mine :thumbsup:
-
The bass is impressive, but the guy holding it leaves me speechless!
The smile gives you away, Mark, and please: Start to eat properly again!
Uwe
-
Wow! Can't wait to see the single pickup version. Are you getting a mahogany or maple neck on yours?
Is Lull (or Hipshot) possibly going to offer that bridge/TP as spares as well? I don't know what the BaCH's hardware will be like, and it was cool they went out of their way to mimic the TB bridge, but I'd bet that Hipshot is a lot nicer piece.
I think that bridge is already available thru Godofthunder (Scott). I'm waiting for 10 more tail pieces too,if they ever get finished.
-
Cool news Mark - I'm glad its out there for the public now! When we talked last month, I was anxious to hear more. It looks awesome.
Don't 'spose you saw my F-bird up there when you were there? *And I'll always wonder if my Fenderbird didn't contribute to the inspiration part of the process - heh! *
-
Hey Dave,
I looked around for it but it wan't there :-\
I think we both have had some influence on Mike, but really he loves Thunderbirds - he's owned about 20, all from the 60's.
For you guys asking about the bridge, I'd sure suggest Scott's bridge and Bill's tailpiece they're both available right now.......And I'm really gonna try to convince Mike to use Scott's bridge.
-
Metallic orange sounds cool. You can get some cool ones from the automotive paint place House Of Kolor
http://www.houseofkolor.com/
Expensive paint though
Maybe a metallic orange /yellow pearl like this?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Car/ist2_1824099-orange-metallic-classi.jpg)
.
-
Yup!
That or something Pink.......... ;)
-
Maybe a Hello Kitty T bird?
-
Well, not Hello Kitty pink..................Metallic Pink or that Mopar color called Gomango.
-
Well, not Hello Kitty pink..................Metallic Pink or that Mopar color called Gomango.
Gomango is orange. They did have Panther Pink though.
(http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/5989/pinkchargerta7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
-
Can I have the car too?!........
Man that's cool.......
I need to look at samples tomorrow or wednesday, I'm confused :-\
-
That color bass would look good on you Mark! And that's a good thing my F-bird wasn't there, it should be coming back from the finisher any day now...man, I can't wait to see more of Mike's finished Birds - watch out NAMM! 8)
-
For you guys asking about the bridge, I'd sure suggest Scott's bridge and Bill's tailpiece they're both available right now.......And I'm really gonna try to convince Mike to use Scott's bridge.
I'm sure we could provide them at a reasonable cost if we're talking more than a couple!
-
Oh yeah panther pink ! Yep that would be cool ! Like the orange to. One of each maybe ? I had a Stingray bike when I was a kid it was metalic grape ! (it was at that time my dad knew he had a problem on his hands, ex WW II Marine, purple ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you want a purple bike ? well it was the 60's) Always wanted a bass that color. I have to say thanks to Mark, he is lobbying to get Mike to use my bridges, keeping my fingers crossed but I just appriciate the thought ! How ever it pans out it looks like we are going to get a real Thunderbird ! Not to mention nice pups for projects !
-
Is somebody talking Mopar?
Panther Pink was the Dodge color - Plymouth called it Moulin Rouge.
http://www.mopar1.us/highimpact.html
This guy does some neat stuff - but unfortunately, he's not taking any work for awhile
http://www.tdlguitars.com/Paint_Prices.html
-
"Unforseeable Fuicha" :D my fave
Ya just gotta love the names they rejected, some for obvious reasons, others well....
Catch Me Copper, Fisher Body Rust :thumbsup:
-
I've heard that Mopar story about rejected colors but I think it's an urban legend. Those names really came from an Eagle Shirtmakers contest that ran in the WSJ and in business sections of local papers in the early 60s (IIRC). Dress shirts in colors were pretty new on the market and the contest was their way of promoting the idea. They got loads of great entries. I remember Noblesso Beige, Impenetrable Maize, Civil War Buff, Come and Get Me Copper, Strip Ochre...
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/attachment.jpg)
If you go too vibrant of a pink it will look 80's. I think a pastel would be better suited to a Tbird (50's colors look great on birds )
-
I've heard that Mopar story about rejected colors but I think it's an urban legend. Those names really came from an Eagle Shirtmakers contest that ran in the WSJ and in business sections of local papers in the early 60s (IIRC). Dress shirts in colors were pretty new on the market and the contest was their way of promoting the idea. They got loads of great entries. I remember Noblesso Beige, Impenetrable Maize, Civil War Buff, Come and Get Me Copper, Strip Ochre...
I don't know if those were actual color submissions either, but "Fisher Body Rust" is certainly aimed at the automotive market - and you probably wouldn't want it for a GM product.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/attachment.jpg)
If you go too vibrant of a pink it will look 80's. I think a pastel would be better suited to a Tbird (50's colors look great on birds )
John has a point. I think the color in the picture would look great on your bass Mark.
-
57 thunderbird Dusk Rose Pink
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u275/cathousemouse/57duskrosepink.jpg)
-
This guy does some neat stuff - but unfortunately, he's not taking any work for awhile
http://www.tdlguitars.com/Paint_Prices.html
Hey, I like this one - hoping my Fenderbird turns out something like it:
(http://www.tdlguitars.com/11-29-04/W64-450.jpg)
-
Interesting. I never knew they had different names for Dodge and Plymouth colors. I also assumed that Hemi orange and Gomango were the same. Sorry, Ford guy here!
-
Ahhh............... but I'm really a late 60's child so the flashy car colors are really what I like, if I didn't already have a purple 'Bird I'd be painting this one Plum Crazy. The pastel shades look a bit 50's retro to me - probably okay for some, but I want this thing to be just about as flambouyant as me when I'm onstage. :gay:
And speaking of Ford........That Rootbeer Brown Metallic they used on late 60's Mustangs.........Nice!
-
Sorry, Ford guy here!
[/quote
No kidding, eh? Can't tell from your handle! ;D
-
I'm picking up my Fenderbird from Mike on SATURDAY! Ya-frickin-whoooo!
Here's a preview of the finish:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/AmpegKat/T_Buck.jpg)
-
Friggin' awesome Dave! :thumbsup:
-
Very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
it looks very cool! I have to say it's not entirely my taste, but I'm honoured you used the Dutch flag.
-
it looks very cool! I have to say it's not entirely my taste, but I'm honoured you used the Dutch flag.
SPARKLY! :gay:
Cool looking bass.
Mike Lull, if only you guys knew the dutch word "Lul" and what it means, which is the reason we dutchmen are always snickering when Mike Lull's name is mentioned.
Same with Bonnie Raitt, I very much doubt that people outside the Netherlands (well maybe in Belgium) know what the word "Reet" means but you pronounce it the same way.
-
Hey Mark, if you really want to go crazy on this bird, why don't you go for something like this?
(http://www.ibanezrules.com/images/dna/dna152.jpg)
-
Hey Mark, if you really want to go crazy on this bird, why don't you go for something like this?
(http://www.ibanezrules.com/images/dna/dna152.jpg)
Clown Vomit?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxo0iGVzYiI&feature=related
-
Clown Vomit?
Nope, Steve Vai's swirl job
(http://www.vai.com/News/images_2006/DNA_Vai-2003.jpg)
-
It would need the Vai handle too then. On both wings, so you can steer with it.
-
That Clown vomit clip reminded me of THIS...
http://www.jackassworld.com/blog/2008/04/05/the-original-vomelet/
-
Not dissin' Steve Vai, but that is one fugly guitar.........................
I think I've flushed things that were prettier than that. :-X
-
Not dissin' Steve Vai, but that is one fugly guitar.........................
I think I've flushed things that were prettier than that. :-X
Oh well, it was just a suggestion.
He also has THESE though...
(http://www.vai.com/Machines/images/guitars/gtr021.jpg)
(http://www.vai.com/Machines/images/guitars/gtr047.jpg)
-
Ouch! That Steve Vai guitar looks like I felt last Sunday morning.
-
Believe it or not I like the whole french paper paint & oil dipped look, but I would never do it.
One thing those pictures do scream is "IM FROM THE 80'S" which is not a good thing yet.
-
It appeals to my psychedelic inner self.
-
No surprise there being the owner of a purple Harlequin bass yourself!
-
Allright, For all its worth I was out looking at paint today...............Looked at Panther Pink and Gomango especially................But Metallic Orange won out. It'll be nice with CHROME (as in not black!) hardware............ ;)
-
Chromage=good. :mrgreen:
-
You're all forever locked in the Chrome-Magnon age ...
(http://www.mactia.berkeley.edu/aop/modules/palaeo1_Webready_files/Palaeo1.jpg)
You beasts.
-
Allright, For all its worth I was out looking at paint today...............Looked at Panther Pink and Gomango especially................But Metallic Orange won out. It'll be nice with CHROME (as in not black!) hardware............ ;)
Mark....great minds think alike.....many times I've looked at my black t-bird thinking that it would be cool in a metallic orange (my favorite color) with chrome..really looking forward to seeing the end results of your new T-bird........
-
Black Plastic = Devolution ;)
(FWIW) The Metallic Orange is pretty much like the pic that John posted.... :-*
-
Hey I tryed on the prototype yesterday at Mike's that Mark's holding in the first post - Mike's building a great bird there. It fits the player better than some of the traditional TBirds because the cut of the slab is more contoured. Its going to be a great bass!