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Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: bassvirtuoso on March 08, 2009, 12:02:14 AM

Title: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 08, 2009, 12:02:14 AM: I remember someone around here or the Pit once put Hipshot Ultralite Clovers on their T-bird to replace the GB-7 Y keys. Does anyone remember how that worked out? I thought I remembered them saying that the tuners had to be angled slightly because the clovers were a little wider than the Y's.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: MikeyB5 on March 08, 2009, 12:24:22 AM: I believe it was drbassman or Tbird 1958 were the guys that did that and it worked out OK.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: rockinrayduke on March 08, 2009, 12:25:34 AM: That was me. I had a black T-Bird and replaced the stock tuners with black Ultralites. The E tuner had to be adjusted slightly askew to keep it from bumping the A tuner. You couldn't tell that much unless you knew about it or sat and studied it.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 08, 2009, 12:53:07 AM: Ray, did that involve any extra drilling on headstock?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: rockinrayduke on March 08, 2009, 12:35:05 PM: Don't remember if it was extra drilling or not, had my guy do it. Leaves a hole showing, though it's not that bad. I have a pic but only from the front sorry.....
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/rockinrayduke/f969_3.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 08, 2009, 12:56:04 PM: Looks good to me! No problem on the picture, just trying to get an idea. Thanks Ray!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: drbassman on March 08, 2009, 02:03:49 PM: Ditto what Ray said.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/2003%20TB%20Project/100_1937.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/2003%20TB%20Project/100_1938.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 08, 2009, 10:39:39 PM: Mine were black at first......................
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/neck_front.jpg)

But..........I like CHROME so much better ;)
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/purplewhite2-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 09, 2009, 03:53:17 PM: Looking good gentlemen, and lady ;) . I'm looking into getting a Natural Thunderbird, and I was trying to decide black or chrome. Since I have a chrome fetish, I might end up with the chrome ones and get a Hipshot Supertone in chrome too. Any ideas on black or chrome? I hope Uwe isn't reading this...
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: rockinrayduke on March 09, 2009, 04:12:46 PM: I'd always choose chrome. Watch the skies for the Luftwaffe! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 09, 2009, 04:51:44 PM: Yeah, the Luftwaffe protect the Schwarz Donnervogels don't they?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 09, 2009, 04:52:22 PM: Vorschict!

Ze chrome gestapo!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2009, 06:28:05 AM: No, chrome Flak:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2952016779_9900f896ba.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Chris P. on March 10, 2009, 07:41:32 AM: I think Flak (Which of course is an abbreviation (do I write that right?) is one of the more famous German words, used for ground to air fire internationally.

Uwe: FlugzegAbwehrKanone, basically "anti-aircraft-gun".
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 10, 2009, 07:57:13 AM: This is more like it.................. ;)

D-Day stripes and a checkerboard cowl..............Now I know where Rick Nielson got his fashion inspiration.

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/republic-p-47-thunderbolt.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: drbassman on March 10, 2009, 07:57:40 AM: Natural with chrome. How could you go wrong?

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/2003%20TB%20Project/100_1934.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 10, 2009, 10:16:37 AM: More than anything, US camouflage painting showed who ruled the skies over Europe from pretty much early 1944 onwards: The USAAF. Because with only that type of superiority could the USAAF afford to paint its aircraft that they would be prominently seen (and hence provoke the enemy to engage with them) rather than hidden from view. It was a real psychological show of confidence: "Nobody flies higher than us and our airfields don't get bombed either." And the D-Day zebra-look (adapted to prevent friendly fire and collateral damage by making allied planes readily recognizable to Allied forces) even topped that. Once you are more concerned about friendly fire casualities than about what your enemy can do to you, you're getting there.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: clankenstein on March 10, 2009, 12:58:11 PM: that t bird with the hipshot bridge looks pretty good.hows it sound?what does the switch do?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: godofthunder on March 10, 2009, 03:58:19 PM: LMFAO Mark ya beat me to it !
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 10, 2009, 04:55:06 PM: Looks like I'm FINALLY in the fold!

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/ThunderbirdBody.jpg)

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/ThunderbirdBack.jpg)

Now to put in an order for the Chrome goodies...
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 10, 2009, 09:13:38 PM: That's going to look great, all natural with chrome. Nice!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 10, 2009, 09:19:26 PM: I should have hung onto the Orville Chrome pups I sold to Bill a year or so ago. Lull's are going to be expensive, so those will wait..........for now. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 11, 2009, 11:44:46 PM: Just want to make sure: 3/8 post correct? And one tiny hole drilled for the E tuner?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 12, 2009, 12:33:09 AM: I just put the caliper on mine and yes the post is 3/8ths, I don't recall the measurement of the sleeve it passes thru tho. Hipshots website may say that................
here's a couple pics I just clicked off for ya of the front and back of my '89.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/whitebird002.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/whitebird003.jpg)

The small screws off to the bottom of each tuner are from the original Grover tuners, I put them in place rather than leave the open holes.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 12, 2009, 12:39:07 AM: Thanks for the help Mark! I just ordered a set of chrome 3/8 clovers and a Supertone from John Wymore. I guess I didn't realize about the four new drill holes, so I guess I'd better "double check" that this 'bird is a keeper. ;)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 12, 2009, 07:55:08 AM: Dave,

You'll probably need to open up the holes the tuners pass thru, IIRC I did that with two sucessively larger very slow moving drill bits and some filing. It wasn't difficult and I'm not really that handy with the power tools esp. compared to Scott and Bill.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: drbassman on March 12, 2009, 01:20:46 PM: I didn't have to open up the holes on my 2003. And yes, you should have kept those Orville pups Dave! They did find a nice home though.........

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/60s Repro NR TB/100_1288.jpg)

You could get some Lull's now that he's making them. I would next time around.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: godofthunder on March 12, 2009, 01:35:06 PM: Always loved the natural Tbirds,sharp looking bass !
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: drbassman on March 12, 2009, 02:32:45 PM: Quote from: tubehead on March 10, 2009, 12:58:11 PM
that t bird with the hipshot bridge looks pretty good.hows it sound?what does the switch do?

I never use a tone control. Never! So I put a pup switch on so I can toggle between neck only-both-bridge only. Works great. And typically, I pretty much play with both pups full on! I could probably build a bass without any knobs and it would work just fine for me.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bobyoung on March 12, 2009, 11:30:28 PM: Quote from: bassvirtuoso on March 10, 2009, 04:55:06 PM
Looks like I'm FINALLY in the fold!

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/ThunderbirdBody.jpg)

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/ThunderbirdBack.jpg)

Now to put in an order for the Chrome goodies...

By Chrome goodies, do you mean like as in pickups and tuners? I'd love to put those on my 07 Sunburst. Where can you get them, are they like the originals? Do you have to mod the bass? Nice bass BTW. I also love the white ones with black hardware.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 13, 2009, 04:45:22 AM: That's such a lovely TBird with the black hardware ... (walks off stage, shaking head in despair ...).
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Dave W on March 13, 2009, 07:54:45 AM: Quote from: uwe on March 13, 2009, 04:45:22 AM
That's such a lovely TBird with the black hardware ... (walks off stage, shaking head in despair ...).

It is beautiful with the stock hardware.

And I do understand your sentiments. You're a stickler for keeping everything stock. You would never, say, refin a nice Gibson cherry bass in orange blueburst and add a couple of pickups. :P
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 13, 2009, 08:00:58 AM: A nice cherry bass blown apart by a gunshot that is!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Dave W on March 13, 2009, 08:06:24 AM: Blown apart? (With apologies to the Black Knight) 'Twas but a scratch.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 13, 2009, 08:34:09 AM: Quote from: uwe on March 13, 2009, 04:45:22 AM
That's such a lovely TBird with the black hardware ... (walks off stage, shaking head in despair ...).

Uwe, I knew I would offend you, but I've become so fetish-ized to chrome because of your beautiful 60's and 70's birds. I blame you, Uwe. Remember when I used to be a young, naive man asking you for help on my college paper about the disease that is guitar collecting? Then again, maybe the old saying is true:

Once you go black, you never go back.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 13, 2009, 08:39:07 AM: Quote from: bobyoung on March 12, 2009, 11:30:28 PM
By Chrome goodies, do you mean like as in pickups and tuners? I'd love to put those on my 07 Sunburst. Where can you get them, are they like the originals? Do you have to mod the bass? Nice bass BTW. I also love the white ones with black hardware.

Yep: pickups, tuners, straplocks, and bridge. So far the tuners will be Hipshot Ultralights, they make a 3/8ths size that is supposed to fit for a GB-7 Y-tuner, and they are clovers. The bridge will be the Hipshot Supertone Gibson replacement bridge. The pickups can be done a few ways, either with Tony's covers and SD's 60's repro innards, or with Mike Lull's true 60's reproductions.

As far as modding, it looks like there might be a few small holes drilled for the tuners, but nothing for the bridge. I'm not sure yet if anything needs to be done about replacement pickups, but I doubt it.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 13, 2009, 09:10:05 AM: Quote from: Dave W on March 13, 2009, 08:06:24 AM
Blown apart? (With apologies to the Black Knight) 'Twas but a scratch.

A scratch you could look through and insert your pinky to have it wiggle out at the other side if you so desired.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 13, 2009, 09:22:46 AM: Just my .02 but I think it would look better with a chrome 3 point ( Gibson not Allparts) than a Supertone...........
FWIW tho I actually did own a '01 Bird just like yours, the wood grain was very nice and the black hardware didn't look bad...........I just know chrome is better ;D
If I remember correctly tho I sold mine to raise some money to buy one of George's '76's, which are my fave year 'Birds. :)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 13, 2009, 09:33:14 AM: Well I need to get the 'bird in my hands first. I can always return/keep the chrome goodies if I actually like the black...
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 19, 2009, 11:54:44 AM: It's here! :mrgreen:

I have to let the case warm up to room temperature before I'll open it, so pictures soon to follow.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 19, 2009, 01:59:53 PM: The teaser:
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/IMGP0267.jpg)

The curves:
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/IMGP0266.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 19, 2009, 02:03:48 PM: Nice wood on that one!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: ramone57 on March 19, 2009, 02:46:14 PM: stunning! I love natural birds!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 19, 2009, 03:30:33 PM: I still need to work on my use of natural light in my photographs. Here are the other photos I took:

http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/ (http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm76/bassvirtuoso/Basses/Still%20Around/2000%20Gibson%20Thunderbird/)

I do enjoy the black hardware Uwe, but I think I'm going to go ahead with the Supertone bridge for now. I'm still debating the chrome tuning keys that I bought for it. I know this one is a keeper, it's everything I had dreamed of, really light too! I'm just a little nervous to have to drill the holes in the headstock.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 20, 2009, 05:01:53 AM: Irrespective of the chrome vs. black hardware schism running through this forum, I think black hardware on a natural wood colored bass is the more elegant visual statement. And a TBird is an elegant instrument.

Supertone vs three-point? The supertone sounds ever so slightly better or maybe just different, but if you have issues with the three point and the thought of adjusting it fills you with dread (I've never found a three point I could not adjust to my liking, but then I have a lot of practice with it, I do remember how my first approach to a three point was rather angst-filled), then there is nothing wrong with sticking on the supertone, it looks good on a TBird.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: rockinrayduke on March 20, 2009, 05:47:50 AM: I don't really notice "that" big a difference in tone between the 3 point and the Supertone bridge. I really switched over to it for looks and ease of adjustment, though I think I've got the 3 point bridge pretty much figured out by now.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 20, 2009, 07:16:22 AM: It increases high note sustain slightly - now the TB already has loads of that due to its neck-thru construction, so it's not really relevant to most people, especially as the bad upper register access of a rev TB doesn't really invite you to spend a lot of time there!

But I like the way it looks on my Blackbird.

Uwe
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Barklessdog on March 20, 2009, 08:00:29 AM: Quote
But I like the way it looks on my Blackbird

Pic?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 20, 2009, 09:41:58 AM: I had to go looking for this pic.......

I used to be such a sweet thing ;)
This is one of very few Thunderbirds I've sold, it was certainly pretty and played nice, I still have the dress and heels ;D

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Oldies2004.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 20, 2009, 10:01:49 AM: Very nice Mark, you look lovely!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 20, 2009, 10:20:43 AM: Quote from: Barklessdog on March 20, 2009, 08:00:29 AM
Pic?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/DCP_2406-1.jpg
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 20, 2009, 02:48:26 PM: Uwe,

I see it's missing it's Errmmm.........Opti-Grab.
So it was removed, kinda like a sex change ;)

And we call Ken and Scott butchers?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: uwe on March 20, 2009, 05:00:58 PM: Yes, the Supertone ousted it - no room, unless I would have placed it somewhere else which I thought silly. Still have it in my spare parts box - want it?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 20, 2009, 05:19:13 PM: Sure!

I'll have it CHROMED for my Nikki Sixx Mk.II

Almost as good as a promise ring................. ;)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 21, 2009, 02:38:36 PM: I'm tempted to do this:

(http://www.rocknrollvintage.com/prodimages/1979-natural-thunderbird.jpg)

:mrgreen:
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Chris P. on March 21, 2009, 02:41:34 PM: I have those chrome covers now, but they're on the BaCH. I'll try them on my Bicentennial, but I'm afraid that one looks to battered for the shiny covers....

Isn't the neck cover mounted the wrong way?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Highlander on March 21, 2009, 06:18:04 PM: I just never imagined Mark so domesticated...

And Uwe, surely that T'bird should be "Richthofen Rote" to match Manfred's Dr I; and you would only be allowed to play it attired in leather longcoat, riding crop (hooked over a tuner), peaked cap, shiny, shiny, boots made of leather... and the IRON CROSS at your neck... (Mark, put your tongue away...) or did you steal it from Lemmy...? :o :o :o

Scott and Ken... The Butcher Brothers... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Basvarken on March 21, 2009, 07:05:43 PM: Quote from: Doug Fyghter on March 21, 2009, 02:41:34 PM

Isn't the neck cover mounted the wrong way?
Yes and so is the bridge cover
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Highlander on March 21, 2009, 07:39:34 PM: I don't know, you guys/gals/others and your chrome... 8)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 21, 2009, 07:46:40 PM: Ken, I wouldn't hang around in this forum too long. You're bound to get chromitis, or at least a healthy chrome fetish.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 21, 2009, 08:21:15 PM: I don't wear this too much lately as my hair is much bigger than it used to be, you'll note the shiney boots, peaked cap and a rather large crop hanging off my left hip

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Image-755D792C04B711DA.jpg)

The covers mount like this, but I think Dave knew all along ;)
CHROME RULES

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Greenie.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 21, 2009, 09:37:51 PM: Mark, if you ever want to get rid of one of those Bicentennial pickguards, you should let me know. ;)

I have the tuners and the bridge. I've decided that this bass is a keeper, so the tuners will get installed. Now I need to decide on more holes: 70's covers and drilling, or Lull's and no drilling (minus the rings).

I think I'll probably skip the covers, I don't want to be too "anal".
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 21, 2009, 09:46:17 PM: Black or gold speed knobs? :mrgreen:

(http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/9/3/7/369937.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Chris P. on March 22, 2009, 03:04:49 AM: I replaced the amber bells on my Bicentenial for some amber mirror caps. Black mirror caps are nice too. I think they're more classy than speeds.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Highlander on March 23, 2009, 05:07:31 PM: Dave/BV - have you ever wondered why a fly keeps circling a light - they do that because they use the sun for navigation, hence the circling, cos they're lost...

oops...

...and I presume that Chromitis must be something like that "mirror" scene in the "Matrix"...? :o
The top of my head was dubbed "chrome-dome" years back...

This place is like that quote from Dante's Inferno - "all who take this path, forever give up hope", or sumfin' lahk thay-at... ;D

Mark - I never had a doubt, you must be angling for that transfer to Frankfurt... ;)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 23, 2009, 05:47:28 PM: Not that I have one to sell but I'm pretty sure a "bi"cie pickguard is just slightly different in size and hole locations than a standard post '88. I will check this for you when I get home tonight Dave. 70's pickups will fit a modern Bird, as would Lull's, your drilling would just be for the rings........

Ken..............
Your new name is giving me a headache................. ;)
If our Gibson gruppenfuhrer calls me back to my Fatherland............I'll go ;D
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 23, 2009, 05:58:39 PM: Ken - what in the bloody el?

Mark - thanks for the info, and in advance for checking that out. I bought some 70's covers and rings off of eBay, but I really don't want to drill, but I might as well. Have you gotten your Lull T-bass yet? I wonder if the extra cash is worth it.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 23, 2009, 06:17:00 PM: Dave,

When I stripped and potted my black pups into the chrome covers I just mounted them on some foam and drilled (carefully ) into the body. That was the easy part, drilling thru the pickups took much more time and care to not touch any of the coils with the bit.
Oh yeah, I vote for gold knobs.........

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/DSC00015.jpg)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 23, 2009, 06:51:13 PM: So Mark, have you heard the Lull's against the SD 60's pickups?
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 23, 2009, 09:01:14 PM: Dave,

Don't bother with a '76 PG, it's bigger and the hole locations are different than a post '88 so save your $$$. I *should* be picking up my Lull on Friday I'll keep you all posted if I do and of course there'll be pics, Mike and Roger are likely going to meet the Fraulein when I pick it up ;D
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 23, 2009, 09:07:03 PM: Thanks Mark!

I'll be taking the Thunderbird in soon to get the first "chroming treatment".
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: n!k on March 24, 2009, 05:45:47 PM: Figured i'd join on the tuning key fun since I just changed out mine as well.

(http://home.comcast.net/~n.leners/tuners.jpg)

They are the rather stately cosmic black Gotoh Res-o-Lite tuners. Similarly to Hipshot, a full set weighs about the same as 3 of the normal grover tuners. The black appears as black normally, but gleams in the light. It's an attractive look if you ask me (the missing link between black and chrome!? Can the great war end!?)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on March 24, 2009, 05:51:54 PM: Quote from: n!k on March 24, 2009, 05:45:47 PM
(the missing link between black and chrome!? Can the great war end!?)

This reminds me of Battlestar Galactica. Does that make Mark one of the final five? Uwe would have to be Admiral Adama, doing whatever is possible to stop the onslaught of the chrome Cylons. I could see myself being Baltar, I enjoy both sides but think that the plastic humans could make peace with the chrome Cylons, it is as God had intended.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Highlander on March 24, 2009, 06:05:30 PM: "To chrome, or not to chrome: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of his outrageous Tequilabird,
Or to take arms against a sea of bland Fenders,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we Low-end frequencies
The heart-ache and the thousand natural bass-runs
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream of more chrome: ay, there's the rub, the polishing of the chrome;
For in that sleep of death what dreams of chrome may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal "pup" coil,
Must give us pause (to turn up the amp): there's the respect
That makes calamity of bad refin's;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of no chrome,
The oppressor's failed delivery of our BaCHbirds, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love of eight strings, the law's delay,
The insolence of office of Roman, and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes, and re-takes when we fail to get that run, just so,
When he himself might his quietus stanby switch make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life of humping the gear back to the van,
But that the dread of something after death, the bass solo,
The undiscover'd country, another bass solo, from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have against Mark King and his ilk
Than fly to others that we know not of, the cheap Japanese 1960's copy?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, for not fitting more chrome;
And thus the native hue of unpolished chrome
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought of not polishing,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents overload turn awry,
And lose the name of action due to a badly adjusted truss rod. - Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins of lacking in chrome replacements be remember'd."

with apologies to THE Bard...
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 24, 2009, 06:28:08 PM: Missing link?..........yup!
Like the shape of those quite a bit, I hadn't seen them before.

(the missing link between black and chrome!? Can the great war end!?)

Now what fun would that be? We 'd have to stop trying to humor Uwe about the real merits of black plastic.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: copacetic on March 24, 2009, 09:51:44 PM: Those actually look really good. I have a feeling I might end up fiddling around with them more than I should be playing at the other end. Could you give us a shot(photo)from behind?!
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Nocturnal on March 24, 2009, 10:16:47 PM: I like the look of those Gotoh's. They would look perfect on my blacked-out Bird.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: rockinrayduke on March 25, 2009, 04:57:50 PM: Quote
Mike and Roger are likely going to meet the Fraulein when I pick it up Grin

:mrgreen: Somebody get pics! ;) ;) ;D ;D ;D :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I still have a set of Gibson tuners in black similar to those cool Gotoh's. I had planned to put them on my other Bird but sold it instead.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: Highlander on March 25, 2009, 05:20:11 PM: I found some chrome...

(http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu280/kjrstewart/random%20stuff/20060903123.jpg)
... some exceptionally loud chrome, in the form of a Rolls Royce Griifon and a Rolls Royce Merlin...

I don't suppose that counts, does it...?

Thought not...

Shall I go away now...?

I can take a hint...

Occasionally...

When the winds blowing in the right direction...

SHUT...! UP...!

:sad:

Just because I like my black pups on my RD...
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on April 03, 2009, 01:48:03 PM: Semi-bad news, seems that my tech will have to go Mark's route and enlarge the holes in the headstock to fit the tuners. After much deliberation, I gave him the go-ahead to do it. Now he needs to check if the can splay them enough so they don't hit, he's worried about the G tuner.
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 03, 2009, 02:30:20 PM: Dave,

I'm not so good with the whole woodworking thing (I truly admire those that have the skills) but I managed to change them myself with nothing more than a few basic tools and some time. I certain your luthier can do it............ ;)
Title: Re: Ultralite Clovers on a T-Bird
Post by: bassvirtuoso on April 03, 2009, 09:58:38 PM: Yeah, he'll do fine. I was a little disappointed as I didn't want to drill more than I had to on this one, but I know it's a keeper. Plus I have a set of 70's covers right now and if I can't get the cash for Lull's, I'll have to drill three new holes for these covers....plus the rings. ;D