The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: drbassman on August 13, 2009, 09:00:24 PM

Title: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 13, 2009, 09:00:24 PM
Was the 60's NR Firebird body the same dimensions as the NR TB?
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: godofthunder on August 13, 2009, 09:06:04 PM
 I have heard that but I do not know for sure.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: Dave W on August 13, 2009, 11:21:13 PM
Yes, according to Duchoissoir's Gibson Electrics - The Classic Years. He doesn't come right out and say it, but the listed dimensions of both are identical: 14 1/2" (W) x 19 9/16" (L) by 1 1/2" (D).
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: uwe on August 14, 2009, 03:29:57 AM
All the classic shapes, TB/FB rev and non rev, Flying V, Explorer, SG/EB, 90ies Les Paul, EB-2/ES had the same dimensions. You weren't REALLY thinking that Gibson went out of its way to accomodate bass players, were you?!

Excluding various minority models, the only well-known bass shape and sizes that Gibson ever came up with were the fat-bottomed girls (Ripper/Grabber/G-3) and the Victory. And the EB-1 of course, but everybody thinks they stole that from Höfner!!!
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: SKATE RAT on August 14, 2009, 05:07:56 AM
yeah, my LPB-1 is exactly the same as my guitards studio ('sept for the carve)
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: Denis on August 14, 2009, 06:33:51 AM
Quote from: uwe on August 14, 2009, 03:29:57 AM
Excluding various minority models, the only well-known bass shape and sizes that Gibson ever came up with were the fat-bottomed girls (Ripper/Grabber/G-3) and the Victory.

Hahahahaha, I'm proud to be the owner of two fat-bottomed girls!
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: uwe on August 14, 2009, 07:57:21 AM
Herr Fertig coined that expression in one of his more lucid moments. Incessant prog hearing had not yet taken its toll back then.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: Dave W on August 14, 2009, 07:59:22 AM
They make his (p)ro(gg)ckin' world go round square.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: uwe on August 14, 2009, 08:03:19 AM
Yes, in 7/9 meters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYJdvWfNFr8&feature=related
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 14, 2009, 12:15:52 PM
Thanks everyone!  I have a friend who wants to build an NR Firebird and I offered to make a tracing for him.  Great!!!
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 14, 2009, 12:18:51 PM
Good one Uwe!  I didn't think Gibson would be so accomodating, but I just had to ask an authority on the subject!!!   ;D

Quote from: uwe on August 14, 2009, 03:29:57 AM
All the classic shapes, TB/FB rev and non rev, Flying V, Explorer, SG/EB, 90ies Les Paul, EB-2/ES had the same dimensions. You weren't REALLY thinking that Gibson went out of its way to accomodate bass players, were you?!

Excluding various minority models, the only well-known bass shape and sizes that Gibson ever came up with were the fat-bottomed girls (Ripper/Grabber/G-3) and the Victory. And the EB-1 of course, but everybody thinks they stole that from Höfner!!!
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: birdie on August 24, 2009, 11:46:35 AM
dr. bassman, would you still have a tailpiece for my fender bird project? scott is sending a bridge.
otherwise it's gonna be like aunt jemoma's pancake's..w/out the syrup!! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 26, 2009, 07:35:45 PM
Well, my machinist has 10 of them cut but hasn't had time to put the slots and holes in them.   I'll tryo to kick his butt and see if he can make some progress.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: birdie on August 26, 2009, 09:50:47 PM
thanks, i would like to reserve one right now!! still looking for the body. would love one of those finished warmouth ones on their showcase right now. trying to avoid spending that kind of dough..
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 28, 2009, 04:44:27 AM
No problem, will do.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB? *Another question*
Post by: drbassman on August 28, 2009, 12:50:12 PM
One more question!  My guitar friend was wondering if the headstock is the same also for bass and guitar?  I think they look like it, but I'd rather hear from you guys on that one!     :)
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: uwe on August 28, 2009, 12:55:19 PM
IIRC that is not the same size at all. Why? Because Gibson, thrifty as they are, could not use guitar necks on a bass (I'm sure they tried though!), so forced to make a long scale neck from scratch they thought what the heck let's enlarge the headstock too.

PS: On a 2007 Firebird I once had, the headstock was definitely smaller (if similarly shaped) than on my modern day TBs.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 28, 2009, 01:11:14 PM
Quote from: uwe on August 28, 2009, 12:55:19 PM
IIRC that is not the same size at all. Why? Because Gibson, thrifty as they are, could not use guitar necks on a bass (I'm sure they tried though!), so forced to make a long scale neck from scratch they thought what the heck let's enlarge the headstock too.

PS: On a 2007 Firebird I once had, the headstock was definitely smaller (if similarly shaped) than on my modern day TBs.

Makes sense Uwe.  Anyone here able to send me a tracing of an old NR Firebird headstock?
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: Dave W on August 28, 2009, 02:57:23 PM
If you can shrink a drawing of the Thunderbird headstock you might wind up with the right size. IIRC the Firebird headstock is like a mini-me of the Thunderbird, proportioned to the shorter neck. Same relative proportions, just smaller. Hope that makes sense.

Unfortunately I've never had two to compare directly.
Title: Re: Firebird same as TB?
Post by: drbassman on August 28, 2009, 09:10:42 PM
Quote from: Dave W on August 28, 2009, 02:57:23 PM
If you can shrink a drawing of the Thunderbird headstock you might wind up with the right size. IIRC the Firebird headstock is like a mini-me of the Thunderbird, proportioned to the shorter neck. Same relative proportions, just smaller. Hope that makes sense.

Unfortunately I've never had two to compare directly.

Makes sense Dave.  Thanks.