The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: OldManC on December 22, 2020, 02:32:05 PM

Title: Thunderbird Bridge Studs and Inserts
Post by: OldManC on December 22, 2020, 02:32:05 PM

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ur3uy2xee2g4emj/20201222_135837%20crop..jpg?raw=1)

I'm finally having my white Bicentennial Thunderbird done (to 60s spec) and found these in the case. I've been gathering parts for so long that I can't remember where these came from. In the meantime, I have 3 additional basses that might get the same treatment if this one ends up being successful. Do any of you fine gentlemen know if these are branded (and what they're called) or where I might be able to source more? I like that the insert spacing is smaller than the regular three point inserts. These would work well with the other two point bridges I have.

Title: Re: Thunderbird Bridge Studs and Inserts
Post by: Basvarken on December 22, 2020, 02:43:43 PM

Those inserts seem a little shorter than the ones that Philadelphia Luthier supplies has with the two piece bridge (plus tailstop).

https://www.philadelphialuthiertools.com/bridge-and-tailpieces/bass-bridges-and-tailpeices/thunderbird-bass-bridge-and-tailpiece-set-1963-1969-nickel/

(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-1lthcj/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/1030/3960/a2d852b5-2a0c-47ed-a79b-e6e6e4c6d8e9__94115.1415620721.jpg?c=2)

Title: Re: Thunderbird Bridge Studs and Inserts
Post by: OldManC on December 23, 2020, 01:10:04 AM

Thanks for that, Rob.

After discussing it with Scott, we decided I probably got mine from him. It's been so long I'd forgotten he can supply them with his Badbird bridges. I dropped the bass off at my guy today and will be anxiously awaiting its completion!

Before:

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/aa2u5p0e6b1orp0/1976%20Thunderbird%20White%20w%20Badass..jpg?raw=1)

Title: Re: Thunderbird Bridge Studs and Inserts
Post by: Basvarken on December 23, 2020, 02:00:21 AM

Scotts bridge is excellent!

Title: Re: Thunderbird Bridge Studs and Inserts
Post by: uwe on December 23, 2020, 05:22:43 AM

It's to 60ies TBird intonation what the Manhattan Project was to world peace!

Title: Re: Thunderbird Bridge Studs and Inserts
Post by: Granny Gremlin on December 24, 2020, 08:27:20 AM

Those look the right studs for a 60s Gibson - short bushing, no flange and very aggressive knurls.   

The Philly one is obviously a modern repro (much smaller knurls, which is probably why the bushing is longer; still better than other modern ones I've seen with barely any knurl at all).