The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: 4stringer77 on September 10, 2013, 12:43:22 PM
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So I've got a custom build in the works with a local builder, Chris Stambaugh. It will be inspired by a Gibson LPB-1 Les Paul bass but with a single t-bird pickup in the customary T-bird II location.
My quandary is that I don't have a LP special to guide Chris in how to shape the body.
Can anybody out there provide me with a tracing and measurement of the depth of the body so this project can come to fruition?
It will be a limed mahogany finish aka TV yellow finish and should look pretty cool when it's completed.
I can offer reasonable compensation for any volunteers. Also looking for a proper 60's T-bird II wiring schematic for the pots and cap.
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is that the hollow body gold top bass.. If so i have a JC bass i can trace. Chris does nice work. keep us in the loop on this build.
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Thanks Jim but I'm looking for the 90's and later flat top Les Paul shape. Chris is definitely a cool cat and one of the few builders willing to take on this project. The deal was sealed when I discovered he lived about an hour drive north of me. It was wonderful going to his shop and being able to pick out a beautiful looking piece of Granadillo for the fingerboard.
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I have one. It wouldn't be too hard to do that for you.
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Isn't the LPB-1 body identical to a single cutaway Les Paul Junior or Special?
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Like this? I have this one...
(http://slinkp.com/~paul/gear_2007/lpb_greco_danodc.jpg)
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Exactly, slinkp. Thanks hollowbody, I'll message you tomorrow.
Yes Dave, I'm going for a LP junior TV model look. I'll divulge more later. Right now I'm a little beat coming back from a rehearsal.
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Okay, let me know if you need anything, but I guess Hollowbody is already there.
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I've got one too (my 2nd favorite bass) if you need anything.
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PM sent to hollowbody.
I'm still curious about what pots and cap to pair with a single Thunderbird pickup. The only schematic I've seen is for the bicentennial model and that seems to indicate a 500k volume pot with a 250k tone pot with a .02mfd ceramic cap?
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sold mine about 2 years ago. had an all black one
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PM sent to hollowbody.
I'm still curious about what pots and cap to pair with a single Thunderbird pickup. The only schematic I've seen is for the bicentennial model and that seems to indicate a 500k volume pot with a 250k tone pot with a .02mfd ceramic cap?
Cadfael's bass wiring diagram for a 1963-69 Thunderbird II shows 500k volume/250k tone with 22nf (.022uF) cap. That's based on a 1964 example.
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About the rest of the build.
It will be a standard 4 string 34" scale. 2x 2 headstock, hipshot ultralight tuners with Y keys
The neck shape is based on my 07' $ bass with the 1-5/8" nut width. Black faced headstock same narrower shape as 92'-12' era LP with a Pearl S logo inset on a circle of Granadillo aka Cocobolo. 3 piece Honduran Mahogany neck
20 frets on a Granadillo fretboard to keep better balance and proportion with 60's Thunderbird neck pickup spacing.
One piece Honduran Mahogany body.
One Chrome Lollar T-bird pickup 60's neck position with no ring if possible. If a ring is needed I might go with black around the chrome pickup.
Bridge choice is still up in the air. I was considering a Hipshot D type strung through body but that bridge doesn't sit flush on the body and modifying the bass to make the bridge full contact may result in inaccurate string height. I may simply go with the A type Hipshot (chrome)
Black bell tone and volume knobs with knob pointers. No pick guard.
Limed Mahogany finish on the body, neck and all the headstock except for the face. Here's another good link about achieving the finish.
http://reranch.com/reranch/viewtopic.php?t=30742&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
I may opt for less tinted clear to get a look more like this.
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/novaktvyellow_zpsdace32a1.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/novaktvyellow_zpsdace32a1.jpg.html)
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Cadfael's bass wiring diagram for a 1963-69 Thunderbird II shows 500k volume/250k tone with 22nf (.022uF) cap. That's based on a 1964 example.
Thank you very much Dave!
I almost forgot to mention the neck will have a volute as well along with the typical tilt back headstock and trus rod access at the headstock. Oh yeah and standard pearl dots.
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Cadfael's bass wiring, latest version: http://161589.homepagemodules.de/t29f2-Cadfaels-kleine-Schaltplan-Sammlung-fuer-passive-E-Baesse.html and scroll down to the bottom of the page for the .pdf link. Diagram 107 is the Tbird II.
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PM sent to hollowbody.
I'm still curious about what pots and cap to pair with a single Thunderbird pickup. The only schematic I've seen is for the bicentennial model and that seems to indicate a 500k volume pot with a 250k tone pot with a .02mfd ceramic cap?
There never was a single pickup Bicentennial. Bicentenials use 3-100k pots and an .047. What "Thunderbird" pickup are you using? They're very different depending on when they were made as well as different ohm values for neck and bridge.
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I'm going with Lollar. Nothing against the ranch I just like Lollar's track record and the clips I've heard of his pickups in the Fano basses sound pretty good.
Dave, I like the part in German when it says, Commercially the Thunderbird of the 60's and 70's "Jahre ein totaler Flop." No need for translation there.
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I'm going with Lollar. Nothing against the ranch I just like Lollar's track record and the clips I've heard of his pickups in the Fano basses sound pretty good.
Dave, I like the part in German when it says, Commercially the Thunderbird of the 60's and 70's "Jahre ein totaler Flop." No need for translation there.
Then you should ask Lollar what he recommends.
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You mean in regards to the wiring? Yes that makes sense. I think ordering the pickup is still a ways off but will remember to get Lollar's input when I do. Thanks
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You mean in regards to the wiring? Yes that makes sense. I think ordering the pickup is still a ways off but will remember to get Lollar's input when I do. Thanks
Unless your builder has installed Lollar's TBird pickups he's going to need the pup sooner rather than later to know how big and how deep to route for it. Especially since IIRC Lollar doesn't sell rings which would allow some leeway with the route.
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I do recall that Lollar doesn't fab the rings. I'm hoping to go without one if possible. We'll all figure it out eventually.
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Three cheers for Hollowbody!
Hip Hip Hooray! HipHip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooraaaayyy!!!! :toast: :D
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Tracing's in the mail, so basically just a waiting game from here. Thanks to all for their input and help.
This Epiphone LP will have to hold me over until my build is completed.
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/EpiphoneLP_zpsc4095d52.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/EpiphoneLP_zpsc4095d52.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/EpiLP2_zps0eb1bead.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/EpiLP2_zps0eb1bead.jpg.html)
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The top looks nice on that Epi!!
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I brought the tracing, Hollowbody did a fantastic job, to Chris's shop the other day. Everything is staying the same except I opted for Nickel hardware. The bridge will be a Schaller roller, the tuners M4 lights and they will be in the Nickel finish to match the pickup cover.
The roller bridge has a nice low profile compared to the boxier Hipshots and there was no chance I'd pick a 3 point if I didn't have to. The 3 pointer does work fine on my Epi, I'd just rather have a full contact bridge.
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Good move, since the originals had the Schaller roller bridge. The Hipshot would require a steeper neck angle.
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Good move, since the originals had the Schaller roller bridge. The Hipshot would require a steeper neck angle.
Life is always so much easier when you stick to the original equipment!
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schaller roller bridge is great bridge . have about a dozen or so on some basses. If you are buying a new one and are not using the spacer underneat i would be will to buy it from you.
Jim
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I agree, geat bridges. I've probably put 4 or 5 on builds over the years and love their flexibility.
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Here's the first progress pic of the Stambaugh. I'm looking for suggestions on a pickguard shape. It'll be black one ply. If anyone wants to photoshop some ideas, that'd be mighty kind.
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/progresspic_zpsc344d925.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/progresspic_zpsc344d925.jpg.html)
I should add that the pickguard should encompass the pickup ideally.
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Here's one I'm considering. Best I could do with the paint application on my computer.
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/progresspicpaint_zps38d5507b.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/progresspicpaint_zps38d5507b.jpg.html)
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Here's one I'm considering. Best I could do with the paint application on my computer.
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/progresspicpaint_zps38d5507b.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/progresspicpaint_zps38d5507b.jpg.html)
Now that is great!
;D
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that looks cool with the pickup placement and pickguard shape- sure has a les paul junior vibe! one gibson should have made i reckon.
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I like that. Tony's right, definite Junior/Special vibe but even the largest pickguards on those don't extend past the bass side of the pickup.
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I realize this about the pickguard Dave. Since my desire wasn't to completely replicate the style of an LP Jr, I was willing to make a concession in regards to the pickguard shape so it balances better with the Thunderbird pickup's location. The design is inspired by elements of the Thunderbird, LPB-1 and Les Paul Jr. TV model guitar resulting in style all of it's own. I could have replicated the LP Jr. pickguard but then it would have ended up bisecting the pickup instead of encompassing it. I prefer the latter so that the routing for the pickup cavity doesn't show. If you'd like to make your own suggestion, I'd be welcome to consider it.
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I prefer the latter so that the routing for the pickup cavity doesn't show.
With a properly cut route it doesn't.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/0050/G8R42_zpsfbf4c3d3.jpg) (http://s976.photobucket.com/user/cata1d0/media/0050/G8R42_zpsfbf4c3d3.jpg.html)
Anyway, it's just as difficult to cut a proper route in the pickguard itself, the only advantage is you get to do another if you screw up the first. The pup route on your body looks pretty close to correct. What you've drawn looks OK to me.
Why not ask your luthier for input? He probably has an idea or two.
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Thanks Carlo. I did ask Chris for his own idea as well. It's still fun to see what other people think on the forums. I haven't gotten much feedback from the Stambaugh club over on tb. His regular customers don't strike me as traditionalist Gibson fans. Many of them can't seem to have enough knobs and strings :P
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I realize this about the pickguard Dave. Since my desire wasn't to completely replicate the style of an LP Jr, I was willing to make a concession in regards to the pickguard shape so it balances better with the Thunderbird pickup's location. The design is inspired by elements of the Thunderbird, LPB-1 and Les Paul Jr. TV model guitar resulting in style all of it's own. I could have replicated the LP Jr. pickguard but then it would have ended up bisecting the pickup instead of encompassing it. I prefer the latter so that the routing for the pickup cavity doesn't show. If you'd like to make your own suggestion, I'd be welcome to consider it.
I don't have any suggestions and there's nothing wrong with the way you've done it. Just pointing out the difference, that's all. If you like the look, go for it.
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I'm glad to see any suggestions. The more there are the better I can narrow down what I like. Turns out I spoke too soon about the folks at club Stammie on tb. One of them made some nice mock ups for me. I'm not sure how long the finish will take but rest assured, I will post pics of the end product. In the mean time, picking up my Antigua P finally on Tuesday. More to come on that as well.
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I think it looks original but has a real vibe that would appeal to a lot of people.
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Thanks Rob. The bass is a simple design with some classic features put together in a way Gibson won't offer. I don't understand why they don't offer any single pickup models other than what Epiphone has with the JC and EB-0. The whole tv yellow/ limed hog finish would be popular with bassists too I imagine.
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I agree, a LP Junior style is a great look...
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/98%20Les%20Paul%20Bass/100_1901.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/98%20Les%20Paul%20Bass/100_1901.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/98%20Les%20Paul%20Bass/100_1897.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/98%20Les%20Paul%20Bass/100_1897.jpg.html)
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Oh, YUM!!!
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I forgot about that one, Bill. Beauty!
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I forgot about that one too. It is very nice!!
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Yeah, it resides with Herr Uwe. Some days I wish I had her back, but the necks are a challenge for me to play.
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Yeah, it resides with Herr Uwe. Some days I wish I had her back, but the necks are a challenge for me to play.
That one's so pretty that you could be tempted not to play it, but just to stroke it and whisper "My preciousss..."
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Nice LPB Dr. B. Is that top Polaris White?
BTW, y'all should check out my post in the Fender bass forum. Got some nice eye candy up there of my Antigua Precision.
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It's vintage white as I recall from Reranch.
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Fresh paint
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Group%20Bass%20Photo/IMG_3153%202_zps7ml0jyif.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Group%20Bass%20Photo/IMG_3153%202_zps7ml0jyif.jpg.html)
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Nice. Looks like limed mahogany ought to.
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I like how that finish turned out. Looking forward to seeing the final product.
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Me too!
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Finally have the bass. Here are some phone pics. There was a hold up because the headstock was finished all the same color and had to be sent back to get the face of it black. Consequently the black bled into the logo just slightly on one edge. It is an inconsequential cosmetic flaw but the bass shines where it counts. The neck feels just as comfy as my "monkey" bass except with vastly superior fret work. The Schaller M4 light tuners and slimmer headstock must be helping to achieve the balance you see. Plugged in the response is extremely even all over the neck and the Lollar pickup sounds great. I'm very satisfied. Please excuse my messy apartment.
(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/front_zpsqt8aw6dk.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/front_zpsqt8aw6dk.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/back_zpsasxjtmui.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/back_zpsasxjtmui.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/fullfront_zpsnk7pczfu.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/fullfront_zpsnk7pczfu.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/fullback_zpspffzauc4.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/fullback_zpspffzauc4.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/heel_zpswd2ugujj.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/heel_zpswd2ugujj.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/headstock_zpsr8z0gx69.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/headstock_zpsr8z0gx69.jpg.html)(http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o632/4stringer77/Stambaugh/bal_zpsswvkl5h2.jpg) (http://s1151.photobucket.com/user/4stringer77/media/Stambaugh/bal_zpsswvkl5h2.jpg.html)
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Wow. I like it.
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That looks great! Nice concept man, and the builder seems to have done a fine job.
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I love it!
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Lovely bass with clean lines and a nice finish. I see in the photos that the grain is slightly visible under the finish. Wow, simply wow!
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Very nice...!
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That turned out quite nice :thumbsup:
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Beautiful! I'm partial to the flat top LP shape.